In SSRI withdrawal, brain zaps go from overlooked symptom to center stage (2013)

Re:In SSRI withdrawal, brain zaps go from overlooked symptom... by carlmr on Saturday October 12, 2024 @05:05AM (#41817688)

>I remember i used to get them when I was reading something i found clever or funny

I have to ask do these zaps feel good, bad, do they hurt, do they tickle. I can't quite imagine what zap is supposed to mean.

Without any history of SSRI use, when I read something funny or clever, I've often experienced a weird feeling which could be described as electric, but also tickly and kind of good feeling. Mostly in my brain and upper spine.

I also get this listening to ASMR audio. Not sure if that's the same thing we're referring to though.

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Re:In SSRI withdrawal, brain zaps go from overlooked symptom... by wruza on Saturday October 12, 2024 @07:17AM (#41818297)

Similar to a shudder that wakes you up before you fall asleep, but only in the head. Pretty annoying but not terrible. Unless it happens every minute, which it sometimes does.

excitement / ASMR moment

No, absolutely not like that.

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Re:In SSRI withdrawal, brain zaps go from overlooked symptom... by asimovfan on Saturday October 12, 2024 @06:18AM (#41818039)

No these are like literal electric zaps in your brain and they are somewhat painful. Also scary... Its not just a weird feeling and definitely a response to altered brain chemistry, as they diminish and disappear after weaning off.

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Re:In SSRI withdrawal, brain zaps go from overlooked symptom... by habinero on Saturday October 12, 2024 @05:21AM (#41817755)

No, it's different. Brain zaps feel like a little unpleasant jolt of static electricity in your brain. They're hard to describe. It's not exactly painful but it's not pleasant.

For all the doom and gloom of SSRIs, I haven't had any real side effects and they've helped a lot

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