A zapping sensation in the brain can feel like a surprising and confusing experience.
Brain zaps are sensory disturbances that feel like a low dose of electric shock-like sensations inside the brain. They arise in people who abruptly stop, interrupt, or lower their prescription of antidepressant medication.
According to a 2018 study, the name emerged through online discussion boards regarding common symptoms caused by antidepressant discontinuation.
Although these sensations are described as being brief and often fleeting, they can become incredibly problematic without proper management.
Follow along as we look into the reason why brain zaps happen, what they feel like, and strategies to help manage them.
What are brain zaps?
Brain zaps, also known as electrical shocks or brain shivers, are short and sudden ‘zaps’, ‘jolts’ or ‘buzzes’ in the brain region. Often associated with feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, they are unexpected, making them incredibly surprising for many individuals.
While the cause is not fully understood, they are most commonly associated with the sudden stoppage of certain antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).
What do brain zaps feel like?
Those who have experienced a brain zap can attest to the bizarre and often jarring nature of this phenomenon.
Though the intensity ranges, they are commonly described as a shock that reverberates through the skull. For others, they’re described as a sensation similar to a jolt of cold water splashing your skin or a bright flash of light in a dark room.
On occasion, they may also be accompanied by a short buzzing or vibration sensation.
Brain zaps symptoms
Similar to most medications, there is the potential for side effects. In this case, some of the more common side effects to be expected with antidepressants include dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, sexual disturbances, and restlessness.
It’s important to note that over 50% of individuals who take antidepressants report having side effects of some kind.
Symptoms of brain zaps can vary from person to person, ranging from mildly uncomfortable to significantly distressing. This sensory disturbance is described as a burning, tingling, and shock-like sensation.
Other common symptoms that may be tied to brain zaps include:
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fatigue, headache, sweating, and achiness
- Insomnia or extreme restlessness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, lightheadedness or an intense vertigo feeling
- Hyperarousal, such as anxiety, irritability, agitation, or aggression
Many of these symptoms begin within the first few days and can persist for several months.
The role of antidepressants in causing brain zaps
According to a 2020 study, antidepressants, which are used to manage and treat symptoms of depression, can play a central role in the manifestation of brain zaps.
The theory behind a brain zap and the relationship to antidepressants is that they may be associated with antidepressant withdrawal. Since antidepressants help balance neurotransmitters in the brain, it is possible that this medication inadvertently down-regulates serotonin receptors. When someone stops taking antidepressants abruptly, it can lead to more significant changes in serotonin levels, which can trigger a brain zap. With the guidance of a medical health professional, tapering off antidepressants can be accomplished by gradually reducing the dose of medication over a period of time.
How to stop brain zaps
Despite brain zaps not being considered to be dangerous or harmful, they can significantly affect your daily life. Symptoms of anxiety, vertigo, and disorientation can impact various aspects of functioning, including work performance, social interactions, and overall well-being.
Management strategies can play a role in reducing the intensity of brain zaps or preventing their influence altogether.
Medical interventions
With the supervision and guidance of a healthcare professional, antidepressant medications may be prescribed or adjusted to correct for the severity of side effects experienced.
Non-pharmacological approaches
There are plenty of simple and holistic lifestyle changes that can be implemented as an alternative approach to managing depression symptoms without the use of medication.
Exercise, particularly in the form of yoga, running, and strength training, is an effective treatment for depression. Additionally, adopting a balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins serves as valuable nutrients to support the brain and body.
Experts recommend considering specific supplements as supportive elements for managing depression symptoms, such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin C, folate, zinc, and magnesium.
Similarly, prioritizing sleep, increasing your daily water intake, managing stress levels, and maintaining strong social support all play a protective role in our mental health.
The role of therapy in managing brain zaps
Getting to the root cause of brain zaps requires a closer look at the mechanisms that cause it. In this case, it revolves around the usage of antidepressant medication.
Therapy plays a central role in managing and preventing by helping to treat symptoms of depression, resulting in enhanced quality of life and improved social functioning.
Cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is shown to be an effective evidence-based psychological intervention used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, mood disturbances, and other mental health conditions. This 2020 study finds CBT to be significantly more effective in treating depression while also preventing relapse rates compared to antidepressants alone.
CBT can help individuals by:
- Identifying negative thought patterns that contribute to depressive symptoms.
- Learning effective coping strategies and skills to relax, solve problems, and get more involved in enjoyable activities.
- Addressing maladaptive behaviors associated with depression to develop healthier habits that promote mental wellness.
- Enhancing self-esteem by challenging negative self-perception.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is another helpful therapeutic approach that combines elements of CBT with mindfulness practices.
MBCT helps individuals become more aware of their internal thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations to change the way they relate to themselves. According to Martinique Moron, a licenced clinical social worker (LCSW) with Grow Therapy, “Mindfulness exercises help us engage with our thoughts in non-judgmental ways and explore our feelings and emotions without guilt or shame.”
Studies have found MBCT to be beneficial in lowering negative cognitive patterns, such as rumination or overthinking, improving emotional regulation, boosting relaxation, and minimizing the risk of future relapse.
Integrative approaches
Integration of treatment options, such as attending therapy while maintaining or decreasing the dose of antidepressants is another valuable option to address underlying depression.
Based on medical advice, a combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy is shown to be effective for mild, moderate, and severe depressive disorders.
The choice of antidepressant includes a history of interaction with medication, symptom severity, sleep or appetite changes, and current levels of agitation.
Similarly, the discussion of therapeutic options requires a consultation with a trained professional to learn about personal goals, address expectations, and collaborate on strategies that serve your well-being to the greatest extent.
Community and support
Reaching out for support in your community can be an excellent opportunity to share experiences and exchange tips or resources with others affected by depression.
Online platforms like Reddit threads, mental health forums, and support forums can offer a sense of belonging by providing strength through mutual support and empathy with those in our community.
Professional support networks are another great resource to learn from mental health professionals, including licensed therapists, psychologists, and psychiatrists to get concise medical guidance and tailored interventions to address depressive symptoms.
Prevention and future outlook
There is no one-size-fits-all approach for addressing brain zaps. Rather, a multifaceted approach that encompasses a range of prevention strategies and ongoing research efforts can help mitigate symptoms and enhance overall well-being.
With antidepressant medication, psychiatry experts suggest starting at a lower dose, as prescribed by a healthcare provider, and monitoring carefully. When complemented with therapeutic interventions, you may find a low dose manageable, potentially eliminating the need for higher doses in the future.
