A sudden withdrawal of certain medication may affect the brain sensations resulting in brain zap. It usually occurs post cessation of antidepressant drugs. It can cause serious brain complications.
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I have brain zaps after reducing my dose of Venlafaxine and Mirtazapine. How to cure it permanently?
Query: Hi doctor, I struggle with severe Venlafaxine withdrawal symptoms no matter how slowly I taper off. I have also tapered off Mirtazapine, so it is all catching up with me. I need another antidepressant to help with brain zaps and electrical arcing that I get every five seconds in my head. Kindly sugg... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for consulting with us. Are you tapering your medication under the advice of your psychiatrist? I suggest you take tablet Escitalopram 10 mg while tapering your Venlafaxine. Sometimes you may have withdrawal symptoms for four to six weeks, and you will be norma... Read Full »
How do I cure the electric current-like sensation in the right side of my body?
Query: Hello doctor, I have been dealing with anxiety for almost a year now. I have also been having weird electric current type zapping, which is very uncomfortable and painful. They go through the whole right side of my body, sometimes coming and going for minutes. I think it is from my anxiety, and not ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. You have been prescribed an anti-psychotic and anti-depressant as well as Chlordiazepoxide for your problem in the past.This type of presentation can be due to severe anxiety. But, before labeling anxiety as the cause, all the neurological causes like neuropathy has t... Read Full »
How to manage antidepressant discontinuation syndrome?
Query: Hi doctor, I am a 21 year old female with a history of the major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder, including an extensive family history of both as well. Currently, on 300 mg of Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and 150 mg of Venlafaxine (Effexor), each once daily, taken in the mornings. I ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Antidepressant discontinuation is unlikely here as there had been no change in drug dosage recently unless you had missed a dose. These brain zaps could be due to stress or the medication itself and usually stops on their own after some time. In my opinion practizing ... Read Full »
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