Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a type of depression medication, aren’t habit forming. They have a short half-life, which means they are more likely to cause withdrawal symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation. “Brain zaps” are one of several common antidepressant withdrawal symptoms. They’re sensory disturbances that can feel like electric shocks, tingling, or burning in the brain and body. Brain zaps are also known as “brain shakes,” “brain shocks,” “brain flips” or “brain shivers.”

It’s common for teens with depression to take prescription antidepressants that may cause brain zaps. Those who take antidepressants should talk with their prescriber before stopping their medication. Your teen’s prescriber can gradually reduce their dosage to keep withdrawal symptoms to a minimum.

What are brain zaps and what do they feel like?

Brain zaps are momentary sensory disturbances that can feel like electrical shock sensations in the brain. A person may notice a buzzing sound and feel faint or black out momentarily. Some people also experience tingling, burning or shock sensations in their bodies.

Researchers don’t know exactly what causes brain zaps. They are a common symptom of antidepressant withdrawal. Your teen may have them periodically if they’re tapering off their medication, but they go away after your teen completely stops taking the medication or if they resume. Some people also notice them if they’ve skipped their medication for a day or two. Their prescriber should give them a detailed plan for this process. They may prescribe another medication with a longer half-life to help reduce withdrawal symptoms, and then gradually taper off the medication. 

Some sensations associated with brain zaps include:

• Shivering sensations in the brain
• Buzzing sounds
• Disorientation
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• “Hearing [one’s] eyes move”

Which medications can cause brain zaps?

Brain zaps are mostly caused by withdrawal from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. There are a few other medications that can cause them, too, such as certain anti-anxiety and sleep medications. 

The following are some SSRIs that have the potential to cause brain zaps:

• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)

Here are some other common symptoms of SSRI withdrawal:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Nausea
• Loss of balance
• Hyperarousal, which may cause jerkiness and irritability

What should I do if my teen is experiencing brain zaps?

First, make sure your teen is taking their medication as directed by their prescriber. The next step is to talk with their prescriber about their symptoms. They might need to adjust the dosage or switch them to a different medication. Or you may need to come up with a system to help them remember to take their medication at the right time.

If your teen is stopping or changing their medication according to their care provider’s instructions, brain zaps may be a temporary discomfort. It’s still a good idea to let their provider know they’re having withdrawal symptoms. They may be able to prescribe another medication or adjust the tapering plan to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

Help your teen get rid of brain zaps by taking SSRIs as prescribed

Most teens with mental health conditions will need a combination of therapy and medication to manage their symptoms. Your child may need to try a few different medications before they find an antidepressant that works for them. In some cases, an antidepressant may become less effective over time, and adjustments to the medication regimen may be needed under the guidance of their doctor.

It’s hard to watch your child struggle with side effects from their psychiatric medication. Anytime they’re making a change to their medication regimen, they should have more frequent medication management sessions with their psychiatrist. In Lightfully Teen programs, young people have plenty of supervision and support from care providers while they’re adjusting to new medications. Our staff psychiatrists are very familiar with different varieties of SSRIs. They can make recommendations on how to get the best results while reducing uncomfortable side effects.

If outpatient therapy and psychiatrist visits aren’t enough to help your teen manage their symptoms, they may benefit from a higher level of treatment. At Lightfully, we provide three levels of comprehensive mental health treatment for teens. Our programs combine one-on-one therapy with medication management and group and family therapy sessions. 

Do you have questions about navigating mental health care? Contact us today or reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’re here to help.