One of the most astonishing symptoms of withdrawal from Anxiety and Depression medication is brain zaps. Brain zaps are the sudden sensation of shivering or shocks in the brain.
The name comes from the unpleasant sensation of experiencing sudden electric shocks, buzzes, or tremors. Although, the symptoms are scary, it is very treatable and there are several remedies for brain zaps.
Millions of people take antidepressants to cope with mental health issues every year. Although beneficial, the medications can cause dependency. Patients who take them regularly find it hard to cope with Depression without them.
Dependency on antidepressants may lead to withdrawal symptoms when attempting to discontinue. One of the most unbearable of those symptoms are brain zaps.
Currently, there is no proven cure or medication to control this condition. However, natural remedies for brain zaps can help people avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.
Remedies for brain zaps includes slowly tapering off medication and naturally increasing Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA). It is a dietary supplement that supports a person’s cognitive health.
The natural remedies for brain zaps emphasize on managing Anxiety without medication. Suggestively, antidepressants are not the only way a person seeks to reduce Depression.
Understanding Brain Zaps
Brain zaps often occur in brief moments and disappear. No clear trigger or warning signs show before a brain zap occurs.
Discontinuation of antidepressant medications is also referred to as Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome (ADS).
Most people who rely on antidepressants experience brain zaps during sleep or after waking up. Excessive consumption of alcohol to cope with Anxiety also triggers brain zaps. The following symptoms and sensations are common when a brain zap affects a person:
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Ringing in the ears
- Dizziness and Vertigo
- Sudden brain shocks that affect the whole head
- The sudden movement of the eye or head
- Seeing short bursts of white light
- Irritation in the throat
- Difficulty in swallowing
Causes Of Brain Zaps
The cause of brain zaps is not entirely known, but they are usually associated with the withdrawal symptoms of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI). They are common antidepressants for people who experience Anxiety and Depression.
Examples of compounds that cause withdrawal symptoms include Zoloft, Citalopram, Paroxetine, Fluoxetine, and Escitalopram.
Brain zaps are not the only withdrawal symptoms of stopping medicines like Prozac. Some other effects also include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Paraesthesia
- Dizziness and
- Pins and Needles (prickly sensation in the hand’s arms or legs)
Brains zaps are an outcome of discontinuing other medicines too. Some of those include:
- Serotonin and Norepinephrine Reuptake
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medications, including Adderall which consists of amphetamine salts
- Benzodiazepines for Anxiety treatment
- Synthetic drugs like MDMA
The deficiency of Serotonin levels reaching the brain causes withdrawal symptoms. The medications work by blocking the Serotonin transporter and increasing Serotonin levels in the brain.
They also increase GABA activity which is why chemicals are released when the serotonin levels fall in the brain. After a sudden shock occurs due to low GABA levels in the brain, it causes and proves a hypothesis for brain zaps.
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Natural Remedies for Brain Zaps
- Try to taper from the medicines slowly
There are no entirely reliable remedies for brain zaps. However, a practical method to minimize the chances and effects of getting brain zaps is slowly tapering off drugs rather than quitting them altogether.
Suppose you have been taking high doses of antidepressants or using small amounts for a long time. In that case, it is best to taper from the drugs gradually instead of overnight.
This brain zaps treatment will decrease your chances of experiencing the symptoms when you stop the medication. However, the strategy works better if you combine physical activity with other withdrawal remedies.
- Increase GABA naturally
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid is one of the most potent neurotransmitters of the brain. It helps curb Insomnia and cites nervousness and Depression.
- You experience brain zaps when the GABA levels in your central nervous system start to decrease
- Increasing GABA levels by implementing a healthy routine in your lifestyle is one of the most natural remedies for brain zaps.
- Additional benefits of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid include fighting inflammation, muscle loss, and protection against heart diseases and post-menstrual symptoms
- The mood-enhancing effects of Gamma-Aminobutyric acid are due to the inhibiting activity of specific nerve cells in the central nervous system
- Try sticking to a regular sleep cycle and limit your caffeine intake
- Establish a bedtime routine to help yourself unwind. Exercise regularly and include high-intensity workouts in your routine
- Try to get 5 to 7 minutes of sun exposure twice a day; it will help boost the body’s vitamin D levels
- Supplements to support overall health
Supplements do not act as a quick-fix solution in getting rid of brain zaps or shocks. However, they will help tackle Anxiety and Depression with patience when taken for a long time. Supplements may not minimize withdrawal symptoms or side effects. Yet, it can support the mental and cognitive ability of a person.
The supplements include:
- Vitamin D3 to prevent vitamin D deficiency
- Vitamin B12 and vitamin B6 can help GABA production in the brain
- Omega 3 fatty acids or fish oil supplements that may cause anti-inflammatory effects
- Valerian roots like ashwagandha are naturally healing and beneficial for the nervous system
- Magnesium will fight sleep diseases, restlessness, and muscle tension
- Calming essential oils such as lavender or chamomile
- Glutamine and L-arginine work with Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and support the growth of hormone levels
Final Outlook
Brain zaps can happen for no apparent reason. They commonly affect those who suffer from withdrawal symptoms of Anxiety and Depression.
Some people report that the duration and frequency of brain zaps get worse when dealing with elevated stress. However, natural remedies for brain zaps can help relieve symptoms. Try to perform stress-relieving activities such as yoga, prayer, and meditation, and join a faith-based organization.
Engage yourself in writing or reading. If the stress becomes chronic, it is not uncommon to experience brain zaps. An essential part of your brain zaps treatment plan should always include managing stress and giving your body the time to overcome the withdrawal symptoms it may undergo.
FAQs
How to stop brain zaps after drugs?
The best way to prevent or decrease the chances of getting brain zaps is to reduce your medication dose gradually as opposed to stopping it abruptly. Although, evidence suggests that this does not guarantee a complete riddance from withdrawal symptoms. However, it surely helps cope with the change better.
How to get rid of brain zaps?
While there is no known cure for brain zaps, they naturally go away when the body has adjusted to the lack of medication. If the symptoms are severe, you can ask your doctor to prescribe you Melatonin supplements for brain zaps treatment.