These episodes are not dangerous.
They have been given the name brain zaps in online social media communities.
They are most associated with discontinuation of antidepressant medications.
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They can also occur as a symptom of anxiety or other conditions.
Even if they’re not dangerous, brain zaps can still be jarring and unpleasant.
This article describes the symptoms, causes, and ways of coping with brain zaps.
However, there are some other situations where people may describe similar sensations.
The sensations are not considered harmful unless accompanied by other, more serious symptoms, such as vision changes.
Whats Happening During Brain Zaps?
Brain zaps are not a medical emergency, and they are notseizures.
Abrupt discontinuation of antidepressants can cause a condition described as antidepressant withdrawal.
Causes
The exact biological cause of brain zaps is not well understood.
Most antidepressants work by increasing the amount or activity ofserotoninin the brain.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger between nerves) that regulates mood.
How to Stop Brain Zaps
In general, brain zaps are not usually chronic.
It is certainly a good idea to talk about your health concerns with your healthcare provider.
They can occur frequently, multiple times per day, every few days, or even less often.
While brain zaps aren’t harmful, they can be very distressing.
The cause is not always clear, though they have been associated with certain medications and health conditions.
