Can SSRI Withdrawal Cause Brain Zaps?
Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.
Yes, SSRI withdrawal can cause brain zaps, also called brain shivers or head zaps. These are brief, shock-like sensations that feel like electrical jolts in your head or brain. Brain zaps are commonly reported by people with SSRI discontinuation symptoms, but their exact frequency is uncertain. The sensation typically lasts just seconds but can happen multiple times throughout the day. Brain zaps can occur as the nervous system adjusts after an SSRI dose is reduced or stopped, but their exact cause is not known. Brain zaps are usually brief and improve with time, but symptoms can last longer than a few weeks. Contact your prescriber if symptoms are severe, persistent, unusual, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. The intensity and frequency often depend on how quickly you tapered off your medication.
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