What Does SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome Feel Like?

SSRI discontinuation syndrome causes flu-like symptoms, dizziness, and electric shock sensations. Physical symptoms include nausea, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. Symptoms often improve within a few weeks, but they can sometimes last longer. Many people describe "brain zaps" - brief electrical sensations in the head when moving eyes or turning the head. Emotional symptoms include irritability, anxiety, mood swings, and crying spells. Sleep disturbances like vivid dreams or insomnia are common. Symptoms often begin within a few days of stopping or reducing an SSRI, although timing varies by medication. Estimates of how often they occur vary widely. The intensity varies based on the specific medication, dosage, length of treatment, and how quickly the dose was reduced. Do not stop an SSRI suddenly without medical guidance; talk with the prescriber about a gradual taper.