Brain shocks

[Lola36]

Dear Doctors A week ago I have stopped my therapy with Cymbalta. I have had anxiety's problems. I have took off the medication in 3 months from 60 mg to 15 mg..to 10...to 5....to 0 mg!! Now I'ts a week that I have brain zaps...here in Italy all the psichiatrists  told me that it's an anxiety's symptom. I know that it's not true...because in all the time that I have not took antidepressants (3 years)...I haven't had IT!!... What can I do to exceed this suspension's effect? Could it dures for how long?...Thank you so much!!

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Brain zaps are a common experience  when these kind of medications are discontinued..it is not anxiety, it is a biological phenomenon, your neurons resetting themselves...if you can tolerate  it and there are no other withdrawal effects, these should stop within another two weeks.....if other effects, then ask your doctor for a short term trial of klonopin.

[Jaquta]

Hi.  I'm not the doctor or forum expert, just a lay person.

It could be that the jump from 60 mg to 15 mg was too great for you, hence the side-effects (brain zaps).

A seemingly large number of people have written about 'brain zaps' and it has often been associated with discontinuing medication.

The doctor will be able to offer you some more constructive advice.

J

[Lola36]

Dear Doctor Thank you for the answer...really thanks!! You give me courage!!..I'll wait the two week!!! Dear Jaquta...I'm sorry but i Have forgot 30 mg... I have jumped from 60 mg to 30 mg..to 15...to 10..to 5... :) Now i have brain zaps and some other effects...like stomach disorder...and weakness...weak sight...and I'm COLD...sometime very very cold...and sometimes i have a burst of heat..and light dizziness. I can to tolerate all...at the moment...but I hope it stops soon. Thank you!!!!