Sertraline withdrawal symptoms - 'head zaps'

[BlackeyedPetitsPois]

I've come off sertraline under docs instructions - was on 50mg per day for 9 months, then dropped to every other day for a week then nothing.

Since coming off the sertraline I've been experiencing these electric shock type 'head zaps' which, whilst not painful, are extremely disorientating and weird. Does anyone have any idea/experience on how long they last please?

(Disclaimer : I'm feeling very sorry for myself tonight as I'm also suffering with horrendous pregnancy nausea, sickness and severe tiredness!)

I had those with Paroxetine. For me, they lasted about 3 weeks but I think that Paroxetine is particularly bad for that. Would it be possible to take half a 50mg tablet every other day instead of just nothing? You are having withdrawal symptoms…if you have no tablets left I'd ask your GP to write you a prescription for some if you find the zaps too much

Thank you for replying.

That sounds sensible, I must admit when the GP told me to take a 50mg every other day for just a week I was a bit

It's been approx 2.5 weeks since I came off them completely. I do have lots left so may start taking half a 50mg every other day for a couple more weeks and see if that helps.

Thanks again.

That seems like a big dose to drop suddenly. When I weaned myself off venlafaxine I was breaking up tablets and capsules into halves and quarters and eighths! It really is a pain and takes longer, but you'll experience fewer brain zaps. Are you weaning onto anything, or dropping to nothing at all?

Hugs to you, though, the brain zaps are horrendous. I was on 300mg venlafaxine for around seven years and if I forgot one dose I was on my knees within hours the only way I can describe it is that when you move your head, the room moves at a different speed, so you can't focus, and it's like being electrocuted. Bleurgh. I haven't experienced them on sertraline - I've gone a few days without a dose (forgetting to order a prescription, not deliberately!) and only started feeling dizzy on about day three. I suppose I'm lucky!
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon

I experienced them for a few months after stopping too. Not every day but eventually they will go away. Stay strong!

Thanks again for the comments

peacelove I'm not weaning onto anything. Just coming off them completely as I'm 7 weeks pregnant. And your description is spot on...the dizziness is horrid, and coupled with the pregnancy nausea and sickness I'm feeling pretty shite!

quite thank you. It will pass I'm sure.