Sertraline Brain Zaps

[Elievs94]

I was just wondering if anyone could please help! I was on 100mg of Sertraline for a few months but I've been changed over to Mirtazapine in recent weeks and have increased to 30mg 3 days ago. I thought by switching from one to the other that withdrawal wouldn't really affect me but these brain zaps are getting worse and worse! I've been off Sertraline for 3 weeks now, has anyone experienced this before?? I've also noticed it gets worse as the day goes on but I've woken up with them this morning! Any advice is greatly appreciated

Sorry, what's a brain zap?

I really struggled with brain zaps coming off sertraline and I also had them the whole time I was taking them (hence the move to another antidepressant) My psychiatrist said was well known with this type of medication and i needed to withdraw very slowly - in the end I was on 6.25g a day before stopping.
Are you able to speak to your GP to see if you can take both medications, go back on the sertraline at a really low dose then taper off more slowly? I’m not sure if both can be taken at once. I feel your pain, I really do hope you feel better soon.

Yes I had them for a couple of months after ending 100mg. They did go eventually. You could try retaking 50mg and then slowly cut back.

(chickenkatsu I experienced them as being similar to missing a step, like a jolt ).

Replacing sertraline with other medication will not stop withdrawal symptoms. I stopped taking it suddenly, mistakenly, deciding that I am ok now. Was ok for couple weeks, but started experiencing withdrawal symptoms and had to go back to my GP, who then prescribed liquid form for me. Luckily, I was able to come off them in that way with no problems whatsoever. This medication really helped me (6 months), but it can not be stopped suddenly.
Liquid form is much easier to administer strength-wise.

Thank you all so much for your responses, it's really reassuring to know I'm not alone. I mistakingly thought that tapering wouldn't be important as I was starting a new drug, we live and learn! Thanks again everyone

I came off sertraline as soon as I found out I was pregnant. Been off 10 days now. Was taking sertraline for about 4 years. I have had brain zaps since day 5 but I am determined to not go back on them. If you find a fix for the zaps I would love to know!

The zaps lasted about a month for me, getting less and less frequent.

Three years later and still get the occasional one. They don’t bother me anymore, but it was really unpleasant at the time.

Weirdest feeling ever.