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What Causes Head Zaps After Taking Luvox?
Question: AFTER ONLY TAKING LUVOX FOR 13 DAYS.. I STILL GET BAD HEAD ZAPS... HOW LONG DO THEY LAST??? MY DOC SAYS THEY WILL GO AWAY...
Brief Answer:
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Head zaps are, as you know, a very uncomfortable side effect of Luvox withdrawal. Fortunately, they do go away, typically within 1 to 3 weeks. Since it has been 13 days, I would not expect this side effect to last more than another week. Your doctor could increase Paxil more rapidly to make up for the lack of Luvox, as this is a good strategy for dealing with head zaps.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.
Head zaps are, as you know, a very uncomfortable side effect of Luvox withdrawal. Fortunately, they do go away, typically within 1 to 3 weeks. Since it has been 13 days, I would not expect this side effect to last more than another week. Your doctor could increase Paxil more rapidly to make up for the lack of Luvox, as this is a good strategy for dealing with head zaps.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me at my private link below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private link: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Brief Answer:
Followup
Detailed Answer:
My apologies, on your medication list it says:
"Medications Tried: PAXIL NO MORE LUVOX"
I assumed that meant you are on Paxil.
If you are not on any SSRIs, then yes, it will simply take time for these brain zaps to go away, again typically within 3 weeks. Generally this is an indication that the SSRI was removed too quickly, so sometimes a strategy is to go back on the SSRI and lower the dose more slowly. But if you are opposed to going back on SSRIs totally, then you will have to wait it out, but it will go away in time.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Dr. Sheppe
Followup
Detailed Answer:
My apologies, on your medication list it says:
"Medications Tried: PAXIL NO MORE LUVOX"
I assumed that meant you are on Paxil.
If you are not on any SSRIs, then yes, it will simply take time for these brain zaps to go away, again typically within 3 weeks. Generally this is an indication that the SSRI was removed too quickly, so sometimes a strategy is to go back on the SSRI and lower the dose more slowly. But if you are opposed to going back on SSRIs totally, then you will have to wait it out, but it will go away in time.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Dr. Sheppe
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Brief Answer:
Symptoms will resolve on their own
Detailed Answer:
In order to decrease withdrawal symptoms, it is an option for you to restart Luvox and then come off of it again but more slowly, to decrease the abrupt severity of the withdrawal. Otherwise, you will have to wait for the symptoms to resolve on their own.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Dr. Sheppe
Symptoms will resolve on their own
Detailed Answer:
In order to decrease withdrawal symptoms, it is an option for you to restart Luvox and then come off of it again but more slowly, to decrease the abrupt severity of the withdrawal. Otherwise, you will have to wait for the symptoms to resolve on their own.
Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.
Dr. Sheppe
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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