What are brain zaps on bupropion?

October 9, 2025 •

3 min read

While most people do not experience withdrawal symptoms when stopping bupropion, brain zaps are a possibility for some individuals. These brief, electric shock-like sensations in the head are more famously linked to SSRI and SNRI withdrawal, but some users report them following the discontinuation or dose reduction of bupropion.

Quick Summary

Brain zaps are electric shock-like sensations that can occur during antidepressant withdrawal. While far more common with serotonin-affecting drugs, some individuals report them when tapering or stopping bupropion, an NDRI. The key to management is a slow, medically supervised tapering schedule.

Key Points

Rarity with Bupropion: Brain zaps are far less common with bupropion (Wellbutrin) compared to SSRIs and SNRIs, which affect serotonin.
Atypical Antidepressant: Bupropion is an NDRI, primarily affecting dopamine and norepinephrine, not serotonin, which is the main link to brain zaps.
Part of Discontinuation Syndrome: For those who experience them, brain zaps on bupropion are part of a broader, though typically milder, withdrawal period.
Symptoms of Bupropion Withdrawal: In addition to rare brain zaps, withdrawal can include anxiety, irritability, sleep issues, and physical discomfort.
The Importance of Tapering: The safest way to minimize withdrawal symptoms is to gradually reduce the dosage under a doctor's supervision.
Not Considered Harmful: Despite being startling and uncomfortable, brain zaps are not considered medically dangerous.

What Exactly are Brain Zaps?

Brain zaps are a known symptom of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. They are described as brief, internal electrical sensations or jolts in the head, often lasting only a second or two. These can sometimes be accompanied by disorientation, dizziness, or visual disturbances. Movement, particularly of the eyes, might trigger them. While they can be alarming, brain zaps are generally not considered medically dangerous.

Bupropion's Mechanism vs. Brain Zaps

Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant classified as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). This means it primarily affects norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. Brain zaps are more commonly linked to SSRIs and SNRIs, which significantly impact serotonin levels. A sudden drop in serotonin is a leading theory for brain zaps. Since bupropion has minimal impact on serotonin, it is less likely to cause brain zaps than SSRIs/SNRIs. A 2024 survey supported this, finding bupropion among the least likely antidepressants to cause brain zaps upon discontinuation.

Bupropion Withdrawal: Is it Real?

Though brain zaps are less common, bupropion withdrawal symptoms are documented, especially with abrupt discontinuation. While typically milder than SSRI/SNRI withdrawal, bupropion discontinuation syndrome can still be uncomfortable and requires a careful tapering schedule. Symptoms can include:

Anxiety and irritability
Sleep disturbances
Headaches and muscle pain
Fatigue
Nausea and stomach cramps
Dizziness
Tremors
Psychomotor agitation
Relapse of original symptoms

Brain zaps, for the small number of people who experience them on bupropion, are considered part of this syndrome. The exact cause is unclear, but it may relate to the brain adjusting to the absence of the drug's effects on norepinephrine and dopamine.

Preventing and Managing Bupropion Withdrawal

The Importance of a Tapering Plan

The best way to prevent or minimize brain zaps and other withdrawal symptoms is a gradual taper under medical supervision. Bupropion's relatively short half-life means it leaves the body fairly quickly, making abrupt cessation potentially difficult for the nervous system. A tapering schedule allows the brain to readjust more smoothly over several weeks.

Comparison of Bupropion vs. SSRI/SNRI Withdrawal


Symptom	Bupropion (NDRI) Discontinuation	SSRI/SNRI Discontinuation
Incidence of Brain Zaps	Low, but reported by some individuals	High, one of the most common withdrawal symptoms
Associated Mechanism	Likely related to norepinephrine/dopamine system recalibration	Primarily due to a rapid drop in serotonin levels
Other Symptoms	Irritability, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, dizziness	Flu-like symptoms, nausea, mood swings, vivid dreams, dizziness
General Withdrawal Severity	Typically milder than SSRIs/SNRIs	Can be moderate to severe, depending on the medication
Tapering Importance	Crucial for minimizing symptoms, especially with abrupt stops	Absolutely essential to avoid severe discontinuation syndrome

Practical Strategies for Coping

If you experience withdrawal symptoms, including brain zaps, supportive strategies, while maintaining communication with your doctor, can help:

Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Support physical health with a balanced diet and sufficient water intake.
Prioritize Sleep: Combat sleep disturbances with a consistent schedule and relaxing routine.
Reduce Stress: Use relaxation techniques like deep breathing or mindfulness to manage anxiety.
Stay Active: Gentle exercise can improve mood and reduce stress.
Seek Support: Share your experience with others for emotional comfort.

Conclusion

Brain zaps are a rare but potential symptom for individuals discontinuing bupropion. They are not considered dangerous and usually resolve as the brain adjusts. These sensations are part of a broader discontinuation syndrome that can include other symptoms. The most crucial step when considering stopping bupropion is to consult a healthcare professional to create a gradual tapering schedule. Working closely with a doctor helps minimize withdrawal risks and ensures a safe transition.

For more detailed information on antidepressant discontinuation syndrome and brain zaps, resources like WebMD provide comprehensive overviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brain zaps are often described as brief, unsettling, electric shock-like sensations inside the head. They can be accompanied by dizziness, a buzzing sound, or a moment of disorientation and can sometimes be triggered by eye movement.

While the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is believed to be related to the brain adjusting to the sudden absence of the drug's effects on norepinephrine and dopamine. Some individuals simply have a higher sensitivity to changes in their brain chemistry during medication withdrawal, regardless of the specific neurotransmitter involved.

The duration of brain zaps and other withdrawal symptoms from bupropion is different for everyone. However, for most, these symptoms are temporary and typically resolve within a few weeks as the brain readjusts. For a smaller number, they may last longer.

No. Abruptly stopping any antidepressant, including bupropion, increases the risk and severity of withdrawal symptoms, including the potential for brain zaps. Always consult your doctor to create a safe, gradual tapering plan.

In cases of severe withdrawal, a doctor may recommend switching to a medication with a longer half-life (like fluoxetine) to create a smoother tapering process, though this is less common for bupropion discontinuation. The decision should only be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.

There is no specific cure for brain zaps, as they are a temporary symptom of withdrawal. The most effective approach is prevention through a slow, doctor-supervised taper. Management focuses on supportive measures like stress reduction, good sleep hygiene, and staying hydrated.

Bupropion withdrawal symptoms often involve anxiety, irritability, and fatigue, and brain zaps are rare. In contrast, SSRI withdrawal is frequently associated with a higher incidence of brain zaps, along with flu-like symptoms, mood swings, and nausea.