Posted by medlib on May 6, 2003, at 22:34:57
In reply to Zaps, Buzzing, Washout?? What is does this mean??, posted by Dazzle on May 6, 2003, at 20:06:08
Hi Dazzle--
Welcome to Babble!
"Washout" refers to a period of time after discontinuing (d/cing) a given med before it's safe to begin taking certain other types of meds. For example, MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) are a class of antidepressants which can trigger serious (potentially fatal) interactions if combined with certain other antipressants, like SSRIs. A 14 day washout period is required between them to avoid this possibility.
"Zaps" are brief, disconcerting brain sensations, sort of a cross between a static electricity discharge and a startle reflex. They're sometimes experienced during withdrawal from certain psych drugs.
"Buzzing" is another annoying brain sensation--usually med-generated, but lower in intensity and longer in duration than zaps. People probably experience it differently; but, for me, it seems sort of like the "white noise" between radio stations, or a different type of tinnitis. It interferes with focus and concentration.
You may be interested in the list of acronyms/abbreviations used on Babble compiled by veteran babbler Scott (SLS). You can find it by clicking on the "Psychobabble Tips" link near the bottom of each page. It's located there under "Miscellaneous".
Hope this helps.---medlib
poster:medlib
thread:224741
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030505/msgs/224761.html