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Brain Zaps: Causes & Treatments For Electrical Shock Sensations

Brain zaps are commonly reported electrical shock sensations that are often experienced during discontinuation of antidepressant medications. Other common names for brain zaps include: brain shivers, electrical shocks, and brain shocks. People often describe them as feeling electrical current uncontrollably zapping their brains, which can be extremely frightening and uncomfortable. A person experiencing these zaps may get dizzy, feel minor pain, and high levels of discomfort.

What causes brain zaps?

Brain zaps are considered to be caused by neurotransmitter alterations within the brain, particularly those involving “serotonin.” It is believed that serotonin plays a vital role in the development of these zaps due to the fact that people typically experience them when discontinuing serotonergic antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs). The zaps may also be caused via discontinuation of other psychotropic medications including: antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, MAOIs, SNRIs, and tricyclic antidepressants.

  • Antidepressant withdrawal: During withdrawal from antidepressant medications, “brain zaps” are considered common symptoms to experience. It is believed that the severity and length of brain zaps may be related to whether a person discontinues “cold turkey” as opposed to tapering off of their medication.
  • Eye movements: It has been speculated that moving the eyes side to side may provoke or intensify brain zap sensations. While this is purely speculation, there are online accounts of individuals that found things like “looking to the side” can trigger them.
  • Medication side effects: Some individuals have reported experiencing “brain zaps” as side effects from certain medications. These may be experienced when a person initially begins taking a psychotropic medication. It is thought that adjustments in the functioning of various neurotransmitters are responsible for the zaps.
  • Skipping a dose: If you are on a medication and you accidentally miss or intentionally skip a dose, you may notice unpleasant brain zaps. When people experience the zap sensation, they quickly remember that they forgot to take their medication.
  • Other medications: It should be mentioned that medications other than antidepressants can cause brain zaps. While they are most commonly experienced as a result of taking serotonergic antidepressants, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics have also been suggested as potential causes.

How long do brain zaps last?

There is no set “timeline” that says how long brain zaps will last. The zaps people experience are generally subject to individual variation. One person may experience them for a significant duration (e.g. weeks or months), while another may find that they go away in short order (e.g. hours or days). There are a number of factors that can influence how long these “zaps” may persist including: your physiology, duration you took your medication, the dosage, and whether you quit cold turkey or tapered.

It should also be noted that while some individuals experience a bulk of the zaps immediately following discontinuation, some experience the zaps during more protracted phases of withdrawal. In other words, some individuals may have no zaps for weeks, and then experience them seemingly out of nowhere.

Factors that can influence the severity of brain zaps

There are several factors that are thought to influence both the severity and duration of the brain zaps. These factors include things like: individual physiology, level of anxiety, the drug that was taken, how quickly a person discontinued, and whether they are currently taking other medications.

  • Individual physiology: Since not everyone experiences brain zaps, it should be noted that severity of the zaps will vary based on the individual. People with certain genes and/or more resilient nervous systems may not ever experience zaps even when quitting cold turkey. Some individuals will experience the zaps for longer duration than others. Keep in mind that your experience with these zaps may not be the same as someone else in terms of sensation, severity, and duration.
  • Medication: Another huge factor in determining the duration and severity of the zaps is the particular medication that a person was (or is) taking. In most cases, the zaps occur upon discontinuation or skipping a dose of an antidepressant medication. While it is most commonly experienced during SSRI withdrawal, other classes of antidepressants and medications (e.g. benzodiazepines) have been suggested to cause zaps.
    • Cold turkey vs. tapering: If you want to decrease your chances of experiencing severe, persistent brain zaps, make sure you taper off of your medication slowly. The more gradually you taper, the less likely the brain zaps are to occur. If you quit cold turkey, you are significantly increasing your chances of experiencing these jolts.
    • Duration of treatment: How long were you taking your medication? Those who were on a particular drug for a long period of time are more likely to experience the zaps. This is due to the fact that the drug induced more changes in neural functioning and neurotransmission over the long-term than it would have over the short-term. In general, the shorter the duration for which you took your medication, the less likely you are to experience zaps.
    • Half-life: What was the half-life of your drug? Medications with extremely short half-lives are more likely to cause zaps upon discontinuation or missing a dose. A common example of a medication with a short half life is that of Paxil (21 hours). People are much more likely to experience zaps from Paxil than Prozac (with a longer half life of several days).
    • Specific drug: Some would suggest that the particular drug that a person takes will influence the zaps. Certain drug formulations are thought to be of greater potency and affect neurotransmission more than others. The more potent the serotonergic drug, the more likely a person will experience zaps.
  • Other drugs: One factor that not many people consider is that of taking other drugs. Often times people who are taking other medications will not experience brain zaps because the other medication and/or supplement is mitigating the zaps. This is why many people transition to other medications like Prozac or claim that certain supplements help them cope with the zaps. If a person isn’t taking any other drugs or supplements upon discontinuation, the zaps will likely be more severe than those who are still medicated.
  • Level of anxiety: Some have speculated that when a person becomes more anxious, they are more prone to the zaps. This could be due to the fact that anxiety stimulates the central nervous system, and thus could be preventing repairs from occurring after withdrawal. In other cases, people with high anxiety may perceive the brain zaps as being worse than they actually are and/or believe that there is some more significant health problem.

Theories about causes of brain zaps

Brain zaps have long been described by individuals dealing with first-hand experience of antidepressant withdrawal. The zaps feel like jolts of electricity through the head, neck, or other areas of the body such as the spine, arms, and/or legs. In most people, the most common area to experience these zaps is in the head, thus being referred to as “brain” zaps. There are several theories in regards to what may cause them. While certain factors are suggested as causes, the specifics are unknown.

REM Sleep and Serotonin

One hypothesis is floating around the internet that suggests brain zaps are linked to both REM sleep and serotonin. Some people experience brain zaps after waking up from sleep and/or when they fall asleep. A theory is that REM sleep (rapid-eye movement) may influence serotonergic processes in the brain, and the “zaps” are a byproduct of the rapid-eye movement. Whether this has any credibility is debatable. Those who have felt the zaps while sleeping may be able to provide more insight into this experience.

Transitioning out of drug-induced states

Some experts believe that they are a result of the brain suddenly attempting to transition out of the drug-induced neurotransmission to which it had adapted. There are many reports of brain zaps, some of which have been so severe that doctors thought they were experiencing seizures. A couple of British psychiatrists described brain zaps as, “sensory symptoms or symptoms of disequilibrium in brief bursts” when a person moves their head or eyes.

Analogy: Scuba diver surfacing too quickly

They emphasized that this generally occurs during discontinuation from a psychiatric medication. An analogy that has been used to describe why brain zaps occur is a scuba diver who is at the bottom of the ocean, but rises to the surface too fast – resulting in unwanted effects. Other psychiatric authors have suggested that brain zaps are likely influenced by serotonin’s role in sensory functions and muscle movement.

Paresthesia

When a person quits an antidepressant, the person then may experience paresthesia or various sensations as a result of abnormal serotonin levels. These authors describe the fact that major changes to neuronal networks can occur during antidepressant treatment, thus leading to zaps when the brain attempts to function without the drug.

Length of treatment and dosage

Authors have also suggested that both length of treatment and the dosage taken may influence the severity of brain zaps. Additionally, other researchers have hypothesized that in addition to serotonin playing a role in the zaps, norepinephrine may also be a contributing factor – especially for individuals who come off of SNRIs.

Pre-Seizure symptoms?

Researchers have stated that these brain zaps could be similar to pre-seizure symptoms seen in cases of epilepsy. Since there is evidence that the noradrenergic system plays a role in seizure development, it would make sense that norepinephrine could influence brain zaps.

What do brain zaps feel like?

They are relatively difficult to describe because they affect each person differently. For some they are more severe and resemble electrical jolts, while for others they are less severe and easier to cope with. Most would agree that they feel some sort of “electrical” sensation within their head as a result of them. Below is a list of various descriptions of the zaps based on first-hand experiences.

Descriptions:

  • Electrical shocks
  • “Flicking cards” through your head
  • Electrical jolts
  • Light-bulb going off in your head
  • Lightning strikes in the brain
  • “Pop rocks” in the head
  • Pulses of electricity
  • Shivers of the brain
  • Strobe light flashing in the brain

Note: These sensations are often accompanied by sensations of dizziness and/or vertigo. Others may experience symptoms of nausea and/or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

How to stop brain zaps…

There are no known medical treatments that are prescribed specifically to stop the brain zaps. In most cases, people will have to put up with them and understand that with proper time, they will eventually subside. Below are some recommendations that may help you better deal with the zaps.

  • Conduct a slower taper: If you quit your medication cold turkey, you may need to start taking it again, and then conduct a slower, more gradual taper off of it. Many zaps are caused when people quit their mediation too quickly and/or from too high of a dose.
  • Go back on medication: Another option that some people pursue is simply going back on their medication. After a person is back on their medication they can then decide to taper more slowly and/or switch to a different medication.
  • Take Prozac (longer half-life): A strategy for minimizing brain zaps and general antidepressant withdrawal symptoms is to transition to a drug with a longer half-life. Often an experienced psychiatrist will recommend transitioning to Prozac and eventually withdrawing from the Prozac, which should reduce the chances of the zaps.
  • Supplements: Many people swear by taking various supplements to reduce the severity of brain zaps. Whether these supplements actually work to alleviate the zaps is unverified. Many individuals have said that supplementation of vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids improve these zaps to a significant extent. Some have suggested that they completely cure the zapping.
    • Omega-3 fatty acids: Many people claim that the best way to deal with brain zaps is to take omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil supplements. It is unknown why the fish oil helps, but many have testified that it works wonders. While most user accounts suggest taking “fish oil” some would speculate that “krill oil” would provide similar results.
    • Vitamin B12: Some have suggested that getting proper vitamins helps significantly to minimize the zaps. In particular, many people have recommended taking Vitamin B12 supplements and have found them especially helpful. The combination of the B12 with fish oil is able to decrease the severity and frequency of zaps in some people.
  • Time heals all: Understand that although the zaps may be somewhat painful, frustrating, and annoying, they will eventually subside. Even if it seems like they are a permanent neurological problem, rest assured they are not. Eventually your brain will figure out how to repair itself and as your neurotransmission restores itself, you will no longer feel the zaps. For some people the zaps may last days, for others weeks, and for others even longer, but they will subside in time.

Are brain zaps considered dangerous?

If there’s one thing to know about these brain zaps, it should be that they are not considered dangerous. There is no scientific evidence supporting any claims that these jolt-like sensations cause any brain damage or interfere with the health of neurons. Although they may be highly-uncomfortable to experience, at least you don’t have to worry about them killing brain cells.

Have you experienced brain zaps?

Many people have experience brain zaps upon discontinuation from an antidepressant medication. I personally remember quitting Paxil CR and wondering why it felt like my brain was being tortured in an electrocution chamber. For most people, the brain zaps suck, but will eventually subside. If you have a personal experience with “brain zaps” feel free to share it in the comments section below. Also feel free to mention any supplements and/or strategies that have helped you cope with the zaps.

Take the “Brain Zaps” Questionnaire

Patients know that most medical professionals are unwilling to acknowledge “brain zaps” and usually attribute them to worsening of neuropsychiatric conditions and/or a somatic disorder.  Because brain zaps are a legitimate [yet largely unacknowledged] phenomenon among psychiatric patients, a subset of professionals (and many patients) agree that it would be useful to develop guidelines for their prevention and/or treatment.

After being presented with a patient experiencing severe brain zaps, a clinical psychiatrist decided to conduct an investigation by formatting a questionnaire.  I was asked to include the questionnaire on this page.

If you’re interested in helping medical professionals better understand “brain zaps,” feel free to participate in the following survey:  Click here to take the “Brain Zaps” Questionnaire.  The questionnaire results will be used to develop guidelines for brain zap prevention, minimization, and/or treatment.  (UPDATE: Questionnaire is now closed).

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771 thoughts on “Brain Zaps: Causes & Treatments For Electrical Shock Sensations”

  1. Grateful for the support and solidarity. Went cold turkey off 50mg zoloft after 14 months of use. I realized how numb I had become, and I didn’t want the weight gain or the lack of any sort of drive (sexual or otherwise) any longer. The zaps are terrible, and pretty intense. Like 110 volts flashing through my head every couple minutes (uncomfortable, but not necessarily painful).

    Prolonged screen time seems to exacerbate them significantly, but my job requires me to work on computer all day, so what’s a gal to do? The worst part is having to hide my withdrawal from my partner and my co-workers. The first couple days were the hardest, as my brain was super foggy and the intense jolts made it hard to hold a thought together.

    I’m 2 weeks out, and while the zaps aren’t quite as strong and disorienting as they were in the first couple days, they’re still as frequent which is hard to deal with. I want to believe that this will go away, and am still kind of scared that it won’t. Aerobic (high heart rate) exercise seems to help.

    I don’t really notice them when I’m doing aerobics, which may be the only time of day I get 100% relief, and they’re less intense after I work out. I was taking a magnesium supplement in the first week which, now that I’ve forgotten to take it for a few days and the zaps are ramping up a bit, I realize may have been helping. I’m wondering if anyone else has had the same experience? Thank you all for sharing your stories.

    Reply
  2. I am so glad I found this site. I am currently working through brain zaps myself due to being off of paxil while my doctor takes a few days to order a prescription for me. It is torture and here is my experience of brain zaps: Like a jolt of electricity running through my body at least once a minute. I lose my hearing during this jolt, my vision goes blurry, I nearly fall over from dizziness, my heart feels like it stops and my palms sweat.

    They start after about 10 hours of being off of my SSRI and don’t stop until a full 24 hours AFTER I get back on my medication. Brain zaps are the exact words I have been looking for. Thank you.

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  3. Ivy (Jan 30th 2016) and Nick (Feb 5th 2016) Thank you so much for your comments! Until now, I thought I was the only one who got them DURING treatment! I’m on Sertraline (200mg per day, the max or so I’m told) and have been for the past 9 months or so. I did once forget to take them for two days running, but that was back in November last year.

    Like others, mine goes from left to right between the ears sort of. They’re not painful to me, however, like everyone else, they are disconcerting and make you feel dizzy. With me it’s especially worse when I’m walking and have my head up, or move it suddenly, otherwise I just keep my head pointed to the ground, which isn’t ideal (then again, there are 3 citizens around here whom are perhaps grateful that I do; whilst walking that way (head down).

    I found their debit cards and handed them in! LOL. I digress. I don’t know if anyone else has this, too, but when I take a hot bath (I have no access to a shower unfortunately), The ‘Zaps’ double in frequency and often stay that way for the duration of the day. Thank you though for whoever mentioned fish oil and/or taking B vitamins though, as my diet isn’t the best (I’m on a very low income) and maybe it’s that??

    P.S. Kate (Feb 9th 2016, err, TODAY! lol). It isn’t unusual for ANY antidepressants to make you feel suicidal during the first couple of weeks, it even says so on the packaging leaflet. Just make sure you have someone who can help you through it if possible (I didn’t but I wish I had, though of course, I’m still here). I would strongly recommend you get medical advice just to be sure that you don’t need anything; not taking them might be even worse depending on your circumstances, of course. Good luck either way to everyone here!

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  4. Discontinued taking Lexapro 10mg after being on it for three months. Immediately started having these brain zaps. It has been almost 3 weeks of being off Lexapro and I still get the zaps at least 30 times a day. Some days I’ll go with only having them a few times a day but others it’s absolutely horrible. I didn’t stop my medication because I wanted to but because my insurance ran out. I’ve being taking fish oil by mouth twice daily for a week now and no results of helping these brain zaps.

    Reply
  5. I was on Prozac for about two months. I stopped taking it immediately once I realized it was causing me to be more suicidal. Ever since I’ve had these brain shocks and I had no idea what was going on. For the past 2 & 1/2 I’ve been feeling like this and thinking I was going crazy. Im happy to see I’m not the only one experiencing this.

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  6. I’m happy to have read this, it was helpful, I’ve been trying to taper off Paxil 20mg for almost a month now.. I tapered then the zaps hit with nausea and irritability, so I tapered more slowly, now I only deal with the zaps. I’m hoping I’ll lose the extra weight I gained while on this stuff too, it helped with my anxiety in the beginning but I’m ready to get it all out of my system…

    Reply
  7. Started weaning off Paxil in October. Figured when you’re only taking 1/2 tablet every week to ten days it’s safe to stop. It’s February and haven’t had a pill in a couple of weeks. These “zaps” are unbearable at times. These drugs can be your saviour but they also lose their efficiency after time and then you have to come off them. It is a terrible feeling and one I do not ever plan to experience again!

    Reply
  8. I switched from a 150mg dose of Effexor (which I was on for a year, a 75mg dose for a year prior) to a 40mg dose of Viibryd. It wasn’t until I started with Viibryd that I began to feel these “zaps”. It’s almost immediately after the 24 hour mark that I get them. Now I’m supplementing the Viibryd with 100mg of Welbutrin… and it still happens.

    For me, it’s usually before I go to bed and it always starts with me looking to the side quickly. The zap always starts in my left ear and ends in my right ear. It’s not painful really, but it does either temporarily paralyze or shake me (the more tired and past my 24 hours I am, the worse the zaps get). If you have ever had wind in your ears, that’s the beginning and end of the sensation for me.

    It shakes my ear drums. The rest is similar to an electric muscle stimulator on the highest setting (I, for one, enjoy those… so maybe my tolerance for the zaps are high!) These usually last only about 2 seconds. The worst one I had lasted about 30-45 seconds, and all I remember was my whole body was convulsing… I was also at the 30 hour mark…

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  9. I had chronic shocks for around three months following self weaning off antidepressants. However, it’s now been at least five years and I am still experiencing them in my sleep. I have worn a sleep monitor for a week and my average nightly sleep duration is 3 hours 29 minutes. Whilst in seemingly unending restless sleep, shocks and dizziness are constant. Can anyone please help?

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  10. I’ve been off Cymbalta 60mg for 10 days cold turkey. It’s an evil medication, the withdrawal symptoms are intense from brain zaps to nausea and aggression, lack of appetite to headaches and pain all over. Tuna in natural oils with a salad seems to help me a bit. Maybe it works for someone else.

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  11. I thank God for finding this page and the comments associated with it. I tried to tell my Doctor what was happening and what it felt like but she figures I have a vertigo problem. She’s wrong. I feel like my brain is being fried every time I go to bed at night. It reminds me of when I was young and stuck a finger in a light socket because that’s what my head feels like.

    Not a problem when I’m standing or functioning like a normal person but once I go to bed for the night, all hell breaks loose. Even a creak in the floor or any small noise cause me to be “zapped.” I had just updated my will because I figured the next step was a major stroke then death. I do not understand why I’m experiencing these things except I have been taking Chantix and these things started about the time I started that medication.

    I just flat-out stopped the Chantix 3 days ago but haven’t noticed any improvement in brain activity. But now I know this condition probably isn’t dangerous so I can relax and maybe laugh at them when they happen.

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  12. I am having brain zaps today but I have taking my Lexapro everyday. I did miss two days last week – not back to back but separated by a day. I am getting them when I drink water through a straw, when walking and I tried the eye moving back and forth and sure enough I got them. My best friend who is a nurse said that even missing those 2 days could cause they zaps.

    Been a frustrating day with the because I feel so off kilter with them. Hoping a good nights sleep will get rid of them Thankful to see that this could be the cause. If they continue though I am calling the doc. Anyone else have the zaps when not coming off anxiety meds?

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  13. I recently went cold turkey after taking Lexapro (Escitalopram) For a few months and I have found these ‘Brain Zaps’ to be very troublesome and cannot wait for them to pass. Just moving my head or standing up seems to cause the jolt to happen and sometimes it will be multiple ‘jolts’ before it can regulate.

    This symptom is the only one I have and it didn’t occur right away, it seemed to pop up about a week after I had stopped my use of Lexapro and all I can say is that I feel impaired. I am unable to do just about anything because of it, although I do not feel pain with the ‘Brain Zaps’ they are still very debilitating.

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  14. Stomach and Brain Zaps. I had my first go round with brain zaps after going off a antidepressant cold turkey. That was years ago. I am having zaps again. I am seeing a big connection with not having healthy gut flora and these zaps. The stomach/brain connection is real. Bloating and digestive issues are causing them for me now.

    Reply
  15. I recently tapered off Zoloft. I was on 50mg per day. I took my last half dose a couple of days ago. Brain zaps are in full force now. I feel the brain zaps even worse when I move my eyes really fast. I describe it as my vision is “stalling out”. Almost like it takes a moment or two for my vision to refocus after I switch what I’m looking at. I could always tell if I skipped a day or two (new mom, so it happened a lot), because I would get brain zaps.

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  16. I just quit Duloxetine cold turkey but I was only taking this for about 5 months, though it worked wonders I just didn’t want to have to rely on meds the rest of my life. I am experiencing these zaps quite often, they don’t hurt but they make me woozy and my ears can hear these airy sounding zaps each time, it’s driving me insane. I hope this goes away soon, I’ve been off meds for about about 9-10 days and I’ve been trying to stay at home to avoid this in public.

    Reply
    • That is exactly how I feel. What a spot-on description… an airy sound in ears. It is horrid, but so pleased to read your post, and know I am not alone. I wonder how long they will last, any ideas? I do not want to go back on sertraline again!!!

      Reply
  17. I have what I now know are Brain Zaps. I am unlucky enough to have very very severe attacks where I have had to give up driving. I am taking Tegretol and they started just before I was diagnosed with MS. If you could tell me a drug to take that doesn’t have the side effects of Tegretol, that would be wonderful. Thank you.

    Reply
  18. For those trying to cut back on Pristiq… there is now a 25 mg. I came down from 50 mg and then I will go every other day and they slowly stop taking them. I’m doing it with my doctor’s advice. Hope that will stop these.

    Reply
  19. I’ve been on cymbalta for years for major depression and fibromyalgia. I have not changed my dosage but get brain zaps everyday. Very disheartening. I am going to try to wean down the dosage and see if they level out eventually… thinking its a side effect.

    Reply
  20. I am currently 4 days off Cymbalta. I tapered down for about a month prior. Today the zaps were worse. Feeling frustrated and angry that this is happening and may go on for a long time. I have been on antidepressants for over 25 years. Starting with Prozac. Doctors and psychiatrists that I have seen have never informed me of this. They always said I should just stay on meds.

    Reply
  21. I’m not on any medication at all except daily vitamins. I appreciate the article especially since I had two “zaps” this morning and my first thought was stroke. Mine happen behind my left ear usually.

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  22. I’m currently tapering Effexor XR 37.5 mg. I’ve only been on it for a couple of months and have been tapering it down for a few weeks now, adding a day between doses until I’m now taking it every three days. The brain zaps started this morning. I’m already taking B12, so I’m going to try adding fish oil. Effexor has helped me in the past but just wasn’t working this time. Other than the zaps, I feel fine, physically and emotionally.

    Reply
  23. I have had these brain zaps for years, particularly bad this morning. I am on antidepressants (sertraline) but I am not coming off them. Why am I getting these zaps? Quite frightening. They make me dizzy and unstable on my feet, glad I found this.

    Reply
  24. January 14, 2016. Before I found a good doctor who put me on Effexor at the right dosage, I had a doctor who was afraid you’d get hooked on the drugs. He gave me the lowest dosage of meds and could not understand why it was not helping me. I had the Brain Zaps on a regular schedule. Every day every minute. Every time I moved my head.

    Was sent to several doctors for testing because of the zaps and severe migraine headaches. One told me my imagination was causing it. But no one understands it. After three years of this. Found a good doctor. Still have occasional zaps, but nothing like before. A second opinion doesn’t hurt.

    Reply
  25. I’m experiencing these zaps but I’ve got them by methods I shouldn’t be subscribing to. I’m 38, smoked meth for ten years, addicted for like 4. Been doing it since I was a teen off and on. Hasn’t been a problem stopping only now when I do it leads to these brain zaps. That’s why now it’s harder to quick and I call myself an addict. I’m going to try the b-12 and omega 3 fish oil. Thank you for your site. It’s reassuring to hear other people going through what you are. It means a lot.

    Reply
  26. I have had my med changed from 150 mg of Effexor twice a day for 2 years to viibryd. Started at a low dose of 10 mg to move up to 20mg next week. I also take neurotin 300 mg three times a day and kolonipin .5 once daily as needed. I was not gradual taking off Effexor but went from it straight to the low dose of Viibryd 4 days ago. And for three now I have been having these zaps all day long. Seconds apart!

    It is driving me crazy. I hope that when I move up to the 20 mg on Saturday it will go away!!! I don’t know how much more of this I can take! At first it was just the zaps as a feeling but now I’m actually starting to hear am them loud at times, and see the flash if that makes sense. I had them once before in the pass when I ran out of Effexor but they were not this bad, only a couple an hour probably.

    The zaps doesn’t hurt me just drives me crazy because I can hardly function. I can’t not take my meds whereas, I’m bipolar and also sufferer from MDD, and PTSD. Just hope I never have to have a med change again if I ever make it through this!!! So glad I’m not alone in this! I really thought I was losing my mind…

    Reply
  27. Im finding that exercise (very hard to do with the jolting sensations) Omega-3’s, B12, normalizing blood sugar, and pleasurable activity – minimize them. Restore homeostasis (body balance) by any means possible.

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  28. It feels like electrical shocks going through the body, not my brain. Especially when I move or turn. In the chest, face, hands, heart, body. Electric pulses in the hands, numbing in the hands and face, electric pulses in the body. But all in short, split second shocks. Uncomfortable. Happen to be coming off of citalopram, thought I tapered enough. But also felt these short term in years prior to this. Anxiety may be a trigger. Just read this and took fish oil pill and B complex sublingual vitamins, will see. Thank you, good wishes to everyone.

    Reply
  29. I began having “brain zaps” ( I called them head zots) several years ago, following a bronchial infection for which I was treated with an OTC cough medicine and an antibiotic. I have never taken an antidepressant. At the same time I had been moving and carried some heavy boxes up a flight of stairs. I sought chiropractic treatment and, interestingly, it stopped the brain zaps. Occasionally, they return, but cease again when I resume the chiropractic treatments, so feel I may have damaged some nerves when lifting the heavy boxes.

    Reply
  30. I’m trying to come off Effexor XR 75mg dose for almost 6 years. I’m doing the tapering method by tediously counting beads. I’m down to 58mg and don’t consider myself very successful at it. I feel dreadful most days, and the vertigo and brain zaps are the worst of all the other side effects. I wish I’d never gone on this dreadful drug. No one warned me or even made any mention of how difficult it would be to come off.

    Reply
  31. Thank you so much for this article. I went off Zoloft 100 mg cold turkey after 22 years. I have had all of the symptoms discussed here, all pretty mild, and am looking for relief before my vacation ends next week. Omega III oils and B12 are definitely something I will try. I don’t want to ever take psychotropic drugs of any kind ever again.

    Even given the mild nature of my symptoms, if I had known about them before starting Zoloft, I would not have started taking it. I wasn’t seriously depressed or anxious. It’s not worth it. A word of advice: Think twice and explore other options before taking anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications. I can’t wait to be completely rid of them.

    Reply
  32. Thanks goodness these Zaps are not permanent. I’m a week into Citalopram withdrawal and the Zaps have been horrible today, especially when moving my head. I forced myself to go to an exercise class which really helped. Didn’t notice them whilst working out and they have really subsided this evening. I have got a headache mind ??

    Reply
  33. I have been dealing with “Brain Zaps” for the last several weeks. After reading these articles I’m convinced it’s because I’m under a lot of pressure and anxiety. Four years ago I had seizures and was put on anti seizure medication, I also take zoloft. I have had the brain zaps off and on for probably 20 years. When I mentioned this to my neurologist he had no idea what I talking about. I do take vitamins, and fish oil. Wondering if anti anxiety med might be the answer.

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  34. My brain zaps occurred in ’78, ’90, ’99, and now (along with other weird symptoms). Sometimes I awaken in the night, and in the half second while my brain is ‘switching over’ from sleep, I feel an electric buzz from my brain down my arms and torso – somewhat like an unpleasant adrenaline rush. When it first occurred I was on no drugs whatsoever. First 2 times happened in period after I had sudden cramps and complete emptying of bowels, which left me feeling ‘wiped out’ for months. Some Drs. think I’m crazy, but I’m not!

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  35. What I am experiencing is constant Brain Shock (on-going without interruption). This all started after having Thyroid Surgery in October 2015. The sensation is so severe, I feel as though I’m losing my mind.

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  36. I have these brain zaps whenever I move my eyes as far as a can to the left. It’s not uncomfortable for me as it will stop as soon as I move them slightly back. Sometimes I even enjoy doing it as it feels similar to an orgasm. I have never been on any kind of antidepressant either. I just assumed it was normal for some reason.

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  37. For me, I describe them as an arcing current running across my brain from the right frontal lobe to the left frontal lobe and I feel AND hear the sound of electricity as it “arcs”. It lasts maybe a second or less. I have had these for years…but not often. Maybe a couple times a year. I do not take antidepressants, and I am not a depressed personality. So it is not that. I figure if it was going to kill me I would already be dead. I would, however, like to know why I get them.

    I can have one when I am laying down or standing. It seems to happen when I am not being very active, and I don’t seem to have them when I am communicating with anyone. But I have had them while laying or sitting on the couch watching TV – zzzzzztttt. Over. I am not disabled in any way by it. I don’t go into a trance like state or anything. It just comes and goes for no apparent reason. Does this sound similar to anyone else?

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  38. 6 years on Effexor, finally behind me. Tapered without a bridge for a month. Even having three little white balls a day were working on keeping the brain zaps away. Very strong drug. First two days drug free were exhausting with the brain fog and constant brain zaps, tiredness and irritability. Finally found this post in a moment of desperation.

    Day three not as foggy waking up but straight to the chemist on day 3 for the vitamin B complex much better than just B12, fish oil and liquid iron. Iron is good for dizzy spells and weakness and fatigue. Took three vitamins but only 1 iron. Lots of water, less coffee for the day and a nice ninja drink with coconut water, cucumber, ice, mint and lime. Sat in the sun, enjoyed my children, feel clearer after 30 mins.

    Went through the NYE festivities making sure I loaded up on steak and another dose of Liquid iron. One big glass of wine later. Feeling really good. Brain zap has now diminished to a dull face fuzz feeling. I can move my head sharp to either side and the feeling has left my brain and now my cheeks feeling a little fuzzy but no noise or zap feeling. Totally bearable. Not as tired as the last few nights and not as irritable.

    This evening I even forgot about the zaps as I hadn’t felt it for a few hours. Looking forward to waking up tomorrow even more clearer. Stick with it guys. Each day in is another day behind you. Tomorrow I will have 1 iron for the day, three fish oil and 2 B-complex. Keep that up over the weekend then cease the iron and do 2 of each vitamin. We can do this guys!

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  39. I am about three weeks into withdrawal from Lexapro and Wellbutrin and feel terrible. I’m experiencing the whole list of symptoms. I’m glad to find out the brain zaps will eventually go away. However the zaps have been present even before I stopped taking the meds. I have experienced them for years. Is that “normal”?

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  40. I have been having electrical shock sensations randomly for about a year. I have never been on any of the meds that are said to cause it. My only meds are for high blood pressure. I started getting them after I was physically attacked with my head smashed into the sidewalk numerous times during an attempt to take my life. A few months later I had a blood clot that took about 8 months to clear.

    I developed lingering memory problems (trying to recall simple words I have always known) and have to this day some short term recall problems. I also have these “brain zaps” and dizzy spells that come out of nowhere and for no apparent reason. Can’t get my Dr to take it seriously or check for anything so I just changed Dr’s. Maybe cause for many people ISN’T meds. I’m not on meds that supposedly cause this, so what is happening?

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  41. My wife sent me here. You folks are dead on. I thought it was only me going through these. I’ve been on Cymbalta for 6 years now at high dosages. I’ve come to rely on it to hold down my job and function normally. I don’t know if this works but it’s drastically cut down the frequency of my own brain zaps: I play scrabble on my iPad every evening before bed. That’s it. It seems to work for me and I can feel my brain focusing on the letters and not everything else around me. Try it or find your own way to cope. One day I too will wean myself off. Glad to know I’m not the only one. Great site!

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  42. I thought I had the flu! Or it was the pizza from the bowling alley – ha! I’m 3 days off 15mg of Paxil and have had brain zaps today throughout the day. I was also nauseous all day. I smoked a little marijuana and it helped some, but I should not have had caffeine. I think that’s something that can encourage brain zaps. I’ll try having a small amount tomorrow and no marijuana and see if it helps. I’ll also go on a long walk and hope it helps.

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  43. I have experienced brain zaps from trazodone in the past but more recently have started tapering off of cymbalta. This medication is an awful medication for this and many other withdrawal symptoms. Although I have been tapering slowly the brain zaps are still quite annoying. The moving the eyes from side to side surely does spark one. I hope anyone else who is experiencing these knows that it will pass in time and you are most certainly not alone!

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  44. I have been experiencing a swishing sounds and mild ringing in the ears. I hope it goes away soon, and I will not go on another antidepressant until it does go away. I weaned off of Venlafaxine ER (Effexor XR) 150 mg. I took my last 37.5 mg pill a week ago after a tapering down from my highest dose at 150 mg. After having an unwanted pressure in my ears side-effect over a few weeks, I decided that the med was not worth the side effect of ear pressure.

    To reiterate, I only took 150 mg for 3 weeks, and my total time on Venlafaxine ER was 10 weeks, with the last 3 weeks being 150 mg. I am clean from other meds (I do not take other prescription meds), so there are no other substances that could cause the symptom. Anyway, after weaning off the med completely, I have the swishing sound when moving my eyes and mild ringing (tinnitus).

    It is a swishing sound; usually 3 quick “swish-swish” sounds when moving my eyes. Is this a withdrawal symptom and does it go away? I hope I did not cause life-long mild ringing (tinnitus) and swishing sounds in the ears just from trying and then weaning off this medication! It is interesting that the swishing sounds are more frequent when moving my eyes from side-to-side.

    Reply
    • I’ve been having this ‘swishing sound’ or brain zap for a few months. I’m getting off Prestiq. I was on 50mg once a day. I’m now on 25 once a day. After a couple of weeks, I’m going down to every other day. I am doing this with my doctor.

      I thought this was something only I was having. My ‘zaps’ are usually in the morning and evening. When I get up in the morning they seem to be there every day. I want so much to get rid of them. I hope they will eventually go away once I’m off Pristiq. I would so like to get off these mind altering meds… lamotrigine and pristiq.

      I also take Xanax .05 pretty much just to sleep and have been taking it for over 20 years. It helped me with anxiety attacks at first. I was able to overcome those crippling attacks and kept using the Xanax to give me a good night’s sleep. You are not alone.

      Reply
  45. I have been having brain zaps for months. At first they were scary but now I find them oddly pleasurable. I take antidepressants now for over 20 years and I also take gabapentin and a pain med with a muscle relaxer for DD Disease. I never knew what I was having until tonight. I have been having strange headaches lately during the day and zaps at night. I cant help but admit I was scared I was having pre seizure symptoms.

    I haven’t discussed any of this with my family doc yet but will now. All I can say is learn to relax as the zaps are happening. When you don’t fight them, they don’t last so long, and are as I said earlier, strangely nice. I have suffered with insomnia for 4 years now and when I have a zap I know I am going into a deep sleep finally. – DeeDee

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  46. I get brain zaps if I move my eyes to the left. I also noticed that I get them on the days my eyes cannot focus properly and I am lethargic. I am on Pregabalin but have had them pre-pregabalin. I am starting to get forgetful. I also have involuntary movements.

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  47. I’ve been having moderate to intense brain zaps although I am not discontinuing any medications. I make sure to take my meds at the same time everyday and night to prevent brain zaps, but they still keep coming. Any suggestions?

    Reply
  48. I’ve experienced these brain zaps numerous times and I just thought they were normal withdrawal symptoms from adderall and/or lexapro. Best description I can give is like my brain is skipping as a CD would, coupled with whoosh sounds. Another description could be someone is doing a soft drum roll on my brain.

    Reply
  49. Hi all. Just wanted to add my experience to this discussion. I have been taking citalopram for a few years now. And Adderall for about half that time. I am in my 40s. I graduated from an Ivy League law school, then worked at a firm for a long time. A few years ago, when lots of things were mounting up in the personal life, and it was affecting work, as well, I allowed others to convince me to try an antidepressant. Hence, the citalopram.

    The good news, of course, is that it does in fact seem to muffle the depression – at least for a while. I do think, however, that for me it has felt like just making myself be less bothered by things that SHOULD bother me. And then given my spouse and others even more reason to think I have “issues” and that, if I’m not satisfied with the way things are going, I probably just need a different medicine or dosage or something.

    Anyway, on the issue of brain zaps and withdrawal… I have had several experiences with what seems to be generally described as “brain zaps.” I’m not sure the name zaps is the best description in a name, but the posts here and elsewhere describe a range of experiences under this name. I first started noticing that, if I forgot my daily dose of citalopram, I would wake up the next day with what I have seen a few others describe as “swishy eyes.”

    No jolts or pulses of the brain were apparent, but moving my eyes produced what seemed to be a sound – like I could literally hear my eyes moving. And it was really only when moving them left and right. Not so much up and down. Within the last month or so, I’ve had trouble refilling my prescription (insurance change + mail order = surprise). I was busy at work on a couple of things, and ultimately had two separate one-week periods without citalopram.

    The sensations inside my head have been unbelievably distracting, annoying, troubling, etc. Getting work done and dealing with other people have been impossible. Things still seem closely tied to eye movement a lot of the time. But the fog is heavy, and the pulses/brain flashes are now much more prominent and no longer limited to the initial period after waking up. (Basically, they would be limited before because taking that next day’s pill would end the withdrawal period after only a day.)

    I have fixed the mail order situation and am supposed to have my refill any day now. But honestly, if this is how some people are living several years after even tapered withdrawal, there really should be more control over who prescribes these medications and under what circumstances.

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  50. What a relief to find this site! But sadly I have been off antidepressants for since 2008 & I am still dealing with the electrocution spider webbing feeling that jolts from the top of my head all the way down to my feet. The dizziness is still as strong as ever with the burst each time. I have been woken up out of a deep sleep also. The feeling creates such intense pain that I have had to go to the ER on numerous occasions.

    The drs look at me like I’m nuts & will not help me so, I have to lie to them for help. I get treated with pain meds & nausea meds & this helps. The pain has been so bad at times that I felt I couldn’t take it anymore & contemplated taking my life. But while on the antidepressants the pain got worse & drs started increasing the dose of depressants & every time they did I became unstable, extreme violent behavior & almost lost my family.

    My pain management facility said it was in my head & KEPT increasing the dose. I finally weened myself off of them. I then was discharged from ALL treatment & deemed Looney when in actuality none of my 7 specialist would help me. They put in the computer system that I was a sociopath & a bad patient all because of their error! So finding this has given me great relief just to know I am not alone. But my symptoms have remained almost the same. It has gotten just a little better from all day long non stop to a few times a day, getting worse at night.

    Though Atarax & Baclofen help. I found fish oil to be pointless, but ADHD meds (Vyvanse) have deemed beneficial with b-12. It doesn’t give a speed effect it actually helps with the constant misfires & migraines! But as of to them stopping, no. I see no light at the end of tunnel & I cannot work due to the severity.

    Reply

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