Brain zaps

Brain zaps can be described as sharp electrical shock sensations in the head and brain which sometimes originate in the head and extend throughout the body. For many, it feels as though one's brain has experienced a sudden brief but repeated vibration or jolt of electricity as if one was electrocuted.

This effect can be caused by the withdrawal, dose reduction, or discontinuation of antidepressant drugs, including selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as zoloft, paxil, and venlafaxine. It can also be caused by MDMA use and the experience may sometimes last for days at a time. If caused by antidepressant withdrawal, it is strongly recommended that one taper or reduce their dose gradually instead of stopping abruptly.

Lipids such as Fish oil may be able to provide temporary relief from this affliction.

Psychoactive substances

Compounds within our psychoactive substance index which may cause this effect include:

• SSRIs
• SNRIs

• 3,4-CTMP
• 4-AcO-DMT
• 4-AcO-MET
• 4-FA
• 4-HO-MET
• 6-APB
• 6-APDB
• MDA
• MDEA
• MDMA
• Psilocin
• Psilocybin mushrooms
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
• THJ-018

See also

• Responsible use
• Subjective effects index
• Psychedelics - Subjective effects
• Dissociatives - Subjective effects
• Deliriants - Subjective effects