Brain zaps/ brain shivers?

[Heatherj89]

Ok. So I know this is a thing (brain zaps). I get them mainly when I’m waking up from sleeping. Do you guys get them and what are they like for you? I have had them on and off ever since I was on Effexor (this was probably about 1-1.5 years ago). I had never had them before starting antidepressants and then going off of them. (Yes I tapered). I have noticed that many different over the counter meds can cause them for me now. Crazy right? I have been taking Benadryl at night for my ears/ and allergies. If I stop it for a few nights I get these darn brain zaps in the morning. It’s like anything that is a sedative can cause them for me if I stop taking it. I’m not going on a long term banadryl kick so I’ll just have to wait it out. Anyone else had them from non anti depressants?! Geez I feel like I’m the only one. I feel like my brain isn’t the same after Antidepressants! 😳

[Jeff1943]

Heather, I haven't had brain zaps myself but I've read of several others on this forum over the months mentioning them so you're in good company.

As a symptom of anxiety I think it should be dealt with the same way all other symptoms of anxiety: accept it for the time being, don't stress about it, don't attach much importance to it, accept them calmly and without fear because anxiety feeds on fear, don't analyse them too much relating them to various meds just accept them. And when you no longer care about the brain zaps they will depart, they will have died of neglect and you will have recovered.

[mags78]

Yes! I had them. Every time i tried to wean myself off antidepressants they came back and as a result im still in the meds 😕 I read about the topic a lot, lots of people have them. For some they pass quickly, for others last for months. Mine felt like brief, tickling, buzzing temporary loss of awareness. Lasting maybe a milisecond. Worse when i moved my head suddenly. Hope they will pass for you soon. M