I'm just wondering the side effect called brain zaps what do I envision with that? I'm starting this medication tonight for the first time so I'm kind of wondering what I'm in for here. Thanks, Mieke
Viibryd - What are brain zaps?
- Asked
- 29 Aug 2012 by miekevson
- Active
- 18 Feb 2016
- Topics
- side effect, viibryd, medication, brain
Details:
Responses (13)
Anonymous
29 Aug 2012
Hello,
Brain zaps are basically withdrawals they are not possible side effects (possible side effects occur when you start taking a medication, now, you may or may not experience them) which one experinces during discontinuation or dose reduction of antidepressants.
Common withdrawals: electric shock-like feelings, dizziness,
insomnia,sweating, nausea, tremor,vertigo , nightmares, and confusion.
All the best,
maso.-
RonMan
29 Aug 2012
Brain zaps, lightning strikes, or whatever are a sign that you missed a dose. They are a withdrawal symptom. They were not reported while starting the medication and I have never had them unless I missed my dose or took my dose very late in the day two days in a row (I normally take it with breakfast).
As far as how they feel; I have had two types; one feels neat, the other hurts. The neat one starts above both ears and feels like I am shooting lighting out the top of my head or towards the front above my eyes. I feel like I have a super power.
The other feels like a huge pressure in my head followed by a 'bolt of lighting just hit me' feeling. Not fun at all.
If you are just starting, pick a time when you eat regularly and take Viibryd at that time everyday and you should have not problems at all.
For me the stuff is made of magic. I hope it works for you.
RonMan
Tinker1962
1 Nov 2013
Ronman thank you! That explains it! I went too long in between doses! I also take addreall 20mg 2'x's daily will that be a problem?
RonMan
1 Nov 2013
Due a complication with another medication, 10 mg of Adderall has been added to my regiment in the morning. You should not have any problems.
Glad I could help.
RonMan
karendenise
3 Sep 2012
For me, the sensation was very different. It felt like my ears were on fire - not on the outside but deep within the ear canals. It is almost as if both my ears have become plugged at the same time. It does not hurt, it's just an odd sensation. It lasts maybe a minute or less, but it does make it difficult to hear while it is happening. With both ears "plugged" it gives a floaty type feeling. I hope this helps.
Danyalson
12 Jul 2014
I wouldn't call that a brain zap. I have been on Viibryd for a few months and have 'brain zaps' as well as the symptom you've mentioned. The one you're talking about muffles everything. It also makes it difficult to tell what direction a sound is coming from. This is also accompanied by ringing in the ears.
A brain zap is literally what it sounds like. If you could imagine having one of those shocking ring prank toys implanted in your head that sent out a 1-2 second jolt on occasion then that's what a brain zap feels like.
ctgal
3 Sep 2012
I am so sorry for all that have this side effect. Sounds awful. I must report that I had brutal headaches when I first began it. But they have stopped after about a month of being on it. I am still bruising and craving sweets, but I am careful about eating and have not gained weight. And, the best of all, my depression is essentially gone. So hang in there. Side effects do subside.
jordynn3
18 Feb 2016
I am sorry too for the awful side effects as well but I've been on this medication for 6 or 7 years it does help me with depression but what you said about the craving for sweets I do have that but I sleep fine I do take a lorazepam I milligram at night and I sleep fine I do have a small headache some mornings
bleuski
9 Nov 2012
I can tell you first hand what a brain zap is because I got them when I took Viibryd. It did not happen if I missed a dose or as a withdrawal symptom, as some have suggested. It was a side effect that happened randomly while I was taking this medication.
It happened when I was laying down. I would feel dizzy and then it would feel like a small electric shock in my head. It made me jump. It did not hurts but made me feel very uncomfortable and uneasy about laying down.
I am getting off Viibryd now because there are too many side effects and I am not OK with the "brain zaps." The withdrawal, even though I've been slowly getting off it for two weeks now, has been uncomfortable. I stopped taking it completely two days ago and have since been dizzy throughout my entire day.
I've been on a number of anti-depressants and this one is by far the worst. I'm going back to Wellbutrin now which has worked the best for me so far.
Good luck to others who are trying viibryd. However, I would NOT recommend it to anyone.
novadrumz
18 May 2013
I had the same experience. Brain zaps can absolutely be a side effect. This medication did not help my depression and actually made my anxiety much worse. I had a hard time sleeping as well. I'm back on lexapro and feel great.
Canary15
13 Oct 2013
Yes exactly, this type of electrical shock sensation in the brain is NOT a withdrawal symptom, as if we have missed a dose and are suffering the consequences. It's super irritating to be told 'well you missed a dose, that's why you suffer that'. That's ignorance speaking. Sorry but if you don't have the side effect, don't tell others it's simply because we've missed a dose. I know the difference. And I've NEVER missed a dose, as I know very well what withdrawal feels like.
aaron1012
17 Dec 2012
I have been taking Viibryd for several months now, at 20 mg dosage (never went up to 40 mg). I only experience the brain zaps when I am falling asleep, and in my case it seems related to missing a dose, or not taking it at the same time each day. My experience is similar to what others have described. As I'm drifting off, the ringing in my ears (I have chronic tinnitus) grows louder, and just as I start to lose consciousness, in an instant the ringing goes thru the roof and I feel like my brain gets a huge electric shock that makes me literally jump in bed. In addition to the nighttime zaps I usually also get a dizzy/out-of-it feeling during the daytime; my ears ring loudly and I experience a lot of "drop-outs" where it feels like I lose consciousness for a split second. I've never experienced the zaps during the daytime, that would be very scary.
aaron1012
11 Apr 2013
Update: The brain zaps and drop-outs continued, and worse, my sexual function declined to almost nothing. I was also taking Pristiq and Wellbutrin at the same time. I've since decided to get off of Viibryd and SSRIs altogether. I weaned myself off of Viibryd first, then Pristiq and am currently only taking Wellbutrin XL at half dosage (150mg, half of a 300mg pill). I am not having brain zaps anymore, just the drop-outs which are like mini-brain zaps without the strong shock sensation. I also have nausea and headaches which unfortunately are strong enough to negatively affect my work productivity. I have been halving the dosages once a week down to a quarter dose, followed by complete discontinuation. I should be done with the Wellbutrin in another couple of weeks. A coworker of mine recommended acupuncture for depression treatment and I am planning to see a licensed acupuncturist for that soon. Stay tuned.
novadrumz
21 Apr 2013
I'm so relieved to hear others have experienced this odd sensation. I've switched from lexapro to viibryd for slightly increased depression and anxiety and am up to 40mg a day. Usually at night when lying down I get this mild to moderate electric zap feeling in my head that sometimes radiates to my arms. In only lasts a second but can actually cause by body to jump a bit. I've also had trouble sleeping and have some jitters. I don't even see on viibryds website that it treats anxiety so I'm questioning my doctors decision to treat me with this med. I think ill go back to lexa pro. Good luck everybody!
Hulagrldncr
6 Mar 2014
I am so glad to find this forum. I have been taking Viibryd for 4 weeks now. I have worked up to the 40 mg. The only side effect I have had is the "brain zaps". I tried describing them to my husband... the only way I could is by relating it to the feeling you get in your ears when you yawn really deep (kind of an echo-y sensation) times 100. It hits me when I am laying down ready to fall asleep. Sometimes it just a wave starting between my ears going down my arms, other times it actually shakes my body (I almost dropped my cell phone with the last one). As for the other side effects I have had none of them. My sex drive hasn't decreased, I haven't had any of the nightmares or sleeplessness. It has greatly improved my depression, I have an appointment with my doctor next week and will discuss these brain zaps.
lennongurl
6 Mar 2014
Good luck to you! Viibryd can be a great medication but the side effects can be horrible to some people. Not all. Brain zaps are pretty scary and annoying. It's a normal side effect of Viibryd. You are still early into the medication to tell if you will have anymore side effects. Mine didn't get bad until three months in. But don't let that discourage you as I said it can be a great anitdepressant. Not everyone gets the side effects or gets all of them like me. lol My dr calls me the side effect queen, if there's a side effect to a medicine I'll get it. :) Best of luck to you. And no, the brain zaps aren't a precursor to seizures.
Hulagrldncr
6 Mar 2014
Thank you lennongirl
I am kind of discouraged because I am the opposite of you... I usually don't have any side effects to medications (or only very mild ones). Hopefully these won't get any worse and more won't occur later.
1toomany
29 Apr 2014
Just came across this forum and I'm glad I did. I've been on viibryd for over a month now and I can't handle the side effects any longer, I'm going off it. It did work great to relieve my depression symptoms, but the side effects have now increased my depression and anxiety. The brain zaps are bad, actually I feel it through my body, jerks me awake. After reading the other posts, I realize I'm the only one here that the sensations go further than the zaps. Hard to explain, after the zaps, there is like a "smothering feeling" that I just have to force myself awake, to get this feeling off of me. I feel like I'm sitting up calling for help, or maybe I'm really doing it, I don't know, sort of an out of body feeling, never, never happen before and I've been on many different types of depression and anxiety. medications for almost 20 yrs now. Also, after I take it and before I go to bed, I feel the head pressures and dizziness.
Houdinis girl
3 May 2014
1toomany, I can't tell you how validating it was to read your comment. I have experienced the same brain zaps as all the others. It only happens at night as I'm trying to fall asleep, but add to that the fact that I simply can't fall asleep like I used to. The zaps are very startling. They feel scary, but many of them jerk me back to complete alertness. What really struck me was your description of the smothering feeling that you have to struggle to wake up from. I just started having those a few nights ago. It's hard to describe the fact that I'm totally aware that I'm not completely asleep, I can feel my husband next to me, I know I'm hugging my pillow, I try to cry out for help or make a noise that will get his attention, but I can't move. I feel completely frozen.
1toomany
4 May 2014
Houdinis girl, I just read your reply and Im not sure if you will see this comment, so I sent a friend request. Reading your experience gave me chills. Its horrible that we are going through this. Im in the process of weaning off viibryd. So far no bad experiences with falling asleep. Bad part, my depression is at its worst. I cant handle anything. My doctor isnt available until another 2 days. I just want to hide, I cant seem to say or doing anthing right. Good luck to you. Im glad you posted. Validation always does help.
mclaughlinbryanj
4 Dec 2014
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but for me, I had brain zaps while taking Paxil, and then later while taking Celexa. While they were worse upon the cessation of the aforementioned drugs, I had them while taking the drugs. Later in life I had to take a narcotic based pain medication and I experienced the zaps upon the cessation of those drugs as well. As far as the SSRI's, I still require an antidepressant, so I switched to Elavil, 25mgs in the morning and 50mgs in the evening and for me it works wonders! I have far greater success in managing my anxiety then when I was on SSRI's. The SSRI's also worsened my anxiety issues and I had far more panic attacks with the SSRI's compared to the Elavil. It's been years since I was on SSRI's, & the brain zaps were literally debilitating. I still get them sometimes, and they're still debilitating. It's as if there is electricity bouncing around my skull. It actually hurts sometimes.
Momndadrnuts
7 Jan 2015
Does anyone know if these brain zaps cause damage? My "zaps" feel more like an area of my brain momentarily fall asleep. it feels numb. Also sometimes I feel like I have water in my ears when there is no possible way that is true. I feel unbalanced for a minute or so and pressure in my head. I am not sure if these are side effects or if I take a dose later than normal. I need to start documenting so I can know for sure. I am just freaked out by these things. Thanks in advance for comments or experiences!
dasweetboo
4 Feb 2015
Everyone needs to look at a diagram of how SSRI's work. Basically there are two two brain cells communicating with each other by one sending "feel good" chemicals such as serotonin and norepinephren to the other cell. Depression happens when enough of these chemicals don't make their way across the the bridge (synapse). SRRI's work by getting more serotonin across that bridge. Sometimes the electrically charged serotonin transmitters get stuck in that bridge and when enough of them build up... zap! You get overloaded with an electrically charged hit of serotonin. Large enough of a hit to feel in your brain and sometimes, in my case, all over your body. That's my dads theory. He's been a diagnostician for over 40 years and I thinks its as good of an explanation we're going to get. I'm sorry if I offend anyone with this. I'm just excited and wanted to share. Good luck everyone.
jordynn3
18 Feb 2016
Thank you dasweetboo that's sound like a perfect explanation
dasweetboo
4 Feb 2015
Omg, I've told two different doctors bout the "brain zaps". I was calling them " shocks" because that's what it felt like to me. I'm bi-polar and I'm on 80mg, which I feel is a little too high of a dose but I was a major downer bi -polar. The brain zaps started a couple months after I started taking it. It makes me nauseous if I take it without food so I take it at night after dinner. I've never missed a does and I've never changed my dose. One night laying in bed trying to go to sleep I felt a little funny and then ZAP! Lasted 1-2 seconds then went away. I had them several times each night I was laying down or watching TV right before getting into bed. I was scared out of my mind. I tried talking to my husband and he thought I was just over stressed and over tired. I knew this was something else. I love the medication. I feel amazing on it. Now I'm starting to get diarrhea and dry mouth that I cannot get rid of.
tamodio
6 Jan 2016
I only have brain zaps if I forget to take Vibryyd. The first time it happened I was going to sleep and it sounded like a large bug was flying into my face. After I realized what was happening I can describe it like this : It is a loud sound in your ears that lasts just a millisecond. You're whole body will tense up for that millisecond and it is scary. Just take your medicine on time every day and you will be okay.
George mc Guire
18 Feb 2016
What causes rapid feeling like explosion or a puff in my ears I have mild Tinnitus I am coming off sertraline tablets at present since October . I have been on these tablets for three years My head
also experiences this at times.It is like a quick air feeling comes twice rapid then goes away and
comes back at different times.what is the cause of this I have explained this as.best I can
Further Information
- Viibryd Information for Consumers
- Viibryd Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Viibryd (detailed)
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
Similar Questions
Viibryd - what dosage are ppl taking that have nightmares and "brain zaps"?
Posted 11 Dec 2012 • 6 answers
Viibryd - Brain zaps triggered by sudden anger?
Posted 16 Mar 2014 • 1 answer
Can someone help with weaning off Lamotrigine?
Posted 30 Oct 2014 • 1 answer
BuSpar - brain zaps?
Posted 21 Apr 2015 • 1 answer
I've been takeing mirtazapine for about 9 months 30mg off and on for 9months want to stop?
Posted 3 Nov 2015 • 2 answers
Umn... I know this comment is a year old, but since it's the first here, I must correct it. While "brain zaps" are common in SSRI withdrawal, they are ABSOLUTELY a side effect of Viibryd. In fact, they seem to be relatively common with this medication and I experience them myself. kthx
In addition, this medication is helpful enough that I endure said brain zaps on a pretty consistent basis. I've been on this medication for nearly a year and, while they are less frequent, I still experience them on a fairly regular basis... especially if I am tired.
Bless you brokencurio. I could kiss you even! Lol. I've been freaking out about these weird feelings I've had, the electric shock, dizziness etc. Happens a lot, especially when I'm tired! Good to know it's from these awful antidepressants. Buh bye viibryd. I can't get into the doc anytime soon so I will be weaning myself off immediately!
Brain Zaps are absolutely a side effect of Viibryd, not just a withdrawal symptom. I have suffered withdrawal brain zaps in the past, and I very well know the difference. Not that there is a big difference between the two, but that I know what I'm talking about, as I have suffered with both.
Expand...
I started Viibryd about 6 or 8 weeks ago, and I have had hallucinations, sleep paralysis, nightmares, and most definitely brain zaps. They are a very strong jolt of electricity that goes through my brain, and causes my body to jerk violently. This only occurs at night, only when my eyes are closed and I'm tired, and only after I take my viibryd pill. I am on 10 mg. I used to be on Cymbalta, but the sexual libido was completely gone. It's so much better on viibryd, and my husband and I are very much enjoying the restoration. But the brain zaps, hallucinations, nightmares and sleep paralysis are a huge problem. The thing is I traded one thing for another. I have to put up with these side effects in order to enjoy a healthy sex life with my husband.
I'm here to say, brain zaps are horrific, they are disconcerting and make me feel like a freak, but I put up with them because it's an acceptable trade for me personally.
Canary15, have you tried lexapro? I weaned off the viibryd and then started lexapro. I feel much better. No more brain zaps and dizziness, etc. The only side effect I really have is weird sometimes vivid dreams. But I can surely live with that...
Hi htaylormk
Yes I have tried lexapro in the past. I think I was on it about 2 years, and then switched off of it. I think it had stopped working for me, which is why I went to something else. Although, I've taken and tried so many different bipolar drugs, its hard to remember all of them, and when I was on them, for how long, and why I switched off of it. The best thing I remember is that when I switch off a drug, it's because it stopped working for me or the side effects were just too much to handle.
Expand...
My most recent switch off cymbalta onto viibryd was so that I could enjoy a good sex life with my husband. We've been married 18 years, and on the cymbalta for 9 months my libido was just completely gone. With viibryd it's back and better than ever! A trade I've had to make, so far it's worth the bad side effects. Except that the shock sensations are getting worse. I have to try different things to see if I can ease them. For instance making sure I have no alcohol, making sure I've cut out caffeine to just one coffee in the morning, and other ways of being more relaxed when I go to bed at night.
I have brain shocks everyday with Viibryd. If I am a hour late taking the pill the shocks will start. It's annoying! And yes being sleepy makes them worse. Sometimes so bad it keeps me up like right now!!!
Hi Anony!
Many ON Lexapro suffer Brain Zaps! I have for over four years and thought is was form some form of Hyperacousis, out of my ignorance. I have had countless zaps while on both Lexapro and its generic, both 20 mg. Movement causes the zaps. Or, when coughing hard, (cold virus usually). Never had the zaps before going on the ssri. Found out that many others have those zaps while also being on Lexapro, (and with no diagnosis of Hyperacusis to explain them away).
Now, I want to get off the generic for Lexapro, (carefully, for sure!), and replace with serotonin building products: 5-HTP, Tryptophan, St. John's Wart, to to exercise again. I couldn't exercise since taking Lexapro, starting four years ago. Gained 50 pounds too. So far, the brain zaps are not mentioned by people who just take the above products, (no ssri med).
Expand...
I mainly wanted to mention that there are people who get the brain zaps while being ON a ssri. I didn't get them when starting Lexapro. (did get a fire feeling in me for a few minutes at time). I should have known then that it was not agreeing with me. Wish I started the much more safe products as I mentioned. I never had depression. I was taking the ssri for panic disorder. I "almost" would prefer them to the brain zaps that have been in my daily life since getting used to Lexapro. My attacks stopped after 5 days, but after a couple of months, the brain zaps started. My family doc didn't know much if anything about what I was talking about. Kind of agreed with what I thought, (from hypercousis). NOT so. NOW I know! Man! I will try to report back after being weened off Lexapro's generic, and on the 5-HTP, Tryptophan, and St John's Wart.
Thanks for reading! Hope I helped some people who might also be having brain zaps while being ON an ssri. They are not alone! Trust me on that!
Johnny D
(I work in pro audio editing for podcast shows, and do pro studio/home musician session work, and even those times can bring on the zaps, where before Lexapro? Never).
I really need to ask someone who knows what I'm suffering through this question. I was on Viibryd back in March of 2014 and took nearly a 3/4 a month of the start-up plan the doctors start you on (small dose progressing to large dose). When I got into my 3rd week I began having the zaps as a SIDE EFFECT. I told my doctor that I was scared to death of what was happening because I got no sleep and it randomly occurred several times an hour, even while driving. I was taken off the drug and about a month later in April the RANDOM brain zaps went away. However, I now get the same zaps every single time I experience certain emotions. Being startled or surprised throws a zap in my head and also becoming cross or angry. I can't get through a day without being surprised (as most of us can't) it can be something as small as someone saying my name when I wasn't expecting it to something extreme like being poked in the ribs from behind as a joke or something...
Expand...
But I also can't get upset or cross at someone or something without several zaps per minute. Not that I'm an angry person, I just mean... Well you know, on a day to day bases sometimes we all get cross at something or someone. What I need to know is, has anyone else gone through this or is currently going through it? I can't tell this to my psychiatrist, he is and Indian fellow and because of this he's just not getting what I'm saying to him. In fact, he acted really weird toward me when I mentioned the zaps to begin with at all. Since I haven't been on the drug in months I figured most traces of it have left my body but... simply put, I don't want to be like this for the rest of my life. Someone please help me out and talk to me about this, tell me what you know or tell me I'm just plain nuts. I feel like I'm losing my mind.
RockPaperJohnny,
I would have your blood pressure checked. While I was on Viibryd, I had brain zaps in reaction to extreme emotions, for sure. It felt like they were being triggered by a rise in blood pressure, however, and I've felt a very slightly similar sensation when angry and not on Viibryd. So, check your blood pressure...
I am having all of the above, and when you try and tell the doctor about it they dont seem to care, as they are the ones that gave you the antidepressants in the first place... but I drive all day and have a professional job, I find it hard to keep track at the moment, are they going to stop, I have had it for a few weeks now, no meds but feel crap
I'm so glad to see that I am not alone in experiencing these as a side-effect; not withdrawal. I take my Viibryd pills at the same time every day and still get them. At night, they usually turn into exploding head syndrome... like brain zaps, but way louder and brighter. Anyway, I couldn't handle them anymore, so I saw my doc today and he switched me to Brintellix. I asked if I needed to wean off first, and he said no, that since I was taking something else, I would be fine. But I'm not fine. It's 12:30am, and the brain zaps/exploding head won't let me sleep. So I stare at my ceiling to stay awake, all while hallucinating lights and shapes made from tiny lights. Does anyone know if this will stop now that I switched? Should I have weaned myself down and off of Viibryd before starting this new medication?
BRAIN ZAPS!!! I'm so HAPPY they have a name and I'm not crazy!!!
I'll give you the (very) condensed version of my story and why I'm thrilled.
I have Multiple Sclerosis - diagnosed in 1994. I've dealt with weird random electrical feelings on and off for twenty years. I know what they are, I know what causes them, they don't worry me. Brain zaps (thank you for the term, whoever came up with it) are strange, foreign and frightening.
Expand...
My brain zaps occur usually at night, but have happened in the afternoon also. They always happen when I'm tired, and reading bring them on. I read books exclusively on my iPad or my iPhone 6+. (The reason for the electronics over paper books is for control over print size, and because most books are hard for me to hold continuously.) I was blaming the zaps on electronic interference in my brain! When it happens I feel the rush go through my brain, my eyes roll slightly back, and my phone gets flung by a pretty strong arm jerk. (Good to have cell phone insurance!)
I've dealt with sleep paralysis also. I've had bouts of it off and on since I was a teenager in the 1970's, but probably only 10 times in 40 years. I started taking Ambien to deal with sleep problems caused by my MS about 13 years ago. The sleep paralysis increased a couple of years ago, and I was blaming the Ambien. I've been taking Viibryd for about a year, during which time they've become more frequent, and the accompanying nightmares within the paralysis more terrifying. When the paralysis started, there were never nightmares - just a feel that I was stuck between awake and sleeping. I didn't mind that so much. It was just strange, not scary.
Because anytime something weird happens, that weird something gets thrown into the MS bag o'symptoms, and it just gets filed away as one more thing to tell my neurologist on the next visit. It never occurred to me to look at this particular medication as being the cause. I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet, but probably talking to my doctor would be a good start.
Thank you all for sharing your stories. I thrilled that I'm not crazy, and this is probably fixable.
Stay positive, friends -
Sandy
hello. I am 70. my dr took me off 80mg x day paxal for severe depression/ anxiety; and 1.5 mg daily Xanax daily; and 1200 mg gabapentin for bipolar disorder when we met, I had serious brain zaps. are they dangerous? are they small seizures? he put me on and took me off so many drugs since then and put me in hospital twice. he is obcessed with getting me off Xanax. I keep saying, "i'll be dead in ten years. Who cares?!" Anyway, I am so broken now, he is putting me in the hospital for some "phenobarbital cure" What the heck I that. I know it is meant to get me off all benzos. I am off Xanax for 2 months anyway and substituting klonapin, which is useless. But I am so desperately miserable that I agreed. He is not addressing my depression and it is reaching serious perportions. Any help out there?