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?
Question posted by miekevson on 29 Aug 2012
Last updated on 24 October 2024
20 Answers Page 2
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.
LillyRose23
4 Oct 2014
Hi bleuski, I'm on Wellbutrin, and it's working great for me too. And I really don't want to change as I've tried many anti-depressants that didn't work for me. Actually, if anything they made me feel worse not better. I'm still experiencing brain zaps with Wellbutrin, not while I'm laying down, but as soon as I get up. I see your post was in 2012, so anyway please you can tell me if you still experience the zaps with Wellbutrin. I can put up with the discomfort as it's trivial for me compared with fatigue and depression resulting from fiibromyalgia. I'm more concerned about the reason of the zaps. Don't want to end up with brain tumor or something like that!
KT1977
17 Dec 2014
Hello everyone, I've never been on Viibryd but, I've taken other antidepressants including Zoloft, Prozac and some antianxiety medications and I am still experiencing brain zaps. As with many of you, they are worse when I lay down but, due to my neckand back problems that's the position I get the most relief from.
I also take Gabapentin 800 mg and Topiramate 100 mg. I have been taking these medicines for about 7 years. I wonder if the longevity of these medicines also have anything to do with the brain zaps. Does anyone know?
CJ7777
28 Dec 2014
I am surfing the web too, looking for answers as to why I am experiencing, as everyone calls them "Brain zaps".
This started several months ago and on occasion It happens just as I am about to fall asleep and yes it makes me jump and is very scary. I am not or have never been on any medication. I haven't heard good things on wellibutrin. I do also experience ringing in the ears, this I've had a few years now. Haven't wanted to mention the electric shock to my doctor as I thought she may think I was crazy. I am very healthy and maybe go to the Doctors once a year. I did quit smoking 2 years ago on willpower alone, yes it was hell for 5 months. I just created this account with empathy for everyone here.. So is it the meds... Planning now to make an appt to see my physician
JodiR
29 March 2015
I have been taking Viibryd for about 4 weeks now and just increased to the 40mg dose. I just started experiencing the "brain zaps" yesterday and I have NOT ever missed a dose. Instead of an electric shock type feeling, to me, it's more like a little explosion of light. It only happens when I lay down and I'm not quite asleep. It makes me jump each time, but no pain... just a bright flash of light. Very strange. Viibryd has helped me tremedously just in the short time I've taken it, but I will be telling my Dr. tomorrow morning about this side effect.
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
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 July 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.
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
Tinker1962
1 Nov 2013
Thank you!
Inactive
29 Aug 2012
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.-
brokencurio
18 July 2013
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
brokencurio
18 July 2013
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.
htaylormk
19 July 2013
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!
Canary15
13 Oct 2013
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.
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.
htaylormk
13 Oct 2013
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...
Canary15
13 Oct 2013
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.
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.
Kymberly0605
28 June 2014
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!!!
JohnnyDMusic
7 Aug 2014
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).
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).
RockPaperJonny
9 Sep 2014
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...
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.
brokencurio
9 Sep 2014
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...
youngie
5 Oct 2014
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
Gnerd
29 Oct 2014
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?
slsherlockholmes
1 Dec 2014
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.
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
sandpile
24 Dec 2015
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?
Viking Goddess
17 Oct 2016
I have been on Viibyrd 10, 20 and now 40mg for just over 2 years. For over a year I have been researching sleep paralysis and night terrors with no prevail and even consulted a medium due to the content of my terrors appearing as "Earthy Spirits". The brain zaps are wild, my body moves, my hair moves, i'll feel a breeze and I have even been smacked in the face during a zap. The dreams are crazy! They make me feel crazy to talk to others about them! My doctor said that my mind is to busy while I am sleeping, here take 1mg Rexulti to calm your mind along with 1mg Klonopin to calm your body. This is helping now that my Klonopin was upped to 1.5mg before bed. My PCP referred me to a Nuerologist and since I had a new result of an EEG and am now awaiting results of an MRI. Doing all of these things, I am so happy my sister(a nurse) said the term "brain zaps" because that term landed me here.
The terrors have gotten less frequent but still are scary because I am always being suffocated and molested and actually feel being touched. I have had 3 instances(that I know of) of sleep walking after these dreams which is scary as well. So now my terrors and paralysis have lessened but I am now getting brain zaps while at work. This is scary because I work a physical job and operate equipment which puts myself, others and merchandise at risk. I will be speaking with my psycho man at my next appointment, I think I am over medicated on Viibryd 40mg, Wellbutrin XL 350mg, Rexulti 1mg and Klonopin 1.5mg. The struggle is real...
rboo22
22 Oct 2020
Usually this is true, but it is actually a side effects of this med. I withdrew very slowly from my old med. I had very few issues. I waited a couple weeks until that was out of my system completely... Then slowly began viibryd. Each dosage increase, they get worse. I take it at the same time every day. I know it's odd and unusual, but it's not only a withdraw affect.
Related topics
side effect, viibryd, medication, brain
Further information
- Viibryd uses and safety info
- Viibryd prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Viibryd (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.