Really sorry to hear that, @lolita9. Sounds frustrating with the brain zaps and then having to go back on the medication. Hopefully you were able to rest some today.

I hope the behavioral management group is helpful to you. This is a tough journey off Effexor/venlafaxine.

You may recall that @travy, @salela, @linxy, @coloradogirl have also talked about the brain zaps, and they may have some thoughts for going through that path and trying to get off the medication completely. @beconscious, @ontariobonnie, @mell_88, @diane72, @anni and @libbyroo have talked about the same brain zap symptom with tapering off Pristiq/desvenlafaxine, another antidepressant with a lot in common with Effexor/venlafaxine.

Will you let us know how your consult tomorrow goes?

Don't give up hope. I needed a very slow taper because my body is more reactive to all kinds of medications. You might need that too, especially if you tried going off all at once. I hope your appointment goes well. You might discuss with them as well and see if they have advice. My daughter is bipolar and did poorly on SSRIs because they are the wrong meds for her. It was a psychiatric nurse practioner who helped her most, both in providing the support for getting off the wrong meds and onto the right ones.