Brain Zaps after step down

So typical of many docs today... "I did what you asked for. Now, get out of here. "NEXT PATIENT!". Sounds like some sort of neurological issue. Have you seen a good neurologist who will not kick you to the curb when what they did waasn't enough? You need someone who will stay by your side or refer you to someone they know. I wish you well on your search. Don't give up.. Someone is out there who can help you.

I have not thought about seeing a neurologist. In my research doctors really don’t have a clear understanding of brain zaps. I have been patient with these zaps knowing full well the neurotransmitters in the brain will hold on tight to the chemical they so desperately want. Oh, ha, P.S I forgot to mention in my original post that since the step down I have serious brain fog. I thought the brain fog was from turning 70 until I put two and two together. Thank you for your reply and support.

My doctor told me the same thing--that my symptoms two months after stopping the drug could not be related to withdrawal. My research shows otherwise; that withdrawal effects can last as long as 2-3 years. I just finished reading "May Cause Side Effects" by Brooke Siem (available online through library website), and she points out that research into antidepressant withdrawal has only occurred within the last eight years! Knowing how incredibly difficult it is to wean oneself off such drugs should mean that prescriptions be given as a last resort--and never for an off-label use like hot flashes. As bad as my hot flashes are, being addicted to Effexor for umpteen years is worse. For now, I am back on the low dose (37.5), because I couldn't face two years of extreme anxiety, no appetite, little sleep, etc.

Internists, general practitioners and the like are so willing to prescription medication, but leave you holding the bag once the step down is done. Disappointing in our case. I, like you may returned to a low dose antidepressant. I have no other side effects, well for massive brain fog. Thank you for sharing your story. I only wish you the best.

I agree 100%. Internal Med Docs are just not trained in that area. Mine put me on Effexor 150 mg XR 15 years ago. Told me to cut to 75mgXR in one swoop. OK for 2 days then the Brain Zaps hit so hard I couldn't function.
So went back to 150XR. Doc won't discuss it now. I will consult a Neurologist.

Here is another helpful article about how to decrease the dosage to successfully taper off an antidepressant--thanks to a psychiatrist who was an antidepressant user/patient and went through the experience himself. https://www.madinamerica.com/2019/03/peer-support-groups-right-official-guidelines-wrong-dr-mark-horowitz-tapering-off-antidepressants/

@amc8: Many years ago I had intense brain zaps when I gradually reduced my Cymbalta dosage; a pharmacist recommended that I take an OTC motion-sickness med, Bonine (generic = meclizine HCL). He thought it would be better than Dramamine (generic = dimenhydrinate), given my symptoms, and my recollection is that it helped somewhat.

I can't remember how long I had the zaps after I'd stopped the Rx altogether, but I can tell you that my recent chemo lingered for about 3 months after the final infusion. (Not at all the same thing, I know, but the point is that anti-deps. and chemo are powerful chemicals, and it stands to reason that powerful chemicals will take a long time to clear the system 100%.)

A prescription motion-sickness med such as scopolamine might help, too. Good luck.

I used some supplements recommended by Dr Weil in his book Spontaneous Happiness during my weaning process. I didn’t have any brain zaps. Some of the supplements are recommended to not take while on an SSRI or the other type (I forget the exact initials), but since you are off them, it shouldn’t be a problem.

What supplements did you take. Thanks. I did Omega’s and B complex. Still had brain zaps.

I'm a big fan of Dr. Weil's work. In case folks don't know, his website offers an enormous amt of useful info for free.