Venlafaxine brain zaps

[Oliv1990]

I’m on venlafaxine have been for 6 weeks ish now. Currently in a bit of a low. But I’m getting the kind of brain zaps and lightheadedness that I used to get when coming off antidepressants and when I’ve missed a dose of venlafaxine (which I think has only been twice). I’ve been taking it daily at the same time of day. Has anyone else had this?

Venlafaxine has a much shorter half-life compared to most other antidepressants, and it is common enough to get brain zaps and lightheadedness a day after missing a dose of it. These and other symptoms (severe headaches, vision problems, trouble with balance, strange vivid dreams) can get worse after two or more days without a dose, so I found it useful to always carry at least one capsule on me, in case I wouldn't be home unexpectedly for whatever reason.

It is very important to discuss coming off venlafaxine with your doctor (if and when you decide to do so), and to taper the dosing down carefully, rather than stopping abruptly. Coming off it can be harder than with SSRIs like fluoxetine, it can be done, it just takes some time and preparation.

I’m not coming off them, and it was days ago that I missed one dose! Have just been taking them as normal, but before this week it’s been fine. Weirdly these brain zaps have coincided with me going into a bit of a depressive episode..