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<onlyinclude>
'''Thought loops''' can be described as the experience of becoming trapped within a chain of thoughts, actions and emotions which repeat themselves over and over again in a cyclic loop. They are most likely to occur during states of [[memory suppression]] and the failure of one's short term memory. This suggests that thought loops are the result of cognitive processes becoming unable to sustain themselves for appropriate lengths of time due to a lapse in short term memory, resulting in the thought process attempting to restart from the beginning only to fall short once again in a perpetual cycle.
'''Brain zaps''' can be described as sharp electrical shock sensations which originate within the head or brain and sometimes extend throughout the body. For many people, it feels as though their brain has experienced a sudden series of brief vibrations or jolts of electricity that can cause intense discomfort, disorientation, and distress.


*a sharp shock ran through my spine, making its way down into my chest and through my arms. And it kept on happening.
Brain zaps are most commonly induced under the influence of [[withdrawal]], dose reduction, and discontinuation of antidepressant drugs, including [[selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor|selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors]] (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as [[sertraline]], [[paroxetine]], and [[venlafaxine]]. [[Tramadol]], an [[opioid]] painkiller with SNRI properties, has also been reported to cause brain zaps upon abrupt discontinuation.<ref>{{cite journal | vauthors=((Hosenbocus, S.)), ((Chahal, R.)) | journal=Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry | title=SSRIs and SNRIs: A review of the Discontinuation Syndrome in Children and Adolescents | volume=20 | issue=1 | pages=60–67 | date= February 2011 | url=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3024727/ | issn=1719-8429}}</ref> If caused by antidepressant withdrawal, it is strongly recommended that one [[taper]] or reduce their dose gradually instead of stopping abruptly. This effect has been reported by anecdotal sources to occur in the days after a [[dosage#heavy|heavy]] [[dosage]] of [[MDMA]].
*electrical buzz felt in the head
**The symptoms are described as brief but repeated electric shock-like sensations in the brain and head, or originating in the brain but extending to other parts of the body. Sometimes moving of one's eyes quickly from side to side has been shown to trigger brain zaps. Sometimes brain zaps are accompanied by disorientation, tinnitus, vertigo and lightheadedness.<ref>Fireworks or brain zaps? | Psychology Today | https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/creativity-way-life/201107/fireworks-or-brain-zaps</ref>


This component can be extremely disorientating and often triggers states of progressive [[anxiety]] within the people who may be unfamiliar with the experience. The most effective way to end a cycle of thought loops is to simply sit down and try to let go.
Remedies to lessen the intensity or frequency of induced brain zaps include hydration (drinking enough water), supplementing for possible nutrient, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, getting adequate amounts of sleep, rest and stress relief.{{citation needed}}


Additionally, several compounds and nutrients have been reported to possibly provide temporary relief from this affliction, although scientific literature supporting this claim is sparse.{{citation needed}} The list includes:
* Magnesium
* Fish Oil (Omega 3)
* [[Melatonin]]
* [[5-HTP]] (5-HTP might paradoxically increase brain zaps, this substance should be taken with consideration)
* [[L-Tryptophan]]
* [[GABA]]
* [[Agmatine]]
* Spirulina
* B-Vitamin Complex, but without Vitamin B12
* [[Diphenhydramine]]
* [[Huperzine A]]
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===Psychoactive substances===
===Psychoactive substances===
Compounds within our [[psychoactive substance index]] which may cause this effect include:
Compounds within our [[psychoactive substance index]] which may cause this effect include:  
{{#ask:[[Category:Psychoactive substance]][[Effect::Brainzaps]]|format=ul|Columns=2}}
{{#ask:[[Category:Psychoactive substance]][[Effect::Brain zaps]]|format=ul|Columns=1}}
 
===Experience reports===
===Experience reports===
Anecdotal reports which describe this effect within our [[experience index]] include:
Annectdotal reports which describe this effect with our [[experience index]] include:
{{#ask:[[Category:Experience]][[Effect::Brain zaps]]|format=ul|Columns=2}}
{{#ask:[[Category:Experience]][[Effect::Brain zaps]]|format=ul|Columns=2}}
===See also===
===See also===
*[[Responsible use]]
*[[Responsible use]]
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*[[Dissociatives#Subjective_effects|Dissociatives - Subjective effects]]
*[[Dissociatives#Subjective_effects|Dissociatives - Subjective effects]]
*[[Deliriants#Subjective_effects|Deliriants - Subjective effects]]
*[[Deliriants#Subjective_effects|Deliriants - Subjective effects]]
[[Category:Cognitive]] [[Category:Novel]] [[Category:Effect]]
===External links===
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antidepressant_discontinuation_syndrome Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (Wikipedia)]
===References===
<references/>
[[Category:Physical]][[Category:Uncomfortable]][[Category:Cerebrovascular]][[Category:Effect]]

Latest revision as of 05:09, 4 June 2022

Brain zaps can be described as sharp electrical shock sensations which originate within the head or brain and sometimes extend throughout the body. For many people, it feels as though their brain has experienced a sudden series of brief vibrations or jolts of electricity that can cause intense discomfort, disorientation, and distress.

Brain zaps are most commonly induced under the influence of withdrawal, dose reduction, and discontinuation of antidepressant drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as sertraline, paroxetine, and venlafaxine. Tramadol, an opioid painkiller with SNRI properties, has also been reported to cause brain zaps upon abrupt discontinuation.[1] If caused by antidepressant withdrawal, it is strongly recommended that one taper or reduce their dose gradually instead of stopping abruptly. This effect has been reported by anecdotal sources to occur in the days after a heavy dosage of MDMA.

Remedies to lessen the intensity or frequency of induced brain zaps include hydration (drinking enough water), supplementing for possible nutrient, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, getting adequate amounts of sleep, rest and stress relief.[citation needed]

Additionally, several compounds and nutrients have been reported to possibly provide temporary relief from this affliction, although scientific literature supporting this claim is sparse.[citation needed] The list includes:

Psychoactive substances

Compounds within our psychoactive substance index which may cause this effect include:

Experience reports

Annectdotal reports which describe this effect with our experience index include:

See also

References

  1. ↑ Hosenbocus, S., Chahal, R. (February 2011). "SSRIs and SNRIs: A review of the Discontinuation Syndrome in Children and Adolescents". Journal of the Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. 20 (1): 60–67. ISSN 1719-8429. 
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