Comment · Wed, December 5, 2012
Theory regarding brain zaps:
Original post in this thread
Cannibalsnail · 14 points
The other thread triggered some thinking but it's not really relevant to OPs question so I thought I'd pose it here.
Disclaimer: This is not based on any research papers and is merely educated conjecture.
It is common knowledge that SSRI withdrawal induces an unpleasant "zap" effect, often described as a bolt of electricity. Here's a potential theory for it:
1. SSRI drug blocks the transporter proteins (which would normally bring in Cl- ions to lower the resting potential of the cell).
2. Homeostasis causes more transporter proteins to be produced to counteract the drugs effects.
3. The SSRI is discontinued. Nothing is blocking the excessive transporters now. This causes them to bring an excess of Cl- ions into some cells (or less into others). This causes an irregularity in the resting voltage of the cell.
4. Now when the action potential fires the voltage is potentially to high causing too large an electric discharge, potentially activating surrounding neurones.
I'll need to do more research to apply this to excessive MDMA usage or psychedelics but does it sound plausible?
What they were answering
Direct reply to the original post — see the thread post above.
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb
~~Cl-? Chloride?~~
~~I'm sure you mean something else.~~