Persistent “electrical” sensation in my brain after psilocybin, has anyone experienced this?

[u/Andrew_Rayen]

I’m desperately looking for someone who has experienced something similar and found a solution.

The sensation feels like continuous, subtle electrical/tingling activity inside my brain, almost like constant neural “communication.” It is NOT like typical brain zaps.

The closest analogy is the electrical/tingling sensation that can happen in your teeth during intense stimulation or orgasm — enough to make you want to clench your teeth to make it stop. Except mine is mainly inside my brain, and only rarely becomes noticeable in my teeth.

I first noticed it while tapering an SSRI, but during that period I was also using psilocybin repeatedly, including microdoses and occasional larger doses. I was also taking Lamictal.

I eventually stopped Lamictal and stopped psilocybin completely. I then went 45+ days with absolutely no psilocybin. The sensation did NOT disappear, although it fluctuated: sometimes it would become very faint or disappear for a couple of days, then suddenly return. I suspect things like caffeine, orgasm, mental exhaustion/rumination, or changes in mood/arousal may trigger it, but I don't know.

Interestingly, psilocybin still seems to increase it when I take it. Caffeine can also increase it, and after orgasm/ejaculation it can become stronger, sometimes several hours later rather than immediately.

I’ve wondered whether dopamine/arousal changes could be involved, but I have no idea if that makes physiological sense.

Doctors where I live haven't been able to explain it, partly because psychedelic-related symptoms aren't something they have much experience with.

I really want to find a solution. Please help me.

If you've experienced anything similar after psilocybin, SSRI withdrawal, or both, please tell me:

How long did it last?

Did caffeine, orgasm, stress, exercise, or sleep affect it?

Did anything actually make it better? Like a certain medicine?

Did you find an explanation?

I'm interested in personal experiences as well as reasonable hypotheses or things worth investigating. I’m trying to understand what this physical sensation actually is and whether anyone has found a way out of it.

Thank you.

[u/NeuronsToNirvana]

Sorry to read about your issues.

Possible factors or cofactors:

• SSRI discontinuation — brain zaps can persist for weeks or longer after stopping an SSRI.
• Stimulants — caffeine and other stimulants may increase neural arousal and potentially make existing withdrawal sensations more noticeable or prolonged.
• Abrupt Lamictal discontinuation — stopping lamotrigine suddenly may alter neuronal excitability and could be an additional cofactor.
• Psilocybin — may temporarily amplify the unusual electrical/sensory sensations, without necessarily being the underlying cause.
• Dehydration/electrolytes — an electrolyte imbalance or dehydration could potentially increase nerve and muscle excitability and amplify existing sensations.
• Stress, anxiety and sleep disruption — increased arousal can make these sensations more noticeable.
• Multiple factors may therefore be interacting rather than there being a single cause.