Use a TVS (Transient voltage suppressor) or "Tranzorb". It acts like a zener but has sharper reverse characterisrics. You could have used e.g. PSOTxx, only that these come in voltages of 8V, 12V or 15V.
Take a look at
http://www.us.st.com/stonline/books/toc/ds/index.htm
and see if...