There is sufficient evidence to consider gabapentin as a third-line treatment for social anxiety disorder and severe panic disorder. Gabapentin is a medication that can be used off-label to treat anxiety. Learn how it works, its benefits, and considerations for taking it for anxiety. In certain cases, withdrawal from gabapentin can also reveal or worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety, placing added stress on individuals who are already vulnerable. Mental health considerations When prescribing gabapentin, it’s critical for healthcare providers to screen for underlying psychiatric conditions. While studies don’t typically show effectiveness for improving symptoms of depression, there is evidence that gabapentin may have some benefit for anxiety disorders. A rat study found that gabapentin produced behavioral changes suggestive of anxiolysis, or feelings of calmness. Although evidence is limited, some studies show gabapentin can help with anxiety symptoms. One 2020 review suggests gabapentin may help with different types of situational anxiety, Gabapentin can have significant effects on mood, including the potential to cause abnormal changes such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. While it is primarily prescribed for conditions like epilepsy and neuropathic pain, its impact on mood should not be underestimated, especially in individuals with preexisting mood disorders. Gabapentin is a medication most often prescribed for nerve pain and some seizure disorders. However, it is also used off-label for other conditions, including the management of anxiety. While it is not a first-line treatment, some individuals may find gabapentin helpful in alleviating anxiety symptoms. If you’re considering gabapentin as treatment Overall, while Gabapentin can be highly beneficial in treating various conditions, it must be used responsibly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional to minimize potential risks and adverse effects. In the context of the question, "can Gabapentin cause depression?", there is no direct evidence linking Gabapentin to depression. Used in conjunction with cognitive behavioral therapy and other prescription antidepressants, gabapentin can be a highly effective tool for managing chronic anxiety. If your provider feels that gabapentin is appropriate for your anxiety treatment, they may prescribe one of the following: Gabapentin can also be prescribed for depression and bipolar disorder [3*] if a patient does not respond to or cannot tolerate antidepressant medications. In addition, it can be used to prevent or mitigate opioid withdrawal [4*] symptoms. This restlessness can be particularly frustrating for patients who are taking gabapentin to manage conditions that already impact their quality of life. But wait, there’s more! Depression and suicidal thoughts can also make an unwelcome appearance. It’s as if gabapentin decided to invite the gloomiest rain cloud to your mental picnic. Gabapentin appears to have some benefit for anxiety disorders but failed to show benefit in bipolar disorder trials. In the individual patient with a mixed psychiatric disorder, benefits are most likely due to anxiolytic effects. Gabapentin isn’t usually used to treat anxiety alone. More often, it’s given to ease anxiety symptoms for someone who also has depression or bipolar disorder. (Anxiety is commonly This is similar to gabapentin dosages used for other conditions. Higher doses are generally divided into three doses a day. Some research indicates that doses of at least 900 mg per day are needed to treat anxiety. Still, we don’t have much research overall to indicate the best gabapentin dosage for anxiety. Can gabapentin be taken at night? Yes. GABA has a calming effect on the brain and impaired functioning of GABA has been linked to various mental health conditions such as panic disorder and depression. It’s important to note that the medication gabapentin isn’t a synthetic or lab-made form of GABA. It works by mimicking GABA.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |