Neurontin - also known as Gabapentin - is a drug that is sometimes prescribed to those who experience anxiety especially in situations where the anxiety is co-occurring with bipolar disorder. This article explores the usage of Neurontin, as well as the benefits, weaknesses, and side effects for those looking to learn more about this medication Gabapentin has clearer efficacy for alcohol craving and withdrawal symptoms and may have a role in adjunctive treatment of opioid dependence. There is no clear evidence for gabapentin therapy in depression, PTSD prevention, OCD, or other types of substance abuse. Finally, I downloaded the most recently updated US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved product insert for gabapentin, which gained FDA approval in 1993, and its more potent successor, pregabalin, which was approved by the FDA in 2004. 7,8 Both drugs are available in generic formulations, and a 90-day supply of an average dose of either For healthcare professionals. Applies to gabapentin: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release. General adverse events. The most common adverse reactions associated with the use of this drug were dizziness, somnolence, and peripheral edema. Antiseizure medications, including gabapentin, can increase your risk for suicidal thoughts or behavior. This can begin as early as one week after you begin taking gabapentin. If you’re taking gabapentin and you experience any new or worsening depression, or any changes in your behavior, let your prescriber know immediately. Like all medications, gabapentin can cause side effects, both common and rare. Typically mild, but more common gabapentin side effects include: Tiredness. Dizziness. Tremors. Nystagmus (rapid eye movements you can’t control) Fluid buildup. Weight gain. Rare, but potentially serious side effects of gabapentin include: Depression Gabapentin is primarily an anticonvulsant medication, yet its association with psychiatric side effects, including depression, has garnered attention. While classified as serious but uncommon, reports indicate that depression can be exacerbated in individuals with a history of psychological issues. Gabapentin may be effective for treating depression and anxiety, among other things. Although gabapentin was traditionally used to treat seizures, it is now sometimes used as a mood stabilizer for depression and bipolar disorder because it calms neurons in the brain, and it may be effective for anxiety too. Caution should also be exercised when combining gabapentin with other drugs that cause drowsiness. There is an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior associated with gabapentin use. It is important to monitor for changes in mood, behavior, or worsening depression while taking this medication. Gabapentin is usually prescribed at a low dose to start but can be gradually increased as needed. While a psychiatric provider will likely not prescribe gabapentin for anxiety or depression as a first course of action, it may be used alongside other treatments to help improve symptoms. Gabapentin is a nerve pain medication and anticonvulsant that has proven to be effective for people who have hard-to-treat depression or other mood disorders. Drugs such as gabapentin have been linked in rare cases to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. If you take gabapentin, you or your family should tell the doctor about any unusual changes in your mood, such as agitation, violence, aggression, depression, or talking about wanting to hurt yourself. Evidence does not support the use of gabapentin for bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder (MDD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), stimulant use disorder, or opioid withdrawal. Common medications that may interact with gabapentin include: antacids, such as those containing aluminum and magnesium; anti-anxiety medications, such as diazepam, lorazepam, and flunitrazepam; antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, citalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine; antihistamines, such as chlorpheniramine, promethazine If gabapentin is discontinued and/or an alternate anticonvulsant medication is added to the therapy, this should be done gradually over a minimum of 1 week. Monitoring: Monitor for respiratory depression in at-risk patients (patients with respiratory impairment and/or on concomitant CNS depression medications) Prescribe first-line medications: Before prescribing gabapentin, psychiatrists should prioritize the use of evidence-based first-line medications for specific symptoms and conditions. Superior agents exist for managing common issues such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, pain, and mood disorders, and should be considered as primary treatment options.
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