Outpatient prescription of gabapentin for FDA-approved indications (i.e., partial-onset seizures and postherpetic neuralgia) was less than 1%, and depression and anxiety disorders were the most frequent psychiatric diagnoses among off-label users. 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. However, relevant research data have not proven success of newer antiepileptics. This article presents the negative side effects of gabapentin such as psychotic and depressive symptoms, which occur shortly after its use. The use of gabapentin in mood disorders is discussed through these side effects. 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. 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. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsive medication that received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 and has been available in generic form in the USA since 2004. Gabapentin was originally used as a muscle relaxant and an anti-spasmodic. However, it was later discovered that gabapentin has the potential of an anticonvulsive medication and can be used as an adjunct to more IMS Health data, Gabapentin dispensed prescriptions, in millions[]While it may be legal for medical practitioners to prescribe medications for off-label uses, in the United States it is illegal for manufacturers to market medications for off-label uses, which is one reason why Pfizer was fined $420 million after it was acquired from Warner-Lambert.[] 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 Serenity at Summit offers clients two options when it comes to safely and comfortably detoxifying from prescription drugs. We have prescription detox locations in New Jersey and Massachusetts, where we offer a personalized, compassionate approach. 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. Depression is a serious, yet uncommon, side effect of using gabapentin. It can either cause depression or make existing cases of depression worse. Individuals have a higher risk of developing depression as a side effect if they already have a history of a psychological disorder. Should You Stop Using Gabapentin? Gabapentin has less likely benefit adjunctively for bipolar disorder. 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. Gabapentin can affect mood and may cause depressive symptoms, though this is considered a rare side effect. While it is primarily used to treat seizures and nerve pain, some individuals have reported experiencing feelings of sadness or worsening depression during treatment. In 2019 the FDA issued a warning about the potential risks of respiratory depression in patients taking gabapentin or pregabalin in combination with central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as opioids, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines. 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. According to a 2020 review, about 1 to 10% of people may experience a sense of euphoria when taking gabapentin, which may increase the likelihood of misuse.And data suggest that 40-65% of people
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