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 play a significant role in alleviating anxiety symptoms for many patients, making it an intriguing option when looking at treatments. It works by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, promoting a calming effect that can help mitigate feelings of anxiety. Some patients report feeling like they’re on an emotional rollercoaster, complete with unexpected loops and sudden drops. Next up on our tour of gabapentin’s mental funhouse is anxiety and restlessness. It’s like your brain decided to drink a triple espresso and then immediately regretted it. Gabapentin Withdrawal. Where anxiety is strongly associated with gabapentin in adults, is if you discontinue the drug abruptly. In other words, it is considered a potential withdrawal reaction. The prescribing information states this explicitly: "Adverse reactions following the abrupt discontinuation of gabapentin have also been reported. Whether you’re already taking gabapentin for an anxiety disorder or are curious if you might benefit from it, you may be wondering how effective it is, how it works, and if there are side effects. Here we’ll cover everything you need to know about gabapentin for anxiety. What is Gabapentin? Gabapentin may take longer to produce noticeable effects, and its benefits for anxiety may emerge more gradually as the dose is titrated. Both medications share similarities in that they help modulate excitatory neurotransmitters, leading to a calming effect that can alleviate anxiety symptoms. Pregabalin is a molecule with a similar structure to gabapentin (think of pregabalin as a cousin to gabapentin) that has been approved for the treatment of anxiety in Europe. However, it is only used off-label for anxiety disorders in the U.S. The types of anxiety disorder that may respond to gabapentin include: Social anxiety; Seasonal affective disorder; Specific phobia; Pre-operative anxiety; Gabapentin Dosage for Anxiety. In a similar way as antidepressants, gabapentin takes about four weeks to begin reducing the symptoms of anxiety. 11. Anxiety and Panic Attacks. While gabapentin is frequently prescribed by doctors as a treatment for anxiety, it has been reported that it might actually cause further anxiety or panic attacks, especially if the person has a preexisting psychiatric disorder. 12. Violent behavior. Violent behavior is a dangerous side effect of taking gabapentin. Recent research indicates that gabapentin has proven to be an effective treatment for anxiety sufferers. Nevertheless, there are few case reports and no randomized controlled trials regarding this medication’s efficacy in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). For Anxiety "I took 300 mg of gabapentin one time for panic attacks and anxiety. My psychiatrist prescribes this to use when anxious symptoms become severe. After several hours, I do feel that it helped my anxiety briefly, however, I became very drowsy. Once I fell asleep, I slept very well—better than most nights. Advantages of Using Gabapentin for Anxiety. There may be some advantages associated with using Gabapentin for anxiety over other medications. The most notable advantage is that Gabapentin has a different mechanism of action compared to standard first-line treatments of anxiety such as serotonergic antidepressants. It’s like gabapentin sprinkles a bit of zen dust on their anxiety, helping them feel more relaxed and at ease. Some even describe a subtle lift in their mood, as if the medication is gently nudging them towards a more positive outlook. But, as with any medication, it’s not all rainbows and butterflies. Gabapentin is used to treat seizures, nerve pain, and the symptoms of restless legs syndrome. If gabapentin works for you, you may feel relief from these symptoms. Some people may also feel more anxious, irritable, depressed, angry, excited, or reckless when they first start gabapentin. Gabapentin is thought to work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, like gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA helps regulate anxiety and stress responses in the brain, so increasing levels can cause a calming effect, reducing feelings of anxiety and promoting relaxation. I’ve struggled with anxiety for over 7 years. Tried many SSRI’s and SNRI’s and buspar. Minimal help. Supplemented with klonopin (posted this recently as a topic). I just started using 300 mg gabapentin (100 mg in morning and 200 mg) in evening). Seems to be helping. Anyone else using it?
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