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 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? Veterinarians commonly prescribe gabapentin to treat pain, seizures, and anxiety in dogs. Gabapentin is a human medication, and its use in veterinary medicine is “off-label,” meaning it is not FDA-approved for pets. Sedation is the main potential side effect of gabapentin, and the level of sleepiness varies from patient to patient. Since gabapentin is a prescription medication, you’ll need to get a prescription from a doctor or psychiatric provider — only after you’ve demonstrated symptoms of anxiety and have been screened for gabapentin allergies. Additionally, you may not be a candidate if you take other medications that have contraindications to gabapentin. Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a medication that’s FDA approved to treat nerve pain from shingles and seizures. However, it’s commonly used off-label for other conditions. Examples include anxiety, diabetic neuropathy, and restless leg syndrome. Some research shows gabapentin works at treating anxiety. 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, including: I found that when I was taking Klonopin for anxiety due to trauma event that has caused long term PTSD, it had a rebound effect each afternoon when it was wearing off. I was finally able to stop that medication after six years. I was started on Neurontin in 1999 for Fibro and once I became intolerant of it moved to Lyrica. Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) is a medicine used to treat partial seizures, nerve pain from shingles and restless leg syndrome. It works on the chemical messengers in your brain and nerves. Gabapentin is from a group of medicines called anticonvulsants. The fact that Gabapentin calms the brain and makes individuals feel less worried while predicting the future is maybe the most essential aspect of using medication for anxiety. It also reduces the need for public avoidance, lowering the danger of panic episodes caused by constant stress. 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). A 2015 systematic review states although the exact mechanism of action of gabapentin in treating psychiatric problems is unknown, research suggests that the drug functions similarly to other anti-anxiety drugs (Trusted Source). During this time, gabapentin was the only medication with repeated dose adjustments, and no other medication changes were temporally correlated with the fluctuating levels of anxiety in this patient. Despite some degree of polypharmacy, the patient's fluctuating anxiety levels were therefore most clearly associated with gabapentin dose changes. For anxiety treatment, gabapentin is typically prescribed at doses ranging from 300 mg to 900 mg per day, depending on individual patient response and tolerance. Pregabalin, given its higher potency, is usually administered at doses between 150 mg and 600 mg per day, divided into two or three doses. 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. Taking gabapentin with other drugs that make you drowsy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before taking opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect gabapentin, especially: naproxen;
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