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: While gabapentin and pregabalin can provide relief from anxiety symptoms, they are most effective when used as part of a holistic treatment plan that addresses both the biological and psychological aspects of anxiety. Pharmacotherapy for anxiety disorders in children will be discussed here. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, course, and diagnosis of anxiety disorders in children are discussed separately. Psychotherapy for anxiety disorders in children is also discussed separately. 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 While gabapentin is increasingly being used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), little is known about its effectiveness on GAD symptoms. The patient presented here has a relatively straightforward psychiatric history, with GAD playing a prominent role. Gabapentin may cause drowsiness, which is increased when used with other medicines that cause drowsiness. Any dose change must be guided by your doctor. Gabapentin should be decreased slowly over at least a week. Stopping gabapentin suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, difficulty sleeping, nausea, pain, sweating or seizures). Gabapentin enacarbil available under the trade name Horizant is the only gabapentin product approved for treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS). A daily dose of 1200 mg provided no additional benefit compared with the 600 mg dose, but caused an increase in adverse reactions. Gabapentin is a prescription drug or medication that is FDA-approved to treat nerve pain and seizure disorders. It also has other uses—including treating anxiety disorders—though it has not been FDA-approved to be used for this purpose. Gabapentin may have benefit for some anxiety disorders, although there are no studies for generalized anxiety disorder. 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. The safety and efficacy of gabapentin in children undergoing surgery has been evaluated in several clinical trials. In 2010, Rusy and colleagues conducted a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of gabapentin in 59 children 9 to 18 years of age undergoing spinal fusion.7 Patients were randomized to receive gabapentin G Approved Uses of Gabapentin for Children. Epilepsy (Seizure Disorders): Gabapentin is FDA-approved for treating partial seizures in children ages 3 and older. It can be used as an add-on therapy in children who may need additional control for their seizures. Nerve Pain (Neuropathic Pain): 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). Gabapentin—Neurontin, Gralise, Gralise Starter General Information About Medication Each child and adolescent is different. No one has exac tly the same combination of medical and psychological problems. It is a good idea to talk with the doctor or nurse about the reasons a medicine is being used. It is label add-on trial in 32 children (ages 2-16 years) with refractory partial seizures.4 The children were treated with gabapentin doses of 10 to 50 mg/kg/day, with an average effective dose of 26.7 mg/kg/day. Eleven children (34%) had a 50% or greater reduction in seizure frequency during treatment. Another 4 children had at least a 25% reduction. Conversely, gabapentin is not a first-line treatment for anxiety and may work better for some individuals who have chronic anxiety or comorbid conditions. The effectiveness can vary based on individual response, so it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the best treatment option for anxiety management.
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