Gabapentin for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 3)

• Tri...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 27, 2016

"Like many of you, I have tried several SNRIs and SSRIs. None work after a certain time period, and nearly all cause weight gain. I am thrilled that I might have actually found a solution to my chronic depression, especially given this med is meant more for bipolar which is not my diagnosis. I have energy for the first time in years, no weight gain, no increase in appetite! Sleeping great and waking up with energy. I'm almost afraid to write this because I may jinx it, but I feel great. I am only on 200 mg, split up twice a day, and I don't need to increase at this point, so I'm sticking with this low dose. Very happy so far. I hope this review helps others who have struggled with finding a solution to chronic depression."

• Btp...
• February 22, 2014

"Until I was fifty, I dealt with life and fear the best I could. Going through Catholic school in the sixties was pure hell. But I learned to deal with generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder the best I could. I became a perfectionist, resulting in what others would call a very successful life. At fifty, my wife divorced me, throwing me into a ten-year spiral of uncontrollable anxiety. After trying almost every pill made, I tried Gabapentin, one in the morning and one at lunch. I felt better for the first time in ten years. I have taken it for nine months, and most of the time I feel better than I have ever felt. A controlled calm I have never felt. I hope it continues to work."

• Wen...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2013

"I have severe anxiety and have been taking Gabapentin for a week, gradually building up to 3 x 300mg a day. Within an hour of taking it, I notice a heady, slightly drunk sensation and feel a little 'high', but this passes and I'm finding my thoughts are more organized. I have more energy and I can get more things done. Because I'm more active during the day, I am sleeping better and longer at night. My heart is no longer continually racing, and my chest pains have diminished. Another good thing is that these tablets do not make you feel desensitized or like a zombie. All in all, I would say these are definitely working for me."

• 742...
• February 1, 2014

"I started 300mg 2x daily for depression and anxiety last Wednesday. All I can say is wow. This stuff is great. I'm back to jogging and daily activities along with my outpatient therapy. This is 5 days removed from suicidal thoughts and almost a 72-hour hold. My doctor is weaning me off Valium but I really don't need it but says I have to take it as I ate my whole month's script of 60 in 5 days so I'll do what she says. My thoughts and prayers are with all who suffer and if possible give this a try."

• Jen...
• December 22, 2015

"I am 40 years old. I have dealt with social anxiety since my teen years. I have been on Wellbutrin XR 150 mg twice daily for several months, which has given me energy, improved mood, and increased sex drive. I started gabapentin a couple of weeks ago for pain relief related to a slipped disc impinging nerves in my back and sciatica. I am taking 600 mg three times a day. I am amazed!! Social anxiety is gone! First time in my life. I have actually been chatty and social without breaking into a sweat from nerves. Also, I haven't reached for my as-needed Ativan at all since starting gabapentin. I couldn't be happier about this accidental discovery. Life changing. Also, note that I am a recovering alcoholic. Maybe defective GABA has been the culprit?"

• Pep...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 10, 2014

"I was prescribed Gabapentin for anxiety/depression, after trying amitriptyline and citalopram, both of which did not work. My dose was 300mg Gabapentin 3x a day, however, this dose was causing me to have really achy joints so I stopped taking the evening one and now have one when I get up, and one at lunchtime. I can really feel the effects of the morning one, as an hour after taking it I feel a little lightheaded and relaxed, but very focused and determined. I am also sleeping better as my head isn't full of worries when I go to sleep like it used to be. Gabapentin does not make you feel sluggish and zombie-like like other meds, in fact I find them to be the opposite - I get loads done in a day which also helps me sleep."

• Lee...
• April 14, 2016

"I have been taking gabapentin for a while now. My husband and I both. And it works wonders with our depression and anxiety. It also keeps us from craving drugs or alcohol. It helps with my social anxiety as well. We think it's a miracle drug. As far as we're concerned."

• Phy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2014

"I am 47 with such an exhausting history of anxiety that had led me to self-medicate with alcohol, until finally finding the correct medical doctor. Doctors in the past have been writing me scripts that have been making me crazier and crazier, just adding to my problem. Now I am alcohol-free with no panic attacks. I have no problems being by myself and keeping occupied with work and fun things to do. I sleep like a baby all through the night. It's wonderful."

• dan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 12, 2024

"I’ll start by saying I never write reviews, but taking gabapentin has compelled me to do so. I have a long history of mental illness. I’m 40 years old and I’ve had to deal with OCD, anxiety, and severe depression since I was about 11 years old. I’ve taken many meds along the way. Currently I’m on Cymbalta, Abilify, Buspar, Vraylar, and I added the gabapentin about 3 weeks ago. I know it’s early, but this has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. During the last 2 months, my anxiety and depression became really hard to live with. I was getting very desperate and my mind was going to really dark places. I started searching for something that might help me because I was getting ready to check myself into a hospital. Me and my doctor decided to add gabapentin 200mg twice a day. I’ve got to say that this is really helping me a lot. I’m getting out of bed, I'm going to work again."

• Mut...
• December 5, 2016

"I was prescribed this for nerve pain in neck and back. It has helped with the pain but the unexpected mood enhancement side effect has been very welcome. I didn't realize how much of my time was taken up with negative thoughts and mild depression. I am much more focused and positive. It's like aspects of my personality that had been whittled away by the rigors of daily life have returned. I am also a performer and have found it very calming. After experimenting with dosages and working out the trade-off between pain relief and drowsiness, I found a level. My only side effect, which I haven't noticed anyone mentioning in the reviews, is that I pee more often. But I'm so laid back these days that it doesn't matter lol."

• sam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 22, 2016

"My anxiety and panic attacks were so bad. I had a hard time leaving the house. I still take Xanax and clonazepam, but with gabapentin added, it really made a difference. I'm able to go out and shop with no problems now. First time in years I was able to drive into the big city."

• All...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 26, 2017

"I have been through many mental health diagnoses and double the amount in meds. I have been officially diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, severe generalized anxiety, situational panic attacks, delayed onset PTSD and a sensory processing disorder. I have tried many, many drugs over the years to help with absolutely no luck. Until my therapist recommended gabapentin. Oh my goodness, thank that wonderful man. I feel incredible. Absolutely no anxiety. I sleep wonderfully at night and have energy during the day. I can tackle most obstacles without crippling fear and panic. This drug literally saved my life. No real side effects for me, which is extra amazing!"

• Nyo...
• December 27, 2015

"I have been on gabapentin for two weeks now. I'm on 300mg three times a day. It took a few days for it to start working. But I have to say that this med works! If I do not take it or if I'm getting close to my next dose, I start to feel depressed. I love taking this. It really does help for headache pain and mood. I got this for depression because I do suffer from depression and anxiety a lot. It seems to help with the depression but not anxiety. If anything, it makes me happier, calmer, and more relaxed. I have gotten dependent on this drug for my mood. It doesn't make me sleepy at all. My body has gotten used to taking it. I don't see myself getting off of this. I enjoy being relaxed and feeling calm."

• Kas...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 11, 2025

"I have started Gabapentin 100 mg within the last 6 months. I am 69, have major depression, major anxiety, OCD, and never seem to have peace of mind since I was a teen. The first time I thought about suicide was when I was 16. I daily wish I was not here for lack of peace. I often think I will never have this peace of mind until I am gone from this world and in heaven. I am currently on Prozac 40 mg, Trazodone 75 mg for sleep, and Xanax 0.50 mg as needed for anxiety. I have been looking for something less addictive than Xanax to take 'as needed.' My psychiatrist had given me Gabapentin to take 'as needed.' I have read that this drug does not work 'as needed,' but I disagree with that. I only take it in the evenings, maybe once or twice a week when I have high anxiety, my nerves are on edge and irritable. Took it last night, felt very calm and at peace. Even my husband said to me that I seemed to be calmer and less on edge. Just wanted to let others know it works 'as needed' for me!"

• mr ...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 1, 2012

"Gabapentin has been a godsend for me. I have taken several of the benzos for my anxiety, and I have a very negative opinion of them. Gabapentin removes my anxiety and allows me to be completely alert and focused at work. It allows me to be friendly and outgoing but at the same time calm. I have tons of energy every day and sleep really well at night. I started taking gabapentin for nerve damage in my left arm about 2 years ago. Immediately I noticed it to be an extremely effective medication for worry and anxiety. I believe it to be a perfect medication for me. I never want to stop taking it. Makes me feel 'normal'."

• Idk...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• June 21, 2019

"I first started Gabapentin to address severe anxiety and depression as well as a drinking problem. At first, this drug was a miracle. For about a year and a half, I told everybody that this drug saved my life. I wasn't drinking, it had reduced depression, and almost no anxiety. However, over time, I started to notice that if I didn't take the medication within four or five hours of my last dose, I would have temporary withdrawal. This includes sweats, extreme irritability and anxiety, and an inability to focus. As mentioned in many other posts, it does very noticeably affect your memory. So while immediately helpful, in the long term, I have developed a dependency on this drug and experience withdrawal symptoms on a day-to-day basis, which is difficult to manage. I've been on this drug for over 2 years, with all different dosages, and I want to get off it now. It is an amazing temporary fix but leads to dependency and other mental stress."

• jos...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 31, 2020

"I too went through the awful nightmare when I quit gabapentin. In the past, I have quit Xanax, alcohol, cocaine, and a few others, and those drugs were a cakewalk compared to gabapentin. I have never felt such anxiety and hopelessness."

• Jp ...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• August 20, 2018

"You definitely feel weird and spaced out for a few days, but that will go away once your body gets used to it. I was prescribed 300mg 3X a day for pain. I also take OxyContin and Norco. It changed my whole life. My pain doctor didn’t know about the years I have suffered with PTSD, GAD, and severe tension. To the point where my muscles in my upper back, shoulders, neck, and back of my head, including my jaw would tense so much that I had constant headaches. So severe that I would vomit. This went on for years. I tried EVERYTHING! So little did I know that when the doctor added gabapentin, it would change everything. I got my first 8-hour sleep in over 20 years. It helped with all the pain. I started going for walks, cleaning my house, and doing projects again. I feel amazing! So please give it a chance to work. I know it feels weird and icky for a few days, but that does go away. Don’t give up."

• Nef...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 15, 2024

"This medication has saved my life. I take 600 mg as needed, and it eliminates the panic I feel from certain social situations. It relaxes me and calms me down. I recommend this medication to anyone who has social phobia and unpredictable anxiety that comes up suddenly."

• Jan...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 24, 2015

"I have been on Gabapentin for about 2 years. I had severe anxiety and tried Amitriptyline and Citalopram without success. I take 3 x 300mg Gabapentin a day and my anxiety has certainly decreased quite significantly. I still have the occasional 'black cloud' day, but I can honestly say these tablets have definitely taken the edge off it. I sleep better, have not gained weight and do not feel like a zombie. For me, Gabapentin has been a good alternative to usual antidepressants."

• Roe...
• June 30, 2015

"I am about to start this tomorrow. I found this page and am thinking how rare it is to see so much positive feedback compared to other things I've researched. I hope it helps me. The SSRIs have always made things worse and I gave up long ago. The only reason I am trying this is because nothing will control my blood pressure and the cardiologist thinks the roots are in anxiety/panic. Ten years of my life have been limited and like a prison. I see encouragement here. I have tried to avoid any medication, but I am getting older now and have to give it another shot. I finally found a doctor that seemed to understand and not treat me like a nut case. Generally, going to any doctor's office is an ordeal for me and in full-blown panic."

• ano...
• January 16, 2014

"I originally took massive handfuls of this drug for epilepsy over a month a decade or so ago. It was ineffective, but I noticed while I took it the side effect of being happy, sociable, and chatty. Along with other stuff at the massive doses. So fast forward a decade or two, and had unexpected nasty negative life events and became suicidal. Ended up in a psych ward, and I asked for gabapentin. Started taking a pill morning and evening and the overwhelming suicidal thoughts vanished, the daily crying spells vanished, the intense negative emotional state vanished. Feel calm, cheerful, and happy. My blood pressure went from ultra-stress 180/120 with pulse 150 to 120/80 pulse 90. It calms me down and helps me cope when I was feeling overwhelmed."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 27, 2015

"I have to agree with so many people who have given positive reviews for gabapentin. I take 300 mg four times daily, and I am living in peace and can live comfortably in my skin for the first time in my life. I am much more productive, happy, and things just roll off my back that usually would cause me great anger or disruption. I noticed that I sleep better too. What I like is that this medication does not drug me up the way so many other medicines that I've tried for anxiety have done. I also take it for severe lower back pain, and it helps a great deal as well. I recommend this to anybody who is thinking of trying it."

• She...
• July 3, 2015

"I have significant anxiety and depression due to PTSD associated with my son being critically ill. I have not been able to live my life for over a year. Fear, panic, and sadness have made me a shell of the woman, mom, and wife I once was. I also have recurring shingles. I have tried numerous anti-anxiety medications with little relief. The gabapentin was prescribed to help with my neuropathic pain, which it has helped significantly. The wonderful side effect has been that my anxiety is almost nonexistent and I am able to live my active life again. I take up to 300 mg up to 3 times a day. I have been taking it more like 200 mg in the morning and afternoon."

• hig...
• July 17, 2014

"I have generalized anxiety disorder and have been on SSRIs and Benzodiazepines. The SSRIs made me manic - Zoloft, Buspar, Paxil, etc. I have been in two treatment programs and the hospital for harmful thoughts over the last five years. My doctor put me on Gabapentin and it seemed to work real well. Then a follow-up doc took me off and said I had to take an antidepressant and Xanax to help me sleep. That was a huge mistake. Well, I went back on the Gabapentin, then off again because I thought it was causing a problem, but it was really the Xanax. Now, I have been put back on it 300mg three times a day. I also take a low dose of Remeron and Trazodone to help me sleep. I think it is a good medication for anxiety, and I hope this time I get good results like I did the first time I was on it."