Gabapentin for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 5)

• No...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2016

"Started Gabapentin on 8-7-16. I take 900 mg daily (split my dosage). Remember, Gabapentin is an off-label use for anxiety & you can't blame it if it doesn't work for anxiety (I find negative reviews for Gabapentin unfair on this site). I take Prozac 40 mg, but I still have light anxiety, panicky feeling, nausea & mental agitation. I have to use 4 or 5 mg Valium PRN to smooth out Prozac at times. I suggested trying Gabapentin with my psyche; he agreed. 300 mg first week, 2nd week 600, & 3rd week 900. Gabapentin added has been effective for anxiety. I feel less anxious & mental agitation reduced. At first, Gabapentin will make you drowsy & weak. My memory is slightly off, but if I really focus I am fine. You might feel shaky at the start. Some bad days, be vigorous. Be positive."

• Got...
• August 6, 2015

"I am 34 years old and have been dealing with anxiety and panic attacks since the age of seven. I was prescribed this medication for severe pinched nerves in my lower back. I immediately noticed a difference in my mood, and panic attacks and anxiety disappeared. I see the world with new eyes. It's like being in meditation when awake."

• motor...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 3, 2014

"In 2012, I was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder from trauma from the events of 9/11/01 in New York City. I had lived with PTSD for over 10 years unknowingly. Two different doctors put me on antidepressants because I did not sleep well. All 3 (Zoloft, Amitriptyline, and Trazodone) worsened my mood. I did not have clinical depression; i.e., I did not have trouble getting out of bed. A third doctor prescribed gabapentin. I am less reactive, feel more social, and generally happier. Also, if I wait to take a dose, I can feel the onset of anxiety, unlike in the last 12 years, which is helpful for practicing sensory emotional regulation. With the ability to feel when anxiety sets in, I can practice the technique. I hope to be off medication soon."

• Happy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 18, 2016

"I went to a neurologist for nerves...like a live wire that started buzzing in my body 24/7. It wasn't painful, but annoying and concerning since it started up one day and it's been over a year. I'm getting testing done to rule out any physiological issues, but in the meantime, my doctor prescribed me Gabapentin 300 mg, 3x/day. Wow! I love this drug. I'm calmer, happier, and also have an increased sex drive. Works great for anxiety too. Didn't do much for my insomnia. Time seems to stand still though which is strange, but I don't mind. I can tell when I need another dose to calm my 'buzzing' feeling as it wears off after about 4 hours. My appetite was not affected and I did not gain weight."

• Lizzo
• December 5, 2015

"Was prescribed this med years ago for anxiety. I take 300 mg three times per day, morning, noon, and night. The doctor is about to up the dose a bit because I've been on the same dose for so long, and sometimes I get extra anxious or can't sleep, so I asked if I could have the option to take an extra when I need it. This medication is amazing... I can't say enough about it to be honest. It has helped me so much live my life without that constant nagging anxiety, social awkwardness, and it helps regulate my moods as well!"

• Ashley
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2023

"I have never had any type of drug work for my obsessive thoughts and impulsive behavior. I didn't realize how bad it was until I was prescribed gabapentin for alcohol cessation and withdrawal. My husband noticed it first then after about 2 weeks at 600 mg daily, I'm literally a whole new woman. I used to obsessively clean, nag, and I've even lost jobs because I couldn't stop obsessing over myself and others' behavior. That is completely GONE. Alcohol GONE. I have been given back my life. Little to zero side effects for me. I didn't know gabapentin would ease these symptoms as I got it for alcohol, but I'm so glad I did! There is slight withdrawal if you stop taking it abruptly (chills, shakes), but that's very manageable. I'm one who doesn't like medication and had given up. This was a lifesaver I didn't know I needed!"

• Sophi...
• October 14, 2015

"Gabapentin has been a miracle drug for me! I first started it 3 years ago for restless leg syndrome (which felt like painful electric shocks deep inside my legs). It worked perfectly. I took 300 mg an hour before bed. About a year ago, I started having hot flashes (I'm 52). Instead of HRT, my doctor increased my dose to 600 mg a day, in divided doses, and my hot flashes are much better. Then, 6 months ago, I became the target of a bully in the workplace and my anxiety soared! I found it nearly impossible to concentrate, and it was increasingly difficult to function at all! After increasing my dose to 600 mg three times a day, I am able to breeze through my workday, and I'm no longer intimidated by the bully!"

• Court...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 16, 2019

"This definitely helps my social anxiety. Sometimes I don't want to shut up! (lol) However, I don't believe that this will help people with SEVERE anxiety and depression. Anti-depressants would probably work better. I think Gabapentin is more for people who have social anxiety disorder, at least through my experience. It also helps me with my alcohol cravings. My psychiatrist in rehab prescribed me Gaba 2 years ago and I've been on it ever since. I take 600-900mg a day."

• Bunny...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 17, 2012

"After decades of battling post-traumatic stress disorder and anxiety, I finally have found a medication that helps to calm the revved feeling I constantly battle. It is not completely gone, but I feel as if I can breathe again. The tightness in my chest has reduced, and my upper back no longer hurts because I can relax my shoulders. It is as if someone has loosened their grip on a rubber band! Best of all, self-help techniques, like relaxation, now work! Gabapentin has helped me to feel like I have a fighting chance against anxiety."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 4, 2023

"This medicine honestly saved my life. I experienced life-altering, prolonged anxiety for much of my life, which was exacerbated when I started taking Vyvanse for ADHD. No other anxiety medication has worked, and I felt helpless. The only medication that helped was Klonopin, which isn't a long-term fix, and I eventually became addicted. Gabapentin helped me return to a state of "normal" and then some. I can confidently say that, after almost a year on this medication, I am grateful to take it. I am social, I don't have panic attacks, I enjoy going to concerts and parties, and I feel clear-headed. I didn't have any negative side effects, and it also helps calm me down at night when my Vyvanse is wearing off."

• Sally...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 4, 2018

"Amazing drug for anxiety, especially social anxiety. Whenever I take gabapentin, I'm able to go out and socialize without problems. I've been taking this for 6 years. I never had any luck with any other drug, and I've tried so many. The only side effect I get with gabapentin is if you don't take it consistently, you will get really depressed and angry. At least I do."

• Anonymous
• March 7, 2012

Neurontin (gabapentin) "I guess it helps with the anxiety. It affects my memory horribly. I can't think of simple words, I miss exits on the freeway, I forget where I am going, etc. It makes me nauseous and gives me diarrhea. Just when I am starting to feel better, it is time to take it again. I take 100mg 3 times a day. I have only been on it a couple of weeks, so I keep hoping the side effects will go away. I still get anxious when I am faced with my main stressor, but it is not as severe (not the full-blown panic attack), just the pain in my stomach, choking in my throat, feeling like my heart is pounding in my head, chest, etc., so it does help some."

• meds
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 10, 2022

"I’ve suffered anxiety and panic disorder since my early 20’s, I’m now 65. The use of gabapentin for anxiety and mood balance has changed my life! I take it with no side effects. I also do take blood pressure meds, a beta blocker, and an anti-arrhythmic for my heart. This combination, of which gabapentin is an important part, allows me to feel like a normal person after a life of suffering anxiety and panic."

• Mitch
• December 12, 2018

"My doctor suggested I get off Klonopin and he put me on gabapentin. It has helped tremendously with anxiety before bedtime. The best way I can describe it is I suddenly feel calm and dreamy and like I can turn my mind off and finally stop overthinking. Much in the way a benzodiazepine would make me feel, but without feeling too dizzy or like I'm losing my memory. Another thing it has helped with is to slow down my drinking. I used to drink before bedtime to help me fall asleep (which has its side effects, but I felt it was better than tossing and turning all night)... The gabapentin actually turns off that craving somehow and I don't desire any sort of drink before bed. I also somehow quit smoking. The one thing I can tell you gabapentin does NOT work with are things like panic attacks. Taking gabapentin during a panic attack will probably do nothing, in comparison to a benzodiazepine. It will reduce anxiety in a more general sense though."

• Zxvfs...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 28, 2017

"I have been battling severe anxiety and PTSD since I was a child. I am 43 years old. I have tried a vast majority of medications only to find out I don't react well to the majority. I have recently been hospitalized twice in the last two years due to an allergic reaction to benzodiazepines Klonopin and Ativan. Instead of decreasing my anxiety, it increased it to the point I was having suicidal ideations. I also endured extreme memory loss while on the benzodiazepines. My doctor prescribed me Neurontin, and a transformation occurred. I shed the anxiety and the depression and negative thoughts of doom. I have my life back!! I can live with side effects; I love being able to leave my house!"

• ScottM
• February 10, 2015

"Have tried every antidepressant on the planet, not working for anxiety. My doc gave me gabapentin 300mg twice a day, no help. I tried by mistake (long story) 600mg at once and it works! I discovered it works for about 6 hours, so now I take 600mg twice a day. That gets me through the day. I pray it keeps working."

• linds...
• March 21, 2013

"I just started this medication yesterday. I am taking it for anxiety, insomnia, neuropathy. I was relying heavily on benzodiazepines to curb extreme, constant anxiety accompanied by constant low-level pain. It's been 24 hours and so far it's like a miracle. I don't feel the need for Klonopin or ibuprofen. If it stays like this, I'll be very happy."

• Anxious...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 21, 2019

"Took 300mg gabapentin one time for panic attacks and anxiety. My psychiatrist prescribes this to use when anxious symptoms became severe. After several hours I do feel that it helped my anxiety briefly, however I became very drowsy. Once falling asleep I slept very well! Better than most nights. I did wake up around 3am with tremors and hot flashes. My anxiety was full blown and I debated whether to take a Xanax to calm myself down because it was so severe. Made me feel very dizzy, hot, anxious, and made my muscles tense. The rest of the morning I had increased anxiety compared to normal. I will not be taking again. Many reviews state it helped people and wish I could have been so lucky."

• Survi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 8, 2017

"I had a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 2006. Since then, we have tried multiple medications to control anger: Depakote, Topamax, Klonopin, Zoloft, etc. None of them worked. I have been in rages to where I don't want to be around anyone or talk. It's been 10 years now, and I happened to go to a doctor in a small town and told her everything about my anger, etc. She prescribed Gabapentin along with Cymbalta, and I have felt the greatest change. I go outdoors, hike, fish, and feel like I am living again. Still, I will have my bad days, but this medicine I highly recommend to people who suffer from anger/irritability. I completely understand that we are all different, and medicines work differently. I truly hope the best for you reading this."

• Redso...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2016

"I am on meds for depression and they're working. Thank God. Anxiety is an issue, so my psychiatrist prescribed gabapentin, 300mg. The suggested dosage is one, 4x per day. I don't do that but instead take it when I'm feeling anxious and it works like a charm. Plus it helps me fall and stay asleep. Am hungrier but I can control that. Great medication."

• ahfish
• September 24, 2013

"I have been experiencing severe anxiety and depression as a result of a job loss, and this medication has been amazing. I was unable to function until I began taking this medication. It has truly been very helpful and has helped to lower my anxiety and depression."

• melissa
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 27, 2024

"It was hard to pick what this is helping me with because it's helping me with so much. Anxiety, akathisia from antipsychotics, insomnia, withdrawal from a bipolar medication. I was struggling so much with all these issues and gabapentin is calming all of it. I take 300mg per night. I'm a little foggy-headed but I'll take this any day of the week over what I was suffering with."

• Argen...
• July 12, 2016

"After being on so many medications for a non-clear mental disorder...perhaps bipolar or ADHD...or a mix of everything, I was addicted to clonazepam, the worst medication I've ever been on, and I was on it for 10 years. I've also been on all depression medications...but none worked. I was on Strattera for ADHD, and it was horrible...didn't work. I was on Trileptal, and it's a heavy medication. I found that in a high dose, perhaps 1200mg of gabapentin, I found some real relief...relief in anxiety and relief in some chronic pains after some surgeries. Between gabapentin and some Unisom, I found relief...I don't want to touch clonazepam or any benzodiazepine ever again. Be careful with those medications, they can destroy you. Sorry for my English...I'm trying to improve it every day."

• Johnny...
• July 3, 2015

"Following surgery for prostate cancer and 3 months later, the possibility of duodenal cancer (biopsy tested negative); however, surgery was recommended. I was having severe anxiety and panic attacks. This lasted 3 1/2 years, during which I tried numerous SSRIs and SNRIs, all with no effect. In fact, it made it worse; for example, suicidal ideation, greater bouts of anxiety, headaches, diarrhea. Ativan did help significantly, but all the negativity started to raise my anxiety just taking it. I finally just took it despite all this negativity. Thankfully, my pDoc continued my prescription, and I was able to live a better quality of life. I was then asked to try an 'off-label' medication, Gabapentin. After 2 weeks, it did wonders!! Highly recommend!!"

• Kisfust
• June 20, 2015

"I've been through a lot of trauma, lost my family, just had a baby and now looking forward to a Euro-trip. This drug is a life-saver after trying a lot. Makes me feel good, a lot less anxiety and safe to take it while taking care of my daughter. You found the right one! ;-)"