Gabapentin and Dizziness: What Users Say

• War...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 1, 2019

For Alcohol Withdrawal "Been a cop for 25 years. Also worked for private contractors in Afghanistan. Needless to say, I retired with two gifts. PTSD and Alcohol abuse. Up to 1.75 (a handle, as we drunks call it) a day. Gabapentin came to the rescue (800 mg twice a day.) At first, there was dizziness, and I had to walk with a cane. On day 3, I normalized. No cravings. Shakes disappeared. Nausea gone. Went to AA, but that made me have cravings again after hearing the stories so, luckily, I stopped going. Miracle drug? It was for me. Did not stop the PTSD, though, but found that medical THC did the trick at night before bed. Sober for a month now. A first."

• kri...
• December 13, 2019

For Anxiety "I've struggled with moderate to severe generalized anxiety for all of my life - mostly related to social and performance situations. I've tried many different drugs and have never been sure that they worked. Then I was prescribed Neurontin, and I can 100% feel the difference. My anxiety has decreased significantly on this drug. It sedates me nicely to the point that I'm still completely alert and myself, but I'm so much more easygoing and relaxed. My physical symptoms related to anxiety are still there but I feel less anxious about them, if that makes sense. It just makes the world much more bearable. There are some negative side effects - such as low sex drive, dizziness (which went away after taking for a few weeks), and sometimes I get extra teary. But it's not much of a price to pay if it helps with the main demon of anxiety! Drugs affect everyone differently, but if you think your life is negatively affected by anxiety, it's definitely worth trying."

• chu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 26, 2020

For Insomnia "I have been taking 200mg Gabapentin for 2 weeks to help with sleep and anxiety. The first week, I had my concerns. Dry mouth, headache, and dizzy. But I stuck with it and continued to take it since it was helping with my sleep. Now after 2 weeks, I am having no side effects and sleep well. I go to sleep easily and stay asleep for 7-8 hours. I am feeling calmer during the day, my anxiety is much better. For me, I'd have to grade this med a 10."

• Hon...
• May 18, 2021

For Pain "This is decent medication at a low dose like 100 mg twice a day, but the problem is the body will get used to that and will need a higher dose. A higher dose at 350 mg twice a day made me feel like I was drunk. People thought I was using heroin. I nodded off. I fell asleep standing at the ATM machine. So embarrassing. This stuff will make you have memory loss. You may think you see people who aren't there. It had people thinking I was doing hard street drugs. I wrecked my car on this medication, fell asleep standing in line at the grocery store, dropped too many drinks out of my hands to even count. This medication is awful, and for me, it is not beneficial due to the horrifying side effects. They give this stuff out in place of opiates. People are in rehab for this drug too. Do yourself and your loved ones a favor, stay away from this awful so-called medication."

• jee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2014

For Anxiety "I was taking Lamictal and Klonopin for a long time and doing very well on it. In 2010, I had to have a lumbar disc replacement from an old hockey injury in college. Sadly, I got hooked on pain pills and when I finally stopped, I was spending about $5k to $6k a month on pills, which indicates how much I was taking. Since about Christmas of 2013, I have been going through a period of major depression and severe anxiety. I just kept getting worse and worse, and the Klonopin/Lamictal stopped working. I had a prescription of Gabapentin sitting in my drawer that I had been prescribed but stopped using because it was making me dizzy. I decided to try it out of desperation and all I can say is wow. My anxiety has gone from a 10 to a 2 and no side effects."

• Cin...
• June 27, 2018

For Anxiety "I've had terrible depression and anxiety for over 20 years. I was prescribed Paxil in 1995 and it worked great until last year. It just stopped working, and I had horrible rebound depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia. I felt really bad. My CNP prescribed Gabapentin, and I felt better after the first dose. I take 300mg three times a day and feel wonderful. No more anxiety, depression, constant worrying, and it works great for insomnia. The first night I took it, I slept 8 hours straight. I haven't slept that well in over 30 years. I had a few side effects such as slight dizziness and brain fog, but it passed in a few days. What's so great about it is it doesn't make me feel drugged. I just feel calm, clear-headed, and relaxed. I can focus on the important things in my life and stop needlessly worrying about things such as 'what if I can't sleep tonight?' 'What if I go into Walmart and have a panic attack?'. What if, what if... This drug is truly a lifesaver for me."

• Taf...
• June 14, 2019

For Restless Legs Syndrome "Feeling great this morning! I started gabapentin 2 weeks ago for RLS. Last night I was in bed at 10:15, RLS a tiny bit and then got up to the bathroom, dropped off at 11 p.m., slept like a baby until 5:40 a.m. I've had RLS for 25 years, bad, very bad, extreme, intolerable at various times, but always avoided meds. The past 6 months RLS has been intolerable, all night every night. I've been taking Gabapentin for two weeks, 300mg at night. Side effects at first red flushing, dizziness, clumsiness and for one morning (1 hour) weird dark mental thoughts. Now body adjusted I’m sleeping great, RLS and side effects gone. I feel happier. Having RLS so long and lack of sleep I thought my normal mind was normal, but now I feel happier. I am not sure if it is that I am now sleeping or the gabapentin itself or combination. Don't know, don't care. It's early days, but promising. Just arrived at work, pouring with rain as usual (Manchester, England), but KC and the Sunshine Band are playing on the radio. Good luck all."

• Mel...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• May 1, 2013

For Bipolar Disorder "I am 25. I have been taking gabapentin since I was 17. I must say that I can't live without it. It makes me feel 'my normal'. Anyway, it calms my nerves - but not like a valium ... it makes me feel really good. I feel like I can do and achieve just about anything! I wouldn't want to be without it. I am prescribed 800 mg gabapentin. I take 1600 mg when I get up in the morning. Gabapentin changed me... personally... for the better. I love my medicine!"

• Kti...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 31, 2022

For Neuropathic Pain "Not good for me. It caused so many other problems and made me almost immobile. Severely dropping glucose levels was one. Depression, anxiety, dizziness. All inclusive. I weaned myself off of it and all those problems went away. I now consider it a dangerous drug. I described my symptoms to my doctors for over a year, and all I got was a referral to specialists. Not one of them mentioned that it might be the gabapentin. I had to figure that out on my own."

• Gre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 4, 2013

For Pain "First, I must say this page and all the reviews I have just read helped me SO much, so thank you to everyone on here. I have suffered with lower back disc pain for about 30 years, but I lived with it. I spent a crazy amount of money on physical therapy, chiropractors, and doctors with zero results. I finally was referred to a surgeon in Feb. of this year and told I have 3 herniated discs that would require surgery in July to repair them with metal ones. At that time, I was put on 2 x 10mg of Percocets every 4 to 6 hours. After 4 months, I ended up in the E.R. in excruciating pain. The doctor put me on gabapentin 2 times a day. I'm on day 6 and I'm pain free! Dry mouth is the only side effect and slight dizziness, and down to 1 Percocet a day!"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 20, 2024

For Back Pain "I don't tolerate most medications, but gabapentin doesn't have any bad side effects and helps pain and anxiety a ton. You may have a few days of mild tiredness/dizziness, but not enough to complain about. I have absolutely no side effects, and I take 600 mg 3x daily. I love this medication. Gabapentin has helped my energy, but at the same time, it helps me relax at night. It helps my mood and my pain. Is it a miracle medication? YES, it is, but I still have some struggles with my mood and pain, but it's kept me sane and out of the ER and mental hospital from physical pain and anxiety. You may gain a few pounds, and that's the only negative I've found, but I've also lost weight taking it when I was doing low carb. All in all, it's been a saving grace in helping me in multiple areas. I don't know what I'd do if they stopped making it, because I'd probably need multiple meds to replace this one, and I'd probably still suffer. Gabapentin is that good. Give it a try, you have nothing to lose."

• Qua...
• November 12, 2015

For Pain "I have suffered from chronic pain since I was 19. I've taken just about everything available to treat this curse. After about 5 years of refusing Gabapentin, I finally tried it. Don't let the side effects scare you, try it for at least a week and let your body and mind get used to it. This stuff really works for pain relief. Also, the combination of this with your narcotic pain relievers will help greatly. The key to treating pain is moderation and avoiding alcohol. I have had great success combining my pain reliever with this and Naproxen or APAP. Help with depression, mood, and sleeping. Some side effects can be dizziness. As your body gets used to this, it will start working subtly and relieve your pain and help you rest."

• Dr ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 16, 2014

For Pain "I have had ruptured discs in the middle of my back as well as two ruptured in the lower spine around the hip area. Had severe pain for years with therapy, and many medications. I have been on Norco 10/325 four to six times daily for about 5 years now and it has become very minor help now. I think I'm getting immune to it after so many years. I started the Gabapentin and now am up to 600mg three times daily. I have some side effects such as dizziness, sweating, confusion, and headaches, but it is beginning to reduce the pain level to almost tolerable. I've only been on it for a couple of weeks but hope it will increase the pain management where I can reduce the Norco to once or twice a day. Thanks for the reviews above. They have helped me."

• Pja...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 12, 2019

For Pain "Gabapentin is so bad for some of its users. Doctors know how to put you on it but don't have a clue on how to get you off it if you start having problems. I was on it for a year and started having side effects. Confusion, vertigo, stammering, nausea. There are no antidotes for helping you get off of it. Getting off of gabapentin has been horrific. Stay away from this stuff!"

• Sma...
• July 12, 2016

For Fibromyalgia "People often feel inclined to share negative experiences, so I thought I would add my positive one in case anybody feels encouraged. I have Fibro, POTs, scoliosis, complex regional pain syndrome, and a few other minor issues. I work part-time and am a single mum (not all partners wish to hang around once you get poorly lol). I spent many years struggling with my symptoms, but a new doctor invited me to try Gabapentin. I worked up to a dose of 900mg twice a day and 1200mg at night. I have to say I would not be without it. Gone are the restless legs which kept me awake at night, gone is the interminable insomnia, irritable bladder, IBS flares... My pains are dulled. I didn't get headaches, I don't feel dizzy beyond my normal POTs symptoms. I rate it!"

• Kat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 29, 2019

For Anxiety "I just started Gabapentin 600mg per day. Not sure if the dosage is low but not experiencing the relief I expected. I don't feel dizzy or nauseous like other medications but I still need my Klonopin to ease the panic attacks. I look forward to this new medication. I'll keep you updated in the near future. By the way, the optimal dose for anxiety is 900 to 1,800mg. But if a lower dose helps you then stick with it. Good Luck to everyone. I hope you find relief from anxiety."

• Ins...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 12, 2019

For Insomnia "I started this drug for chronic back pain, but my doctor prescribed it for nighttime only because of the supposed drowsiness effects. Being an insomniac, I was not at all opposed to possible drowsiness (excited for it, actually). Now it’s been just about 6 months and I love it! I take 600-900mg at night, normally just before bed (9 pm) (higher dose if the pain is worse that day). I start to feel the calming effects within 15 minutes. I don’t think it really makes me drowsy, but I get the same feeling on the drug as I do after I’ve finished some yoga or meditation so it’s very tranquil, and I usually fall asleep within a reasonable time frame (30 min-1 hr) and stay asleep throughout the night to wake up at 4:30 am feeling refreshed and alert! I’ve not noticed any additional side effects (e.g., dizziness, weight gain, etc.) and it works well for my pain!"

• CGa...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 21, 2019

For Fibromyalgia "Put off taking this medication for half a year as I was worried about possible side effects. I've tried other medications for Fibro, and this has been the most useful so far. I'd say it gets rid of 30-40% of my Fibro-derived pain, and it helps immensely with mental fog, anxiety, and fatigue. Side effects include a bit of dizziness for the first hour or so after taking the pill and a very small amount of weight gain."

• Mit...
• December 12, 2018

For Anxiety "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."

• Tul...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 18, 2020

For Alcohol Withdrawal "I've been taking Gabapentin for exactly 16 months as of today for AUD (alcohol use disorder). I no longer have alcohol cravings at all after being a very heavy drinker for 25 years. My doctor increased my dose gradually up to 400 mg 3 times a day. He's had to back me off to 200 mg as I was too 'foggy-headed' and dizzy at that dosage. But I have not touched any alcohol since day one, and abstinence has been relatively easy. I cannot recommend this treatment enough -- it's been awesome! Finally sober after 25 years!!!"

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

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. I did wake up around 3 AM 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. It 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 it again. Many reviews state it helped people, and I wish I could have been so lucky."

• Liz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 19, 2020

For Neuropathic Pain "I have a spine issue with cervical spinal stenosis and back pain, and having numbness, tingling, and weakness in my arms and hands and in my feet sometimes. The meds are helping but not fully, plus having unwanted side effects such as speaking problems, unsteadiness, drowsiness, and sleeping all morning, so it's difficult to get up. Makes me weak."

• non...
• April 15, 2016

Gabapentin for Postherpetic Neuralgia "Have been on this for over a month and each increase by my doctor provides no relief whatsoever. The last increase has resulted in severe dizziness, light-headedness, memory loss and forgetfulness, fatigue, racing thoughts during sleep, inability to sleep more than a few hours, and most importantly, no effect on the severe pain from postherpetic neuralgia. I will not be accepting another increase from the doctor, the side effects are intolerable, not to mention the side effects of weaning off this ineffective drug that I have yet to suffer."

• dre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 8, 2015

For Fibromyalgia "I've been on 600 mg in the morning (an hour or more before I get out of bed) and 1200 mg at 6:30 p.m. for a bedtime of 10:00 p.m. In almost a month, I've had a return of my 'can do' attitude, a reduction in pain, a seeming improvement in memory, and the greatest sleep in years. Unfortunately, I've also had a 16-pound weight gain. I am already obese, so this is a huge problem. It breaks my heart because for the first time in 27 years, I've been excited to have a flower garden again. Before that, I had no interest because even the thought of it was too overwhelming due to pain. Dizziness was a very bad problem at first, but I was down in bed anyway for other problems so it didn't matter to me. That wore off (mostly) in three weeks."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 30, 2025

For Insomnia "I have been suffering from insomnia for 6 years. I tried many different medicines like trazodone, clonazepam, Xanax, Quviviq, melatonin, and many other OTC ones. Some of them helped me to get the sleep but with side effects including grogginess in the morning, dizziness, and... recently I got very severe COVID symptoms and leg and feet pain. My neurologist, fortunately, prescribed me gabapentin 500 mg, 200 in the morning and 300 at night. From the beginning, I started taking 100 for the morning and 200 for the night. Believe me or not, the first night I slept like a baby and woke up very refreshed, and my pain became very less. I decided to take this medicine solely for my insomnia and never interrupt it, unless I come up with delayed side effects. I highly recommend this medicine for whoever suffers from pains and critical insomnia."