Though gabapentin has many potential uses, it can cause side effects. Read more about 13 gabapentin side effects here. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication prescribed for a variety of conditions. Learn about its uses, side effects, and what you should know if you've been prescribed this medication. Here we’ll cover everything you need to know about gabapentin for anxiety. What is Gabapentin? 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 is a medication that can be used off-label to treat anxiety. Learn how it works, its benefits, and considerations for taking it for anxiety. Hi, Tessa! Depression and new/increased anxiety are common side effects that people may experience when first starting on gabapentin: "Psychiatric Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal thinking, depression, hostility, emotional lability, insomnia, anxiety, nervousness" They normally resolve within days to a week or two and they generally lessen in intensity over a period of days. I'd suggest that you Key takeaways Gabapentin, originally approved for seizures, is used off-label for anxiety, showing benefits due to its mild side effects and cost-effectiveness. It mimics the neurotransmitter GABA to calm the brain, with some experts finding it effective for anxiety, offering faster relief compared to SSRIs. Dosage varies, starting low with possible adjustments, and effectiveness can be seen Yes: It can cause depression and can cause dizziness, weakness , blurred vision and make anxiety worse. Is gabapentin a good option for treating anxiety disorders? This is what research says and why caution is important. Gabapentin for Anxiety FAQs Can gabapentin make my anxiety worse? If misused, gabapentin can exacerbate anxiety symptoms. Certain people may also respond to gabapentin differently than others, experiencing irritability, agitation, nervousness, hostility, and suicidal thoughts. If you notice your anxiety symptoms worsening after starting a gabapentin regimen, reach out to your provider If you struggle with anxiety, you may be prescribed gabapentin to help to control your symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about anxiety, how gabapentin might help, how long it might take to start working, and what side effects or special precautions you need to be aware of while under medication. Gabapentin ruined my life—explore how this medication's side effects can impact lives and learn resources for those affected by addiction. Gabapentin can have significant effects on mood, including the potential to cause abnormal changes such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. While it is primarily prescribed for conditions like epilepsy and neuropathic pain, its impact on mood should not be underestimated, especially in individuals with preexisting mood disorders. Abruptly stopping gabapentin can also exacerbate withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and agitation, which may worsen any underlying depression. In summary, while gabapentin has its approved uses, its connection with mood-related side effects, including depression and suicidality, necessitates vigilance and alternative treatment approaches for Have you ever taken gabapentin hoping it would ease your anxiety, only to find that it made things worse? While gabapentin for anxiety is sometimes prescribed off-label, its effects can be unpredictable. Many start with the hope of relief but instead face unexpected struggles—heightened restlessness, mood swings, or feelings of panic that feel impossible to control. If you’ve experienced Explore gabapentin's psychological side effects, learn to recognize symptoms, and discover management strategies for improved mental well-being during treatment. In certain cases, withdrawal from gabapentin can also reveal or worsen symptoms of depression and anxiety, placing added stress on individuals who are already vulnerable. Kinda freaking me out. Gabapentin's supposed to be anti-anxiety so I feel like my doctor might not believe me (especially since I haven't had much in the way of other side effects). Plus if I stop Gabapentin I'm not sure what other options I have. Lyrica gave me side effects but antidepressants were even worse. TL;DR: Gabapentin causing anxiety. Does Gabapentin Cause Anxiety? In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not gabapentin is associated with symptoms of anxiety. Gabapentin is frequently used in the treatment of anxiety disorders. However, there are no randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of this medication in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and there are only a few case reports. We present After the first year of initially helping my anxiety a lot, gabapentin now seems to be causing feelings of panic, anxiety, dark mood, and this feeling of doom and depression. Anyone else get these feelings from gabapentin after long term use (this is my second year of taking it)? Currently trying to taper off bc of this.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |