Gabapentin for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 3)

• Jeep
• April 11, 2016

"Battled with anxiety and depression for almost 30 years now. Was on Xanax but got addicted to it and ended up in hospital recently. Tapered me off the Xanax and gave me Gabapentin 600mgs twice a day. Started seeing a difference in a few days, amazing. Works better on my anxiety than any benzo that I have been on. And I have been on most of them at one point or another. I wake up in a good mood. The only drawback that I have is that the morning dose makes me sleepy til about 11an but that is it. But I am not complaining because I would rather be sleepy than anxious and depressed."

• 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 leaned to deal with generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder the best I could. I become a perfectionist resulting in what others would call a very successful life. At fifty my wife divorced me throwing me into a ten year spin of uncontrollable anxiety. After trying almost every pill made, I tried Gabapentin after one morning and one at lunch. I felt better for the first time in ten years. I have taken for nine months and most of the time I feel better than I have ever felt. A control calm I have never felt. I hope it continues to work."

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

"Like many of you, I have tried several SNRI's and SSRI's..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 Bi-polar 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 other who have struggled with finding a solutions to chronic depression.."

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

"I was prescribed Gabapentin for anxiety/depression, after trying amitryptylline 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 achey 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 light headed and drunk, 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."

• Leelee
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• March 11, 2024

"Gabapentin has been a godsend for my lifelong anxiety disorder and panic attacks. I used to have constant pain in my chest, rapid heartbeat, and sense of being over-adrenalized from anxiety, and frequent panic attacks. These all went away with gabapentin; no other psychotropic medication worked. Sometimes I almost get the sense physical anxiety symptoms are developing in my body, but they fizzle out and wash over me before they take hold. It’s like I can take a breath and know they’ll fade away. It’s lovely. I can’t recommend it enough. 300 mg a day keeps me calm and in check."

• Wenchy
• 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."

• Jenny-
• 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 increase sex drive. I started gabapentin a couple weeks ago for pain relief related to a slipped disc impinging nerves in my back, sciatica. I am taking 600 mg tthree 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 haven't reached for my when required 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?"

• 7425
• 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 weening me off Valium but I really don't need it but says I have to take it as I ate my whole months 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."

• Phyllis...
• 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 scrips 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."

• LeeLa
• April 14, 2016

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

• Mutzle
• 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 affect has been very welcome. I didn't realise 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 wittled away by the rigours 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 relif and drowsiness I found a level. My only side affect 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."

• samba...
• 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 clonazapan, but with Gabapentin added it really made a difference. Im able to go out and shop with no problems now, first time in years I was able to drive into the big city."

• 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."

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

"I have been through many mental health diagnosis 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 wonderful at night and have energy during the day. I can tackle most obstacles with out crippling fear and panic. This drug literally saved my life. No real side effects for me which is extra amazing!"

• Nyomi...
• December 27, 2015

"I have been on gabapentin for two weeks now. I'm on 300mg three times a day. It took about 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 more happier. More 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 use to taking it. I don't see myself getting off of this. I enjoy being relaxed and feeling calm."

• Jp pa...
• 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 dr 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 dr added gabapentin, it would change everything. I got my first 8 hr 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."

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

"Gabapentin has been a God send 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 everyday 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"."

• Great...
• 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."

• 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 ssri's have always made things worse and i gave up long ago. Only reason I am trying this is b/c 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 dr that seemed to understand and not treat me like a nut case. Generally, going to any dr's office is an ordeal for me and in full blown panic"

• Jane
• 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 definately tsken 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."

• daissie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 25, 2016

"I was prescribed gabapintin for ongoing depression, ptsd, & nerve disruption from disease treatment. Right away I had an amazing soothing of my nerves & happiness in the morning I could not recall ever feeling! It has helped me to recover a quality of life and ability to let go of addictive habits."

• Unkno...
• June 14, 2016

"This pill is AMAZING!!!... I took gabapentin today for the 1st time I honestly am not a pill person I take a pain relief pill once in a blue for a headache so I honestly had no idea it even existed much less what it did how it made you feel etc. but I awoke just as depressed as I fell asleep so I took a look at the bottle & said what they hay, an hour later I felt like a million bucks I was back to my old self talking & smiling being productive no stress & anxiety just cool calm & collected So much so my bff made the comment it's great to have you back where have you been girl...."

• hight...
• July 17, 2014

"I have generalized anxiety disorder and have been on SSRI's and Benzodiazepines. The SSRI's made me manic. Zoloft, Buspar, Paxil...etc. I have been in 2 treatment programs and the hospital for harmful thoughts over the last 5 years. My doctor put me on Gabapentin and seemed to work real well. Then a follow up doc took me off and said I had to take an antidepresseant and Xanax to help me sleep. 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 3x 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."

• anony...
• 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 emotion state vanished. Feel calm, cheerful, and happy. My blood pressure went from ultrastress 180/120 with pulse 150 to 120/80 pulse 90. It calms me down and helps me cope when I was feeling overwhelmed"

• SheHa...
• 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 and panic and sadness has made me a shell of the woman, mom, and wife I once was. I also have reoccurring 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 nonexistant 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 morning and afternoon."