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Gabapentin for Anxiety User Reviews (Page 5)

Brand names: Neurontin, Gralise, Gabarone, Fanatrex

Gabapentin has an average rating of 7.9 out of 10 from a total of 433 reviews for the off-label treatment of Anxiety. 74% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 16% reported a negative experience.

Reviews for Gabapentin

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

"Started Gaba on 8-7-16. I take 900 mg daily (split my dosage.) Remember, Gaba is an off label used for Anxiety & you can't blame it if it doesn't work for anxiety (I find negative reviews for gaba 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 can't fix at times. I suggested trying Gaba w/ my psyche; he agreed. 300 mg first wk, 2nd wk 600, & 3rd wk 900. Gaba added has been effective for anxiety. I feel less anxious & mental agitation reduced.At first, Gaba 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"

10 / 10
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  • venge...
  • Taken for 6 months to 1 year
  • September 20, 2013

"This is my miracle. I was put on it in Germany and had to go off it until I had insurance again. I suffer from depression and anxiety. Often I would find myself stuck in a daydream world because of all the things going on in my life, including my partner of years (15-25). I would have no energy and just feel so low. Finally I had insurance and was put on 1800mg a day. I feel so much better. I feel like I can handle life and set goals for myself. I don't feel anxiety. I don't sit here and think of the negative and focus on a positive life. I am more fun and interactive with my son. It literately saved my life. I don't know why."

10 / 10
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133 Report
  • 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 severy pinched nerves in my lower back. I immediately noticed a difference in my mood and panic attacks and anxiety disappeared. I see the word with news eyes. It's like being in meditation when awake."

10 / 10
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115 Report

Frequently asked questions

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

"In 2012, I was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder from trauma from 9-11-01 events in New York City. I had lived with PTSD for over 10 years unknowingly. Two different doctors put me on anti-depressants because I did not sleep well. All 3 (Zoloft, Amitriptyline, and Trazodone) worsened my mood. I did not have clinical depression; i.e., did not have trouble getting out of bed. A third doctor prescribed gabapentin. I am less reactive, feel more social, and generally more happy. 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, I can practice the technique. I hope to be off medication soon."

10 / 10
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  • 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."

8 / 10
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Are you taking this medicine?

  • 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 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 !"

9 / 10
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109 Report
  • 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 work day and I'm no longer intimidated by the bully! "

10 / 10
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110 Report

More FAQ

  • 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."

9 / 10
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68 Report
  • 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 over thinking. 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 use 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 a Gabapentin during a panic attack will probably do nothing, in comparison to a benzodiazepine. It will reduce anxiety in a more general sense though."

9 / 10
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  • 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 affect I get with gabapentin is if you don't take it consistently you will get really depressed and angry. At least I do."

10 / 10
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78 Report
  • 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 complete 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."

10 / 10
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133 Report
  • 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."

2 / 10
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  • 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!"

9 / 10
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  • 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 benzodiaphines klonipin and Ativan. Instead of decreasing my anxiety it increased it to the point I was having suicidal idealisations. I also ensured extreme memory loss while on the benzodiazapines. My Dr. prescribed me neurotin and I was transformed a metamorphosis 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 !!"

10 / 10
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92 Report
  • 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."

1 / 10
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65 Report
  • 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."

10 / 10
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33 Report
  • ScottM
  • February 10, 2015

"Have tried every antidepressant on the planet, not working for anxiety. My doc gave me gabapenton 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."

10 / 10
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110 Report
  • 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, Klonapin, Zoloft etc 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 and hike, fish , feel like I am living again. Still I will have my bad days but this medicine I highly recommend to people who suffer with anger/irritability. I completely understand that we are all different and medicines work differently and I truly hope the best for you reading this."

10 / 10
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89 Report
  • 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."

10 / 10
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94 Report
  • linds...
  • March 21, 2013

"I just started this medication yesterday. I am taking it for anxiety, insomnia, neuropathy .I was relying heavily on benzodiazapines 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."

9 / 10
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  • Argen...
  • July 12, 2016

"After being on so many medications for a non clear mental disorder...perhaps bipolar or adhd.. or a mix of everthing I was addicted to clonazepam, the worst medication I ever been and I was there for 10 years. Been also in all depresion medication.. But none worked. Been in straterra for adhd and was horrible.. didn't work. Was on Trileptal and it's a so heavy medication. I found in a high dosis perhaps 1200mg of gabapentin some real relief... Relief in anxiety and relief in some chronic pains after some surgery s. Between gabapentin some unisom I found relief.. I don't want to touch never again clonazepam or any benzodiazpein. Be careful with those medications, they destroy you. Sorry for my English... I'm trying to improve it every day"

10 / 10
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95 Report
  • ahfish
  • September 24, 2013

"I have been experiencing severe anxiety and depression as the 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."

9 / 10
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118 Report
  • Johnny...
  • July 3, 2015

"Following surgery for prostate cancer, and 3 months later possibility of duodenal cancer ( biopsy tested negative) however surgery recommended; I was having severe anxiety & panic attacks. This lasted 3 1/2 years, during which I tried numerous SSRI's & SNRI's all with no effect. In fact it made it worse, e.g. 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 jut took it despite all this negativity. Thankfully, my p Doc continued my prescription and I was able to live a better quality of life. I then was asked to try an "off label" Medication ... Gabapentin. After 2weeks it did wonders!! Highly recommend!!"

9 / 10
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102 Report
  • Kisfust
  • June 20, 2015

"I've been trough 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, lot less anxiety and safe to take it while taking care of my daughter. You found the right one! ;-)"

10 / 10
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102 Report
  • DuffyC
  • Taken for less than 1 month
  • December 15, 2013

"Thank God for this medication! After a few major life changes I recently went through I developed an anxiety disorder on top of frequent panic attacks. After trying a few medicines my PCP put me on a Xanax regimen. BAD IDEA! Within 2 1/2 months I was up to 4-5mg/day! I got sick of it and went to a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. After being appalled that I was prescribed that much Xanax she put me on a Gabapentin regimen. 100mg 3x's a day for one week, then 200mg 3x's a day for my second week. Then a follow up. I just started my second week and I'm already taking less than half of the Xanax I was needing. She said within a month I'll be off the Xanax. I feel great all day. I don't even feel like I need the Xanax."

9 / 10
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114 Report

Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.

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