1. < Depression & Anxiety
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Gabapentin for anxiety - have you tried it?

Posted by mlpbob @mlpbob, Nov 22, 2025

Had anyone had success using gabapentin for anxiety? My dr wants me to try it.

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mlpbob | @mlpbob | Nov 24, 2025
In reply to @mmsm "It takes the edge off of my anxiety from effexor withdrawal. I know I'll have to..." + (show)
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It takes the edge off of my anxiety from effexor withdrawal. I know I'll have to wean off of it someday, and not looking forward to it!

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@mmsm I’m in Paxil withdrawal. I’m just scared to take something else I’m going to have to taper off of. My anxiety is horrible though.

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david707 | @david707 | Nov 24, 2025

It helps with my mood. In other words it is a subtle anti-depressant, but does little to lower anxiety. CBD oil helped relieve my anxiety, especially while coming off Effexor.

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frankaventura | @frankaventura | Nov 26, 2025
In reply to @mmsm "It takes the edge off of my anxiety from effexor withdrawal. I know I'll have to..." + (show)
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It takes the edge off of my anxiety from effexor withdrawal. I know I'll have to wean off of it someday, and not looking forward to it!

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@mmsm liquid gabapentin from compound pharmacy at a 5 to 10% taper.

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dormor321 | @dormor321 | Dec 2, 2025
In reply to @diverdown1 "I have been on Gabapentin for almost 7 years now. It helps with pain and it..." + (show)
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I have been on Gabapentin for almost 7 years now. It helps with pain and it helps regulate my mood. I did try to stop taking it one time. I am bad about that, and it was a bad idea. I became very irritable and I could tell that I was in withdrawal, although it was more a withdrawal that felt like anxiety and panic. Everyone is different. I know that it is used for neuropathy as well. Regardless, if you start taking it, be sure and taper off of it and ask your doc about it.

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@diverdown1 what dosage do you take?

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diverdown1 | @diverdown1 | Dec 3, 2025
In reply to @dormor321 "@diverdown1 what dosage do you take?" + (show)
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@diverdown1 what dosage do you take?

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@dormor321 I take 300 mg 2-3 times a day.

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esikora | @esikora | Jun 16 8:15am

My provider has suggested a small dose before bed but I'm scared.

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Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Jun 16 10:16am
In reply to @esikora "My provider has suggested a small dose before bed but I'm scared." + (show)
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My provider has suggested a small dose before bed but I'm scared.

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@esikora - just wanted you to know I moved your post to join this existing discussion:

- Gabapentin for anxiety - have you tried it? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/gabapentin-for-anxiety-2/

I thought that here you might chat with others who have been prescribed gabapentin for anxiety and hear how their experiences have gone. Please meet @diverdown1 @dormor321 @frankaventura @david707 and others.

I personally have taken gabapentin for postherpetic neuralgia (itching lasting after shingles), but not for anxiety. I had no trouble with it at all in my 7 weeks taking it.

You mentioned you feel scared about starting the gabapentin, esikora. Wondering what aspect of taking this medication is making you feel scared?

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frankaventura | @frankaventura | Jun 16 11:07am
In reply to @colely "Do you know that you have to taper down from it under supervision, if you want..." + (show)
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Do you know that you have to taper down from it under supervision, if you want to get off of it? If you have situational anxiety, please try to find help to remedy your situation. And if you are having what is being diagnosed as anxiety reactions, that aren't tied to anything going on in your life, please have your thyroid and parathyroid blood levels checked.

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@colely How do I taper off 300 mg of Gabapentin?

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esikora | @esikora | Jun 16 11:11am
In reply to @lisalucier "@esikora - just wanted you to know I moved your post to join this existing discussion:..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lisa Lucier, Moderator @lisalucier

@esikora - just wanted you to know I moved your post to join this existing discussion:

- Gabapentin for anxiety - have you tried it? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/gabapentin-for-anxiety-2/

I thought that here you might chat with others who have been prescribed gabapentin for anxiety and hear how their experiences have gone. Please meet @diverdown1 @dormor321 @frankaventura @david707 and others.

I personally have taken gabapentin for postherpetic neuralgia (itching lasting after shingles), but not for anxiety. I had no trouble with it at all in my 7 weeks taking it.

You mentioned you feel scared about starting the gabapentin, esikora. Wondering what aspect of taking this medication is making you feel scared?

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Thanks @lisalucier .
I'm concerned about some side effects listed on the info that came with the capsules:
"new or worse depression, new or worse anxiety, feeling agitated or restless,panic attacks, trouble sleeping,new or worse irritability,acting aggressive,being angry or violent, acting on dangerous impulses,other unusual changes in behavior or mood"
I have enough to deal with already...

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mbixler | @mbixler | Jun 16 11:16am
In reply to @esikora "Thanks @lisalucier . I'm concerned about some side effects listed on the info that came with..." + (show)
Profile picture for esikora @esikora

Thanks @lisalucier .
I'm concerned about some side effects listed on the info that came with the capsules:
"new or worse depression, new or worse anxiety, feeling agitated or restless,panic attacks, trouble sleeping,new or worse irritability,acting aggressive,being angry or violent, acting on dangerous impulses,other unusual changes in behavior or mood"
I have enough to deal with already...

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@esikora I was on it and saw no real change, other it worsening my chronic insomnia. But, that said, everyone reacts differently to any medication, so your response may be very different.

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