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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david707 | @david707 | Jun 16 1:17pm

In reply to @esikora "My provider has suggested a small dose before bed but I'm scared." + (show)

@esikora No reason to be scared. I have been taking 600 mg tabs twice a day for years. All I notice is it lifts my spirits, so to speak. GABA is of course what the brain turns into serotonin, which raises our interest in living. If I forget my evening dose, I take it at bedtime, assuming it will help me process negative dreams and attitudes my subconscious mind plays out. Sometimes I wake with my shoulders touching my ears, which tells me I experienced a nightmare upon waking but have no recollection of it, thank God.

cherrycherry | @cherrycherry | Jun 16 10:37pm

I am taking 25 mg of Pregabalin for pain and it’s helped with venafaxine withdrawal , I am now been clear of venafaxine for 3 weeks but just started having night panics that wake me up in a right tizzy. I’m frightened to sleep

cherrycherry | @cherrycherry | Jun 16 10:38pm

In reply to @cherrycherry "I am taking 25 mg of Pregabalin for pain and it’s helped with venafaxine withdrawal ,..." + (show)

@cherrycherry 25 mg Pregabalin twice daily

colely | @colely | Jun 17 6:52am

In reply to @frankaventura "@colely How do I taper off 300 mg of Gabapentin?" + (show)

@frankaventura This is the real @coley. I have never been on gabapentin and, therefore, don't need to taper off. Maybe it is a "coley " with a number at the end of their name.

kono8888 | @kono8888 | Jun 17 7:06am

Doctors at the hospital put me on gabapentin. It did not work for me. Diazepam and Xanax are my go to when I feel anxious, nervous and depressed.

laurabamford4015 | @laurabamford4015 | Jun 17 8:05am

Gabapentin has worked great for my anxiety and joint pain but withdrawal was difficult. The first time I got horrible headaches and the next time I became increasingly anxious.
I slowly decreased the dosage but I still suffered side effects.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Jun 17 9:19am

In reply to @colely "@frankaventura This is the real @coley. I have never been on gabapentin and, therefore, don't need..." + (show)

@colely, I believe that @frankaventura was asking because of this guidance you posted earlier in the discussion. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/1445273/

Thanks for clarifying that you have never been on gabapentin and that you were giving general guidance but not a personal experience with the medication.

francescabasile | @francescabasile | Jun 22 4:34pm

Gabby helps me tremendously with decreasing anxiety. I take 300mgs 2-3 times per day right now. No probs --- and what could be worse than my debilitating anxiety?

Ironically - my cat was also put on it for anxiety and it has saved him. Two unrelated issues and I never spoke to my vet about my being on it.

Love to all.

janstc | @janstc | Jun 24 9:28pm

Apparently it causes dementia. Law suits are in the works. I’m a part of one if they take my case.

julieilic | @julieilic | Jun 25 8:19am

Gabapentin I have been on it for years but for restless leg syndrome ..I take it at night as an overall (on top if any other meds I take) medication to help with pain, nerves, anxiety. But I don’t trust it or any of my meds.