Was Gabapentin for anxiety symptoms a game changer for you?

Posted by dieraufl @dieraufl, Dec 4, 2024

I started to have anxiety symptoms in the middle of September. My doctor put me on an anti depressant even though I wasn't depressed, to help with the anxiety. Six weeks later I was not really feeling any effects. That was six weeks curled up in a ball with nausea and whole body nerve stress. I found a therapist and a naturopath and all finally came to the realization it wasn't psychological, it was physiological. The day I started gabapentin at night for sleep was the day I felt better! It was like a switch. My nervous system calmed right down. I'm now weaning off the anti-depressant. I just wanted to share this in case anyone else was having similar symptoms.

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rclouv | @rclouv | Jan 17, 2025

In reply to @gregtsaunders "My psychiatrist prescribed gabapentin 600 mg 3 X day. It worked at first but now I..." + (show)

And, yes, it has withdrawal symptoms. Should work with doc to taper.

mmsm | @mmsm | Jan 17, 2025

In reply to @rclouv "And, yes, it has withdrawal symptoms. Should work with doc to taper." + (show)

I'm struggling with the withdrawal symptoms from effexor, and my NP prescribed gabapentin to help with the anxiety and burning nerves pain. Not once did she say that I would have to go through all of this again when stopping gabapentin. I am getting so frustrated with all of this! Why on earth wouldn't she say anything? Is it because she doesn't know or believe how bad withdrawal is?! Sorry, had to rant a bit.

sears | @sears | Jan 18, 2025

In reply to @gregtsaunders "My psychiatrist prescribed gabapentin 600 mg 3 X day. It worked at first but now I..." + (show)

Yes and the withdrawal can be bad for the majority. Taper off slowly and carefully.

irene5 Irene Estes | @irene5 | Jan 19, 2025

In reply to @rclouv "I’ve struggled with anxiety for over 7 years. Tried many SSRI’s and SNRI’s and buspar. Minimal..." + (show)

I think gabapentin is awesome for anxiety. Please don’t laugh, but my vet gives it to my GSD for anxiety and it is a wonder drug for her. Irene5

jpatton60 | @jpatton60 | Nov 9, 2025

In reply to @rclouv "I’ve struggled with anxiety for over 7 years. Tried many SSRI’s and SNRI’s and buspar. Minimal..." + (show)

I've used Gabapentin for my nerve pain and for my anxiety/panic attacks. It works so well for me. The way I look at it is that at least I'm only taking one medication instead of several.

jpatton60 | @jpatton60 | Nov 9, 2025

In reply to @irene5 "I think gabapentin is awesome for anxiety. Please don’t laugh, but my vet gives it to..." + (show)

@irene5 I've thought about getting it for my cat. I heard from a local vet that it's great for anxiety in pets.

wgray | @wgray | Nov 10, 2025

In reply to @jpatton60 "@irene5 I've thought about getting it for my cat. I heard from a local vet that..." + (show)

@jpatton60 I have a prescription for Gabapentin for my cat if she needs it. She is 16 and is also on Prednisone. The Gabapentin does work as it has helped her in appetite but it also makes her sleepy. What I don’t like about it is that it makes her wobbly and she looks so sad on it. I don’t like the personality changes so I only give it if I absolutely have to.

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