Gabapentin For Anxiety, Dosage, Effectiveness, Addiction, Effects of Abuse, Overdose, Withdrawal & Treatment

There are many drugs used to treat anxiety. New studies are now showing that Gabapentin has been a successful treatment for individuals who suffer from anxiety. However, there are no randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of this medication in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and there are only a few case reports. People with GAD […]


There are many drugs used to treat anxiety. New studies are now showing that Gabapentin has been a successful treatment for individuals who suffer from anxiety. However, there are no randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of this medication in generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and there are only a few case reports.

People with GAD who take Gabapentin for anxiety have shown to be less irritable, reduce the use of alcohol as self-medication, have fewer depression symptoms, feel less anxious anticipating the future, improve in phobic avoidance (going out in public more, and experience a significant decrease in panic disorder and reduction of panic attacks).

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug that is primarily used to treat seizures and the pain that follows after an episode of shingles. Gabapentin is considered an off-brand drug used to treat anxiety. Neurontin is the most common brand name for Gabapentin, as well as Horizant and Gralise. Gabapentin has been shown to help people with sleeping better, as insomnia is a symptom of anxiety.

Gabapentin For Anxiety
There are many drugs used to treat anxiety. New studies are now showing that Gabapentin for anxiety has been a successful treatment for individuals who suffer from this.

Gabapentin For Anxiety Dosage

When you are prescribed Gabapentin to treat your anxiety, your doctor will determine the correct dosage necessary for you. Additionally, doctors will usually start with a lower dose of Gabapentin and gradually increase to the dosage that will become their full intake. Gabapentin comes in capsules of 100, 300, and 400 mg. Gabapentin tablets are available in 100, 300, 400, 600, and 800 mg. Do not change your dosage or stop taking your medications without talking to your doctor first. 

How Long Does Gabapentin For Anxiety Take to Work?

The effectiveness of Gabapentin is different for everyone, again also depending on the severity of your anxiety amongst other factors. The average timeline for effectiveness is about 3 weeks, but it could be sooner or later. It is important to remember that while Gabapentin may be helpful for some, it may not be helpful for you. If you want to consider using Gabapentin, consult your doctor and together you can make the best decisions regarding treating your anxiety.

What does Gabapentin For Anxiety Do?

Gabapentin is a drug that is mainly used to treat epilepsy, neuropathic pain, and to stop seizures. Many doctors will prescribe gabapentin to treat nerve pain in the body because it can help reduce symptoms such as tingling sensations, numbness, and burning sensations. Gabapentin is also prescribed for many off-label uses such as diabetic neuropathy, bipolar disorderanxietyADHD, restless leg syndrome, and complex regional pain syndrome, among others.

Gabapentin is not an opioid as many people might think, instead, it is a type of anticonvulsant; it also has properties that can be considered an anxiolytic. Gabapentin affects the brain and interferes with how certain chemicals are released, which in turn modifies activity in different parts of the body such as those associated with anxiety or seizures. It belongs to the sedative class of drugs which means that it slows down brain activity to produce sleepiness or tranquil feelings.

Gabapentin For Anxiety
When you are prescribed Gabapentin to treat your anxiety, your doctor will determine the correct dosage necessary for you.

Is Gabapentin For Anxiety Addictive?

It is possible to get addicted to gabapentin. While gabapentin has a lower risk for abuse, it is still possible to get addicted to the drug. Gabapentin addiction can occur from getting hooked on its effects without seeking out medical help. Abuse of the medication can lead you to gabapentin addiction, which is dangerous for your overall health and well-being.

A lot of people take gabapentin not realizing that it could be addictive. That’s because gabapentin is widely considered a non-addictive drug so it’s being used as an off-label drug for many different conditions including pain and anxiety. For the most part, people can use it without becoming addicted if they follow their legitimate prescriptions and they will not have withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing their use of the drug. However, some individuals become highly dependent on gabapentin and use it for a long time.

In the past, gabapentin was rarely used as a recreational drug because many people do not believe that they can get addicted to the drug. However, as other prescription drugs like opioids and anti-anxiety drugs became more difficult to acquire, some users turn to gabapentin to satisfy their drug cravings. In fact, due to the rapid increase of gabapentin use in the United States, there are some states including Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, and Michigan that reclassified the drug as a controlled substance.

Gabapentin For Anxiety
Is Gabapentin For Anxiety addictive? It is possible to get addicted to gabapentin. While gabapentin has a lower risk for abuse, it is still possible to get addicted to the drug. 

Effects Of The Abuse Of Gabapentin For Anxiety

The use of gabapentin should be closely monitored by a doctor, to monitor side effects. Some people experience a rush of euphoria or “high” when using this drug, which can lead them to use it in higher doses or in ways other than how it was prescribed. Abusing this medication can lead to more severe side effects and increases the risk of overdose and physical dependence.

A study published by The Annals of Pharmacotherapy reported that addiction to and abuse of gabapentin were most likely to occur in individuals who had a history of addiction to other substances, including alcohol, cocaine, and opioids. Rates of gabapentin misuse were 1.1 percent in the general population and 22 percent in drug abuse treatment centers. People who abuse gabapentin often take extremely high doses of the drug or combine it with illicit substances to enhance its effects.

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) lists the following side effects of gabapentin:

  • Drowsiness
  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Shaking in one part of the body
  • Blurry or doubled vision
  • Unsteadiness
  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty with memory
  • Strange or unusual thoughts
  • Uncontrolled eye movement
  • Red, itchy eyes
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Heartburn
  • Diarrhea
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Increased appetite and weight gain
  • Swelling in the extremities
  • Back or joint pain
  • Fever
  • Ear pain

Other more serious side effects include rash, itching, swelling of the face or mouth, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and seizures. These side effects indicate a serious reaction to the drug and require immediate medical attention.

Signs of Gabapentin Overdose

Symptoms of overdose according to NLM include:

  • Double vision
  • Slurred speech
  • Drowsiness
  • Diarrhea

If too much gabapentin is taken accidentally, or if the drug is abused, it is possible to overdose and experience adverse effects. The risk of overdose increases after withdrawal, if the individual returns to gabapentin use and does not increase the dosage gradually. Dosages of gabapentin should always be increased and decreased by small amounts over at least several days. An overdose of any substance requires immediate medical attention. Overdose can cause lasting damage to internal organs, including the heart, liver, and kidneys.

Symptoms of Gabapentin For Anxiety Withdrawal

Gabapentin withdrawal occurs when stopping the use of the drug after becoming physically dependent on it. It is possible to become physically dependent on gabapentin even when using the medication only as prescribed, particularly if it is used on a long-term basis.

NLM lists the following symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal:

  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Nausea
  • Pain
  • Sweating

Symptoms of withdrawal typically begin within 12 hours of the last drug use and may last up to a week. If gabapentin is being used to treat a seizure disorder, stopping the use of the drug too suddenly can cause the frequency of seizures to increase.

Gabapentin can cause mood changes and may trigger depressive episodes, as well as compulsive thoughts. Withdrawal can also trigger mood episodes and other mental health problems, including anxiety and suicidal ideation. This is more likely in young adults and children. These symptoms of gabapentin withdrawal can last longer than acute physical symptoms, sometimes lasting weeks or months.

There are currently no FDA-approved medications for the treatment of gabapentin withdrawal. Some withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea and pain, may be treated with medications specifically for those symptoms. The main treatment for gabapentin withdrawal is supportive medical care and behavioral interventions. If addiction is present, withdrawal may be the first step in the recovery process from a substance use disorder.

Gabapentin For Anxiety
Symptoms of gabapentin for anxiety withdrawal typically begin within 12 hours of the last drug use and may last up to a week.

Gabapentin For Anxiety Treatment

Frequent and excessive use of Gabapentin can lead to a physical and psychological dependence on the drug. This is when someone becomes so accustomed to taking a drug that they need it to feel and function normally. Quitting a drug like Gabapentin cold turkey can be dangerous and induce several withdrawal symptoms of varying severity. These include anxiety, insomnia, nausea, pain, and sweating.

Quitting also increases one’s likelihood of having a seizure which can lead to personal injury or the development of medical problems and life-threatening emergencies. Trying to quit should be done at a rehab facility or with the guidance and supervision of a professional during medical detox.

Reclaim Your Life From Gabapentin For Anxiety

Gabapentin addiction is a condition that can cause major health, social, and economic problems that should not be taken lightly. We Level Up California rehab institute can provide you, or someone you love, the tools to recover from addiction with professional and safe treatment. Feel free to call us to speak with one of our counselors. We can inform you about Gabapentin for anxiety by giving you relevant information. Our specialists know what you are going through. Please know that each call is private and confidential.