Do you want to explore everything about Gabapentin for anxiety such as Gabapentin dosage for anxiety, how it works, and potential side effects? Read this blog to have an overall picture of this medication.
Introduction to Gabapentin for anxiety
Gabapentin, or Neurontin, is a type of anti-convulsant. It was originally intended for certain kinds of seizures, nerve pain from shingles, and restless leg syndrome.
Gabapentin has also been used off-label for anxiety disorders and other mental health conditions, including an important role in some cases. If you have been prescribed Gabapentin, it is in the form of a tablet or liquid formulation given by your mental health provider.
There is some evidence that supports the idea that Gabapentin can be helpful for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.
What is Gabapentin's mechanism of action?
Gabapentin works in a similar way to the neurotransmitter GABA, which makes neurons in the brain fire more slowly. Hence, this medication helps calm the brain and reduce pain transmission through the nerves.
While studies haven't shown that Gabapentin can help with depressive symptoms, there is some evidence that it can help with anxiety problems. Gabapentin caused behavioral alterations in rats that were indicative of calmness.
Furthermore, a case study of one person discovered a definite inverse association between Gabapentin dose and anxiety. On days when she took Gabapentin, she claimed that her anxiety levels were quite low although she did not respond well to standard antidepressants like SSRIs
How to take Gabapentin for anxiety
If you've been offered Gabapentin for anxiety, make sure to strictly follow your doctor's instructions. Gabapentin can be taken as a capsule, pill, or oral solution. That said, in terms of anxiety, you'll most likely be given capsules. It's normally taken with a glass of water, and it can be taken with or without food.
You shouldn't take Antacids with Gabapentin (within 2 hours before and after). Because Antacids make Gabapentin less effective by making it difficult for your body to absorb Gabapentin.
Gabapentin dosage for anxiety
You cannot buy Gabapentin over the counter because it is a prescription medication. After you have been tested for Gabapentin allergies, your doctor or psychiatric provider will give you a prescription.
Your doctor will provide you with the exact dosage and a recommendation for how often you need to take Gabapentin for anxiety. Your dose can begin small and gradually grow. Gabapentin dosage for anxiety is commonly started at 300 mg once per evening. After that, the dose can be gradually raised every 3-5 days. Some persons can take 600 mg per day, while others get the FDA-approved maximum dose of 3,600 mg per day.
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Gabapentin dosage for depression
Gabapentin for depression may have a distinct dosing pattern, according to Psycom. A daily dose of 900 to 2,000 mg acts as a mood stabilizer and antidepressant. Some patients feel better within a week of starting medication, while others take longer to see meaningful symptom alleviation.
Gabapentin dosage for anxiety in dogs and cats
Gabapentin has been utilized as an additional treatment for anxiety in dogs and cats by vet behaviorists for many years. It's commonly used to treat impulsivity, generalized anxiety, panic disorders, phobias, and obsessive behaviors in dogs.
Gabapentin dosage for anxiety in dogs
Gabapentin is routinely given to dogs at a dosage of 5-30 mg/kg up to 3 times every day. The dosage depends on your dog's body weight and its intended purpose. Before a veterinarian appointment, a 10-pound dog can get 50 mg of Gabapentin, while a 100-pound dog in acute discomfort can get 1000 mg every 8 hours. Gabapentin is usually taken every 8 to 12 hours, with the best results happening 2 hours after the last dose.
Gabapentin dosage for anxiety in cats
Smaller cats should receive 50-75 mg, whereas bigger cats should receive 75-100 mg. Technically, you can change your dosage for your cats as long as you don't go over the recommended quantity of 27 mg/pound of body weight (50 mg/kg).
Side effects of Gabapentin for anxiety
Gabapentin for anxiety might cause negative effects, just like any other medicine. Fatigue, dizziness, agitation, changes in libido or sexual desire, unsteadiness, tremors, involuntary eye movement, and blurred vision are the most common adverse effects. Some of them may fade with repeated usage. However, if they get more serious or last for an extended period of time, contact your physician right once.
Gabapentin for anxiety reviews
Gabapentin for anxiety has an average grade of 7.9/10, based on 397 reviews. Seventy-four percent of reviewers said they had a good time, while fifteen percent said they had a bad time.
Two users pointed out two different experiences with Gabapentin:
HBerry (taking 6 months to 1 year): This will be the finest anxiety medicine I've ever used. Do you know how it makes me feel? As I did before I got anxious as a youngster. I was able to express myself freely.
I was unconcerned about being judged. So now that I'm on this medication, I'm not overthinking every word I say or worrying that I'll say something bad. I'm able to speak freely and easily once more. I am who I am.
Lovenature ( taking 6 months to 1 year): I've been on Gabapentin for almost 8 months and haven't noticed any benefits. My doctor doubled my dosage around two months ago, yet this medicine continues to be ineffective for me. I'm not saying this pill doesn't work for others; it just doesn't work for me.
This medication is used by a friend of mine, and it works well for her. I'm sure I'm drug-resistant. What irritates me is that my doctor insists on keeping me on medication, even though I want to gently wean off of it. My doctor refuses to listen to me. So I'll look for another doctor who can help me. This medicine doesn't really cover my restless leg syndrome as a pain reliever. It’s weird.
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Gabapentin for anxiety: Final words
As an anticonvulsant medication, Gabapentin is used to treat shingles-related seizures & nerve pain. It's also renowned for providing anti-anxiety effects. That is the reason why it is frequently given to treat anxiety and depression.
The dose of Gabapentin is normally started at a low dose and then progressively raised as needed. Although Gabapentin is unlikely to be prescribed as a first-line treatment for anxiety, it can be used in conjunction with other medications to help alleviate symptoms.
