Neurontin, Gralise, Gabarone, and Fanatrex are some of the brand names for gabapentin, an anticonvulsant prescription drug. The FDA authorized it for the three essential uses in December 1993.
- Controlling specific forms of seizures in epilepsy patients
- The nerve pain from shingles (burning, stabbing, or aches) may be relieved.
- Putting an end to restless legs syndrome
Gabapentin has been used off-label in psychiatry to care for patients with treatment-resistant anxiety disorders and also alcohol withdrawal and post-traumatic stress disorder since it became accessible.
How Is Gabapentin Used to Treat Anxiety Mood Disorders Like Depression?
Gabapentin isn’t often used alone to relieve anxiety. It’s most commonly used to treat anxiety symptoms in people who also have depression or bipolar disorder. (Anxiety is a common co-occurring disorder with depression and bipolar disorder.) The explanation for this is that it might not be successful in treating anxiety alone.
Comparing seven separate clinical trials on the efficacy of gabapentin for anxiety suggests that it may be slightly better than a placebo in treating generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) but not significantly better. Gabapentin for anxiety disorder, the results could be somewhat more optimistic.
Gabapentin’s clinical studies for depression treatment have also been disappointing. There have been no experimental trials to prove it is successful on its own or in combination with other therapies. Nonetheless, some empirical evidence is compelling, particularly for patients who do not seem to progress with more conventional antidepressants.
What Dosage Should You Take For Gabapentin?
If gabapentin is recommended to you or a special one to relieve anxiety, the doctor will decide the proper dose. Furthermore, most physicians will begin care with a low dose and start increasing it until the doctor decides that it is acceptable.
Gabapentin tablets come in doses of 100, 300, 400, 600, and 800 mg, while gabapentin capsules come in 100, 300, and 400 mg. Never adjust your dose or stop taking drugs without first consulting your doctor, as doing so may cause significant harm.
What Are The Side Effects Of Gabapentin?
Gabapentin, like any other drug, has several side effects that people should be aware of. However, since this drug does not affect everyone, the adverse effects you can encounter are based on your response to gabapentin.
Some of the gabapentin’s adverse effects involve (but are not restricted to):
- Constant eye movements, back-and-forth, rolling, or uncontrollable/unusual.
- Talk in a problematic manner
- Feeling dizzy
- Doubtful perception
- Feeling tired or sleepy
- Retention of fluid
If you or a loved one (including your child or anyone under your care) experiences any of the symptoms mentioned above, call your physician right away. If you think you have an allergic reaction, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911 for assistance. Allergic response symptoms involve swelling of the cheeks, tongue, lips, and throat and hives, and trouble breathing.
If you or a family member has been administered gabapentin, consult with your doctor at your medical visit to go over potential side effects (including side effects that are frequently found in children).
