First Let’s Understand Gabapentin
Gabapentin is an FDA-approved anti-seizure and nerve pain prescription drug. It is also used off-label* to treat anxiety and alcohol withdrawal disorders.
Some more facts about Gabapentin:
- FDA approves gabapentin only for the treatment of seizures and nerve pain.
- It is used to relieve nerve pain caused by shingles.
- It is not approved for treatment of anxiety disorders.
- Due to its calming properties, it is used off-label to treat anxiety.
- It is also used to treat hot flashes in women during menopause.
- It helps manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
- It also helps with alcohol addiction.
- It is available in the form of tablets, capsules, and oral solutions.
- It is available by the names of Neurontin, Horizant, and Gralise.
- It has some potential side effects that need to be taken care of.
- Some people become addicted to gabapentin usage.
- Medical supervision is required to discontinue this medicine.
*Off-label is used when a prescribed medicine is not used for a purpose that was not approved by the FDA. It is legal practice but its efficacy and safety have not been reviewed by the FDA.
Gabapentin and Anxiety
Gabapentin has gained popularity in the past few years for the treatment of anxiety. This emerged as the potential medicine for anxiety. Along with other anxiety medicines, it is giving promising results.
Studies also confirm the treatment of social anxiety gives positive results.
Different studies also show a positive result of gabapentin in the treatment of anxiety compared to placebo medication.
It is used off-label since it is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety disorder.
However, the study confirms its role in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.
So, it seems that gabapentin is a potential medicine for the treatment of anxiety issues.
Now, let’s see, how anxiety works to reduce anxiety symptoms.
How Does Gabapentin Work for Anxiety?
Gabapentin is a synthetic version of the neurotransmitter GABA. It plays the role of Gaba neurotransmitter in the body.
First, understand -What is GABA?
GABA stands for Gamma-aminobutyric acid. It is a neurotransmitter in the brain that slows down the hyperactivity of nerve cells related to pain and mood regulation in the nervous system.
It produces the calming effect required for controlling pain, depression, and symptoms of anxiety disorder.
Studies also show the role of GABA in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Also, a reduced amount of GABA in the brain can increase the symptoms of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
So, Gabapentin reduces the effects of anxiety in a person by calming the hyperactive brain neurons.
Precautions while Taking Gabapentin for Anxiety?
- It has a sedative effect, making this unsuitable before driving or operating heavy machinery. So, one be careful about taking this medicine.
- One must immediately report to his/her doctor in case of fever, rashes, swelling, and pain near the neck, groin, or armpit after taking this medicine.
- This may be the serious reaction of this drug called DRESS.
- People must note the changes in behavior like sad hopelessness, restlessness, and feelings of suicide and report them to their doctor.
- Discontinue this medicine only under healthcare supervision.
How long does it take for Gabapentin to work for Anxiety?
It will take around four weeks to be fully effective.
Dosage of Gabapentin
Minimum: 300 mg to 600 mg
Divided in 2 or 3 times a day
Maximum: 3600 mg
Divided in 3 times a day
Side-Effects of Gabapentin
Some common side effects are:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sleeping issues
- Constipation
- Fever
- Mood Swings
- Changes in appetite
- Blurred Vision
- Low sex drive
- Erectile Dysfunction
Some serious side effects to note:
- Somnolence: Condition in which one can feel drowsiness and tend to fall asleep quickly.
- There are serious respiratory-related side effects found in patients having underlying respiratory diseases and elderly patients.
FDA already issued warnings for such kinds of patients.
Other Effective Treatment for Anxiety
Medications
There are several other medications available that are used in the treatment of anxiety and more specifically. Healthcare specialists suggest these medicines according to the condition and type of anxiety disorder. Following the other medicines used to treat anxiety:
- Antidepressants: These are used to treat anxiety caused by stress and depression. These work by increasing the levels of serotonin and noradrenaline which uplifts the mood and emotional balance.
- Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI): SSRI also increases the serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that carries signals between the nerve cells. It helps in regulating the mood. SSRI also inhibits the absorption of serotonin back into the neurons. Thus, the increased amount of serotonin is maintained in the brain and reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Beta-Blockers: Beta-blockers slow down the activity of certain types of brain cells leading to lower blood pressure and heart rate ideal for treating symptoms of social anxiety.
- Anti-Anxiety Medicines: Buspirone and Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety medications. These work by balancing the serotonin and dopamine levels in the blood which regulates the mood and emotional imbalance. These are also used to treat anxiety and panic attacks due to their fast-reactive properties.
Therapies
Therapies are also the best way to deal with anxiety and depression issues. They work by treating the root causes and identifying the triggers for anxiety. Therapy changes the way someone takes the adverse situations and reacts to them. These are two main types of therapies available:
First Let’s Understand Gabapentin
Gabapentin is an FDA-approved anti-seizure and nerve pain prescription drug. It is also used off-label* to treat anxiety and alcohol withdrawal disorders.
Some more facts about Gabapentin:
- FDA approves gabapentin only for the treatment of seizures and nerve pain.
- It is used to relieve nerve pain caused by shingles.
- It is not approved for treatment of anxiety disorders.
- Due to its calming properties, it is used off-label to treat anxiety.
- It is also used to treat hot flashes in women during menopause.
- It helps manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
- It also helps with alcohol addiction.
- It is available in the form of tablets, capsules, and oral solutions.
- It is available by the names of Neurontin, Horizant, and Gralise.
- It has some potential side effects that need to be taken care of.
- Some people become addicted to gabapentin usage.
- Medical supervision is required to discontinue this medicine.
*Off-label is used when a prescribed medicine is not used for a purpose that was not approved by the FDA. It is legal practice but its efficacy and safety have not been reviewed by the FDA.
Gabapentin and Anxiety
Gabapentin has gained popularity in the past few years for the treatment of anxiety. This emerged as the potential medicine for anxiety. Along with other anxiety medicines, it is giving promising results.
Studies also confirm the treatment of social anxiety gives positive results.
Different studies also show a positive result of gabapentin in the treatment of anxiety compared to placebo medication.
It is used off-label since it is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety disorder.
However, the study confirms its role in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.
So, it seems that gabapentin is a potential medicine for the treatment of anxiety issues.
Now, let’s see, how anxiety works to reduce anxiety symptoms.
How Does Gabapentin Work for Anxiety?
Gabapentin is a synthetic version of the neurotransmitter GABA. It plays the role of Gaba neurotransmitter in the body.
First, understand -What is GABA?
GABA stands for Gamma-aminobutyric acid. It is a neurotransmitter in the brain that slows down the hyperactivity of nerve cells related to pain and mood regulation in the nervous system.
It produces the calming effect required for controlling pain, depression, and symptoms of anxiety disorder.
Studies also show the role of GABA in the treatment of anxiety disorders.
Also, a reduced amount of GABA in the brain can increase the symptoms of:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Epilepsy
- Seizures
- Insomnia
- ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
So, Gabapentin reduces the effects of anxiety in a person by calming the hyperactive brain neurons.
Precautions while Taking Gabapentin for Anxiety?
- It has a sedative effect, making this unsuitable before driving or operating heavy machinery. So, one be careful about taking this medicine.
- One must immediately report to his/her doctor in case of fever, rashes, swelling, and pain near the neck, groin, or armpit after taking this medicine.
- This may be the serious reaction of this drug called DRESS.
- People must note the changes in behavior like sad hopelessness, restlessness, and feelings of suicide and report them to their doctor.
- Discontinue this medicine only under healthcare supervision.
How long does it take for Gabapentin to work for Anxiety?
It will take around four weeks to be fully effective.
Dosage of Gabapentin
Minimum: 300 mg to 600 mg
Divided in 2 or 3 times a day
Maximum: 3600 mg
Divided in 3 times a day
Side-Effects of Gabapentin
Some common side effects are:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Sleeping issues
- Constipation
- Fever
- Mood Swings
- Changes in appetite
- Blurred Vision
- Low sex drive
- Erectile Dysfunction
Some serious side effects to note:
- Somnolence: Condition in which one can feel drowsiness and tend to fall asleep quickly.
- There are serious respiratory-related side effects found in patients having underlying respiratory diseases and elderly patients.
FDA already issued warnings for such kinds of patients.
Other Effective Treatment for Anxiety
Medications
There are several other medications available that are used in the treatment of anxiety and more specifically. Healthcare specialists suggest these medicines according to the condition and type of anxiety disorder. Following the other medicines used to treat anxiety:
- Antidepressants: These are used to treat anxiety caused by stress and depression. These work by increasing the levels of serotonin and noradrenaline which uplifts the mood and emotional balance.
- Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI): SSRI also increases the serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter that carries signals between the nerve cells. It helps in regulating the mood. SSRI also inhibits the absorption of serotonin back into the neurons. Thus, the increased amount of serotonin is maintained in the brain and reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Beta-Blockers: Beta-blockers slow down the activity of certain types of brain cells leading to lower blood pressure and heart rate ideal for treating symptoms of social anxiety.
- Anti-Anxiety Medicines: Buspirone and Benzodiazepines are anti-anxiety medications. These work by balancing the serotonin and dopamine levels in the blood which regulates the mood and emotional imbalance. These are also used to treat anxiety and panic attacks due to their fast-reactive properties.
Therapies
Therapies are also the best way to deal with anxiety and depression issues. They work by treating the root causes and identifying the triggers for anxiety. Therapy changes the way someone takes the adverse situations and reacts to them. These are two main types of therapies available:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is the most famous type of therapy for the treatment of anxiety disorder. It works by treating causes of anxiety and people’s reactions to such adverse situations and unpleasant memories.
- Exposure Therapy: This therapy works by treating and facing the fear and objects someone fears. This can be done by imagining such objects and fears.