Anxiety Support Group

Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...

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Questions About the Medication "Gabapentin"

Janet7
Janet7

Hello -I am writing because the medication I had been taking for a very long time for my anxiety and panic attacks is finally fizzling-out, although it is wearing-out slowly, thank God.  I saw a psychiatrist, who recommended I not change anything in my medication regimen, but that I should add Gabapentin, which is a medication that is mainly used for seizure activity and nerve pain, but it also has a strong anti-anxiety component.


I am confused, though, because when I researched this drug online (patient reviews and the literature from the manufacturer), the opinions were either glowing (a "miracle drug") or very negative ("This is an evil drug".)  My internist also strongly recommended this medication, but when I read about side effects such as migraines, vision changes, and massive weight gain, I am rather scared to take this drug, although I have been on it for a week-and-a-half now - so far,so good, as it has already helped a great deal with my anxiety - but I know it is too early to make a judgment on this drug.


If anyone has ever taken this drug, I would really appreciate it if you let me know what your experience was/is of it.  Thank you so much - Janet

hesse
hesse
im curently taking it and havnt had any side effects. u have to give it at least 6 weeks to see if its helping. iv been on it for 4 months and its not helping with anxiety or seizures. there all about adding a pill on top of another pill so be careful if they say hay lets add another on top of this one
Janet7
Janet7
Thanks so much for your response - I'm sorry the Gabapentin hasn't been helping with your anxiety or seizures - Thank you for the reassurance about your not experiencing any side effects - I guess I will stay on the Gabapentin, since it is helping me, and hope that I do not experience side effects. Maybe as you continue taking it, it will work for you - I sincerely hope so - Janet
lovejoy
lovejoy
I've been on Gabapentin for quite awhile now. First I took it only at night for sleep, but now I take it in the morning and afternoon, too. It's been about 6 months and so far no side effects. Good luck!
Janet7
Janet7
Thank you, "lovejoy", for writing - I also take Gabapentin 3 times a day. It is reassuring to read that you have been taking it for 6 months and have not experienced side effects - Good luck to you, too!
gabpaul
gabpaul
Weird. I just happen to come upon this thread. I take Gabapentin for pain associated with degenerative disc disease. I have noticed more headaches and weight gain, but the weight gain started before I began taking the drug.
Janet7
Janet7
Thanks for your feedback, "gabpaul". My MD told me that Gabapentin can cause weight gain. I hope this side effect goes away as you continue to use the medication.
Community LeaderMid
Mid
To counter the weight gain, make sure you increase your liquid intake. For some reason, it can create mild dehydration symptoms (anxiety related), and increasing the liquid intake was the natural solution for me. I was on it for a time. Best wishes.
Janet7
Janet7
Thank you, "mideyebrow"! This is very helpful to me, because I tend to be dehydrated a lot, according to my MD, and now that I'm on the Gabapentin, I will guzzle even more water, if that's part of what it takes to not gain weight or be dehydrated. I really appreciate your response.
Community LeaderMid
Mid
Not just water, add more food liquids, too. Best wishes!
Janet7
Janet7
Thank you!
salvatop
salvatop
I have been taking Gapapentin for the past 5 months and it hasn't done much for my anxiety. I take 900mg daily, 1 300mg tablet 3 times a day. I have not experienced much in the way of side effects either. I hope it works for your anxiety.
Janet7
Janet7
Thank you, "salvatop" - I'm sorry the Gabapentin isn't working for you - It sounds like it's time for you to try another medication - just take yourself off the Gabapentin very slowly - it's supposed to be difficult to wean off of -
Community LeaderMid
Mid
It can be. It was not for me to wean off, which was good. salvatop, I'm sorry it's not doing much for your anxiety. I can only suggest a journal with a stick figure to show what does work when. I did that, and the gabapentin was switched for another medicine.
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