The psychiatrist that treats me had prescribed Pregabalin 150 before lunch and Pregabalin 75 before dinner. As this did not help me counter anxiety, he has prescribed Gabapentin 300 twice daily before lunch and dinner. As I do not find any positive result even after a week, I want to know if Gabapentin is helpful in combating anxiety disorder.
You might be interested in the NIMH profile on anxiety disorders, at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml
My experience as a clinical psychologist is that the best approach to anxiety is a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and a range of relaxation techniques.
NIMH also has a nice article on medications at https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml
Little evidence exists on the effects of both pregabalin and gabapentin on anxiety disorders. These agents are often used off-label as mood stabilizers. However, as the effects of pregabalin and gabapentin are very similar, it is not surprising that after an unsuccessful trial with pregabalin, no effect was obtained with gabapentin.
Anxiety disorders are heterogeneous conditions. An accurate diagnostic assessment is necessary to implement tailored interventions that must include both psychotherapy (especially in younger subjects) and medications.
Gabapentin is sometimes used off-label as mood stabilizer and pregabalin as well, moreover the latter is also indicated for the GAD.
However I think the pharmacological treatment of anxiety disorders should be managed with more than one drug, in particular not only a mood stabilizer.
I remember the case of an older woman with a generalized anxiety disorder, where the anxiolytic effect of pregabalin played a key role. However, with gabapentin, I have no clinical experience.
Otherwiase, I completely agree with Francesco Lusciano.
Please take a look at this useful RG link.
Article Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder with Gabapentin
Also visit the following RG links.
Article Pharmacotherapy of Anxiety Disorders: Current and Emerging T...
Article Biological rationale and potential clinical use of gabapenti...
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