User Reviews for Gabapentin
Brand names: Neurontin, Gralise, Gabarone, Fanatrex
Gabapentin has an average rating of 7.1 out of 10 from a total of 2,406 reviews on Drugs.com. 63% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 22% reported a negative experience.
Condition | Avg. Rating | Reviews | Compare |
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Anxiety Off-label | 452 reviews | 54 medications | |
Pain Off-label | 388 reviews | 1136 medications | |
Neuropathic Pain Off-label | 192 reviews | 5 medications | |
Peripheral Neuropathy Off-label | 190 reviews | 6 medications | |
Fibromyalgia Off-label | 186 reviews | 21 medications | |
Bipolar Disorder Off-label | 132 reviews | 34 medications | |
Insomnia Off-label | 131 reviews | 117 medications | |
Restless Legs Syndrome Off-label | 123 reviews | 11 medications | |
Migraine Off-label | 119 reviews | 89 medications | |
Hot Flashes Off-label | 115 reviews | 17 medications | |
Alcohol Withdrawal Off-label | 71 reviews | 12 medications | |
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Off-label | 57 reviews | 42 medications | |
Postherpetic Neuralgia | 56 reviews | 41 medications | |
Trigeminal Neuralgia Off-label | 36 reviews | 7 medications | |
Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Off-label | 23 reviews | 2 medications | |
Spondylolisthesis Off-label | 17 reviews | 50 medications | |
Occipital Neuralgia Off-label | 17 reviews | 4 medications | |
Epilepsy | 16 reviews | 56 medications | |
Benign Essential Tremor Off-label | 14 reviews | 3 medications | |
Burning Mouth Syndrome Off-label | 12 reviews | 11 medications | |
Vulvodynia Off-label | 10 reviews | 9 medications | |
Pruritus Off-label | 9 reviews | 300 medications | |
Small Fiber Neuropathy Off-label | 8 reviews | 3 medications | |
Periodic Limb Movement Disorder Off-label | 7 reviews | 6 medications | |
Cough Off-label | 6 reviews | 811 medications | |
Erythromelalgia Off-label | 4 reviews | 1 medications | |
Pudendal Neuralgia Off-label | 3 reviews | 2 medications | |
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Off-label | 3 reviews | 2 medications | |
Transverse Myelitis Off-label | 3 reviews | 2 medications | |
Hiccups Off-label | 2 reviews | 2 medications | |
Syringomyelia Off-label | 1 reviews | 3 medications | |
Nausea/Vomiting, Chemotherapy Induced Off-label | 1 reviews | 57 medications | |
Postmenopausal Symptoms Off-label | 1 reviews | 157 medications | |
Hyperhidrosis Off-label | 1 reviews | 9 medications | |
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Reviews for Gabapentin
For Anxiety "I am being treated for treatment resistant depression, GAD with panic disorder and PTSD. I have been on many different combinations of meds with no relief. My psychiatrist recommended a more aggressive approach, electro convulsive therapy. I went home feeling defeated and cold turkey stopped all my meds. SUPER BAD IDEA!! I had very bad "discontinuation effects" they don't call it withdrawals but it very much was. Luckily I have a supportive husband who helped me find a new doctor. She asked if I had tried gabapentin. I had never heard of it. I started at 100mg 3 times a day and am currently at 1200mg 3 times a day along with 225mg effexor and 45mg remeron for sleep. I no longer suffer! I haven't had a panic attack in months and my mood is generally very good. I love the fact that I can still feel too. I still experience a full range of emotions appropriate for the situation. I laugh, I cry, I get excited, I get scared. I feel in control of myself for the first time in years."
For Anxiety "If you suffer from anxiety, bipolar, PTSD , panic attacks or like me all the above - THIS PARTICULAR MEDICINE WILL BE THE ULTIMATE!!!! I've taken it since 2008. I take 600mg 3x a day. It worked for me very quickly. I've tried so many different medications, all having terrible side effects, not this one. It has 100% been my personal saving grace. I can function completely, can feel all emotions (not that I like to sometimes) it works wonders while not zapping your personality!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRYING THIS DRUG, especially if you are hard to treat like I was!"
Frequently asked questions
- Lyrica vs Gabapentin: What's the difference?
- Does gabapentin help treat nerve pain?
- Is gabapentin considered a painkiller?
- Does gabapentin cause weight gain?
For Insomnia "Taking this drug, for me, was taking the tiger by the tail. And I got eaten in the end. Lol, to be less dramatic, I used 300 to 600 mg gabapentin for sleep every night for fourteen months. It worked like a dream and I thought my lifelong debilitating sleep issues were over. No. It stopped working. I sleep even worse ON the drug now than I used to sleep without it. And when I don’t take it, I have complete insomnia—not even a doze all night. I know I could increase my dose and maybe be okay for another six months or another year. But I have to get off of it sometime if it’s just going to stop working periodically. I can’t increase the dose forever. I wonder how long it will take to withdrawal? I wonder if I’ll ever sleep well again? Maybe I’ll update this post or post again when I find out."
For Anxiety "I wasted time with talk therapy and antidepressants. Then by chance I took gabapentin for pain when I got shingles. I noticed that my generalized anxiety went away. I also sleep a lot better. I take 200 mg in the morning and 200mg at night. I had to get used to it - it made me feel fuzzy brained at first. Before gabapentin I used to like to have a cocktail to calm my nerves. Now drinking alcohol doesn't even sound good. I feel calm. Why isn't this prescribed more? I had to ask for it."
Are you taking this medicine?
For Anxiety "I had developed anorexia, PTSD, and OCD after a sexual assault. Gabapentin helped me with OCD especially. When I would wake up in the morning, my mind would repeat the same thought over and over and my mood swings were crazy. They wouldn't stop. I started taking 1/2 of a tablet under my tongue every morning with food. Now my mind is quiet and serene. I feel so joyful and optimistic every day. I'm so productive and motivated at work. This is truly a miracle drug."
For Anxiety "I am someone who has a whole laundry list of problems (bipolar II with psychotic features, depression, generalized anxiety, ADHD, panic disorder, and dpdr) so that means I have to take a ton of medication and have been in therapy since I was 13. I just started gabapentin at 300 mg 3x a day and my anxiety is almost nonexistent. I used to be absolutely paralyzed by fear at random points during the day for seemingly no reason. To the point that all of my muscles would tense and I would feel like they are on fire. This is the only medication that has helped."
More FAQ
- How long does gabapentin withdrawal last?
- How long does it take gabapentin to work?
- How does gabapentin make you feel?
- Is gabapentin a controlled substance / narcotic?
For Alcohol Withdrawal "Been a cop for 25 years. Also worked for private contractors in Afghanistan. Needless to say, I retired with two gifts. PTSD and Alcohol abuse. Up to 1.75 (a handle as we drunks call it) a day. Gabapentin came to the rescue (800 mg twice a day.) at first there was dizziness and I had to walk with a cane. On day 3, I normalized. No cravings. Shakes disappeared. Nausea gone. Went to AA but that made me have cravings again after hearing the stories so, luckily, I stopped going. Miracle drug? It was for me. Did not stop the PTSD though, but found that medical THC did the trick at night before bed. Sober for a month now. A first."
Neurontin (gabapentin) for Anxiety "Neurontin has changed my life dramatically. I suffered from high anxiety with panic and anxiety attacks. I started this medicine at about 19 and had been off and on it the past 13 years. It literally has made me a new person. When I don't use it I notice a lot of fatigue, worry, anxiety, etc. When I am using this medication, I can concentrate on the better side of things and am not so negative. In the beginning it did have some side effects such as a "loopy" feeling. Over time that did pass, and now gives me energy to get through the day. I am on 300mg 3 x day. I can also sleep much easier, and my carpal tunnel syndrome is dramatically better. Before I felt very snappy and impatient, now I handle things with a much more calm disposition. Love it."
For Peripheral Neuropathy "I have been on gabapentin for about 4 years ending up with 600mg three times a day - it is for nerve pain. No help whatsoever for the searing pain I still get. I believe it’s prescribed because it’s a cheap drug and only partly does the job. This drug was originally prescribed for people suffering from seizures and fits to control the brain and was considered useful for nerve pain. As far as I’m concerned it doesn’t work and there should be more research into this debilitating illness. Of course as a result of neuropathy you can get neuropathic ulcers which are incredibly painful. The NHS offer nothing for these. I’m not a diabetic, I don’t drink and don’t have any if the listed conditions which might cause neuropathy so Im pretty annoyed about the lack of knowledge in treating this illness."
For Anxiety "Started off at 300mg 3 x a day for anxiety, depression and insomnia. Didn’t really do much at that level so the psychiatrist increased it to 400mg 3x a day and then upped it to 400mg 4x a day. I used to be on lorazepam for anxiety but stopped taking that because of the side effects. I can tell you with 100% confidence that I’m feeling better on Gabapentin than anything I’ve ever been prescribed for anxiety and depression. I’ve also been sleeping through the night uninterrupted, which I haven’t been able to do for the past 20 years. This stuff works people, as long as it’s at the right dose for your personal needs."
For Anxiety "I suffer from panic attacks that have been occurring for the last four years, the had me on a medication regiment of Xanax, two mgs four times a day and Clonazepam 1mg two times a day, and I in turn became dependant on those. So for the last month I tapered myself off of the Xanax and Clonazepam and was subsequently put on Gapapentin and I have to say I've never felt better. This medication has been the only thing that has helped as much as the better than Benzo's. I must say this medication really is a miracle anxiety drug. Nothing has EVER worked like this and I shoud add I've tryed over 30 medications to stop my severe anxiety, I hope this helps at least one person."
For Anxiety "Hey, gabapentin has done wonders for me. I can clearly feel the difference between not taking it and taking it. In school my anxiety is a big problem, I couldn’t even look at my classmates, it felt like my body was locked and I couldn’t speak or look elsewhere than my pc. When using gabapentin these problems is just gone, I’m happy, concentrated and very energetic. It is the best"
For Insomnia "Used to wake up many many times each night and be tired in the morning even after 9+hours in bed. First tried hydroxyzine but I was soooo groggy all morning. Gabapentin at 400mg about two hours before bed is perfect for me, get a much better quality of sleep and wake up with no side effects. Been using over 6 months. Soooo helpful!"
For Anxiety "After a hard divorce at a young age I became an addict meds. When I searched for help I found an amazing doctor that I feel cares about my well being not just there to give me meds. One of the medications he had given me was Neurontin(gabapentin) and it has helped not only with my anxiety but I also get horrible sciatic nerve pain ( when I'm sitting for long periods of time and at night when I'm sleeping) it has helped so much. I can take it during the day which helps my anxiety and at night helps me get a good night sleep as well as the nerve pain. I would recommend this medication for anyone struggling with these issues. I hope this helped just one person."
For Anxiety "I've struggled with moderate to severe generalized anxiety for all of my life - mostly related to social and performance situations. I've tried many different drugs and have never been sure that they worked. Then I was prescribed Neurontin, and I can 100% feel the difference. My anxiety has decreased significantly on this drug. It sedates me nicely to the point that I'm still completely alert and myself, but I'm so much more easygoing and relaxed. My physical symptoms related to anxiety are still there but I feel less anxious about them, if that makes sense. It just makes the world much more bearable. There are some negative side effects - such as low sex drive, dizziness (which went away after taking for a few weeks), and sometimes I get extra teary. But it's not much of a price to pay if it helps with the main demon of anxiety! Drugs affect everyone differently, but if you think your life is negatively affected by anxiety, it's definitely worth trying."
For Anxiety "I just got on this gabapentin 300 mg a day and so far I love it. I read tons of info on many, many anti anxiety meds. Was on zoloft that made it worse with suicide thoughts. That med can permanently change your brain. Gabapentin also helps my body pains. Hopefully will stay on this dose although many people take higher daily doses. Been less than a month"
For Pain "I have severe sciatica in my right leg and horrible back pain due to two herniated discs, and severe spinal stenosis from an injury. I've seen 3 doctors and have tried everything out there. Today my doctor prescribed 300mg gabapentin 3 times a day, 5 hours ago I took the first one and AMAZING! I can feel the pain going away!"
For Insomnia "Hi. I've been prescribed Gabapentin 100mg 2 times daily in the past and again recently to no avail for sleep and anxiety, so I put them aside and gave up until recently after viewing other people's comments I talked to my doctor about upping the dose as I saw that many people were on a much higher dose than I was. He agreed knowing I have a high tolerance to most medications and preferred I use it instead of Xanax. He told me to take 200mg 2 times a day and I I finally felt something that relaxed me but not so I could stay asleep at night, so again he upped my dose to 300mg 2 times daily. Now I am calm in the day and have no problem falling asleep after relaxing for a few hours before bed. Also, I did not have any side effects at all using Gabapentin. Many comments posted say that it's a matter of getting the right dosage for you and it seemed that was true in my case also. So any one out there struggling like I did, I suggest you don't give up and talk to your doctor, you are not alone."
For Anxiety "Hey I’m Troy I live in California. I don’t know where to start so I’ll just tell you what I’ve been through and how this medication helped me. I’ve been bullied since grade 5 about a multitude of things. My whole life (so far) I’ve always felt different. Like I see things a lot differently than other people and I suffer from existential anxiety and severe anxiety. Always wondering why we’re here how we got here what’s the meaning of life blah blah blah. Anyways, you get my point and maybe you even relate to me. I’ve tried a bunch of medications to help me like: hydroxyzine, lexapro, abilify, adderall, strattera, Wellbutrin and a lot more I can’t remember atm. Anyways Gabapentin - after taking it for two days has already changed my thoughts, and my actions this medication makes me feel extremely happy, outgoing, at ease, and just overall fine. My thoughts no longer take control of me and drive me insane. Thank you Neurontin."
For Insomnia "I have been taking 200mg Gabapentin for 2 weeks to help with sleep and anxiety. The first week, I had my concerns. Dry mouth, head ache and dizzy. But I stuck with it and continued to take it since it was helping with my sleep. Now after 2 weeks, I am having no side effects and sleep well. I go to sleep easily and stay asleep for 7-8 hours. I am feeling calmer during the day, my anxiety is much better. For me, I'd have to grade this med a 10."
For Peripheral Neuropathy "I've been taking Gabapentin for a year. I've tried all the drugs used for neuropathy & it's the only one that helps without side effects. This disease has caused electrical sparks through my feet & legs, numbness in my toes & balls of the feet, cramping, a hard wooden-like swelling in the balls of the feet that makes it so I can't walk flat foot anymore. I can't walk without my Birkenstocks, I can't run, jump or exercise on my feet. There is rippling that runs through my feet & legs. All this madness is eased a little with the Gabapentin so I can at least live day to day. I'm taking 600 mg 3 times a day. I was taking 900 3 times a day, but have been able to cut back some. It truly awful way to live & I'm only 61."
For Anxiety "I am 42 yes old and have had social anxiety my whole life. It's been hard to deal with. I became an addict because I couldn't cope. After serving in the military I went to the VA for help. I was on so many medicines I can't remember them all. Gabapentin has changed my life. Been completely clean for years and no anxiety."
For Anxiety "I have suffered with anxiety and depression for a long time, not fully understanding what was wrong with me and also self medicating with drugs and alcohol and general avoidance. Last year it became too much to bare since I had started a new career and was in grad school, moved to a new city and also trying to survive a pandemic. My doc put my on lexapro which seemed pretty awful to some degree but it wasn’t quite right. I went to a psychiatrist to see if there might be something more appropriate and she added gabapentin to my lexapro and it was almost instantly so much better. As someone else mentioned below, I am able to be myself and speak without fear of saying the wrong thing, over analyzing every detail and my self consciousness seemed to disappear. I feel a general sense of peace and calm and my insomnia is gone! I hope it lasts!"
For Anxiety "I am prescribed 300mg a day but can take up to 600mg. I noticed mood stabilization and anxiety riddance by day 4 or 5. The first week I was extremely high on this medication I even left my phone in a Chinese tea shop and had to turn around no joke. I am now enjoying living on campus at ASU and am getting out more by myself. It is helping me more than my benzo script ever did and I’m in a low dosage! I got a fever as a side effect when I first started but now it is gone."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
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For Anxiety "This is the best medication for anxiety that I've ever tried. You know what it makes me feel like? Like when I was a child before I developed anxiety. I spoke freely. I didn't worry about being judged. So now with this med, I'm not analyzing every word that I say before I say it while panicking that I might say the "wrong" thing. I speak freely and comfortably again. I am myself."