Anxiety disorders can have a severe impact on the ability to function normally. Standard anxiety treatments are often helpful but may not always be effective for everyone. Many people are beginning to explore alternative treatment options, and Neurontin may be one such treatment. Neurontin is a medication that is sometimes prescribed off-label for symptoms of anxiety when other treatments have failed. Other alternative treatments, ranging from supplements to new-age healing practices, are touted by some as being effective for generalized anxiety disorder. When considering whether you can benefit from an alternative treatment, it can be essential to speak to your doctor. For a more traditional treatment route, you might work with a therapist in person or online to address your anxiety symptoms.
Signs of an anxiety disorder
Most people experience feelings of anxiety occasionally. It can be a normal response when faced with a challenging situation, such as a first date or speaking in front of a large crowd. Occasional anxiety is not necessarily a sign of a disorder.
Anxiety disorders are usually characterized by a near-constant worry that doesn't go away. If you have an anxiety disorder, even when you know your worries are excessive or unproductive, you may find it difficult to stop them. An anxiety disorder can significantly impact your quality of life and ability to function.
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Panic attacks - isolated incidents of intense fear and physical symptoms
Anxiety can cause an increase in stress hormones throughout the body. High cortisol and anxiety, as well as increased norepinephrine and adrenaline, are often linked.
There can be many types of anxiety disorders that are usually categorized by the trigger for the symptoms. These may include social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other subtypes.
What causes an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety can be caused by a combination of many factors, from genetics to life circumstances to negative experiences to nutritional deficiencies. Multiple causes may be at play. Sometimes, no cause can be identified. As such, the treatments for anxiety tend to be broad and may involve a process of elimination to find what works for you.
In general, you should seek treatment for your anxiety when you recognize that the symptoms are interfering with your ability to live your life. Anxiety usually doesn't go away on its own and, if left unaddressed, can develop into a more serious condition.
Therapeutic methods to treat anxiety symptoms
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Research has shown that psychotherapy, particularly cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is typically the most effective treatment for anxiety. Most types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder, and PTSD, tend to respond very well to this type of therapy.
CBT normally teaches techniques to manage anxiety and guides the patient to identify their triggers and negative thought patterns so that they can replace them with healthier ones. The benefits of this type of therapy usually take a few weeks, but the skills that are taught can last a lifetime.
If you haven't found success with CBT in the past, other forms of therapy may also exist to help you manage and reduce your anxiety. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) usually teaches you methods of coping with uncomfortable and unpleasant thoughts while simultaneously changing your behavior. Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) tends to combine some methods from CBT with mindfulness skills and distress tolerance.
Neurontin for anxiety
Neurontin is generally an anticonvulsant medication currently approved by the FDA to treat nerve pain and seizure disorders (through action on the nerve cells). Neurontin is also sometimes prescribed off-label to treat mood and anxiety disorders, restless leg syndrome, and tardive dyskinesia. Neurontin is the brand name, but the medication can also be available as a generic called gabapentin.
In general, there have not been many clinical pharmacology studies performed to assess the effectiveness of gabapentin monotherapy in treating anxiety. If you’re interested in trying Neurontin, please speak to a doctor or psychiatrist, who will likely ask you about your medical history.
Are there side effects or possible drug interactions?
When starting Neurontin (gabapentin), your doctor should monitor closely for side effects. Report any side effects promptly to your doctor, but do not stop taking gabapentin abruptly unless directed to do so. Possible side effects may include:
Dizziness
Impaired motor coordination
Fatigue
Memory problems
Vision changes
Constipation
Dry mouth
Drug interactions with Neurontin may occur with hydrocodone, valerian root, and clobazam. You should always discuss any other medications or supplements you are currently taking with your doctor before starting Neurontin.
Alternative treatments for anxiety
If Neurontin is not an option for you, there are many gabapentin alternatives, such as vitamins and supplements, that can be used to help manage anxiety disorders. Please consult your doctor before adding any vitamins, supplements, or other remedies to your treatment regimen.
Vitamin D
Low levels of vitamin D have frequently been linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses, particularly seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Vitamin D is mainly derived from sun exposure and, to a lesser extent, diet. It's thought that over one billion people around the world may be vitamin D deficient. People with darker skin tones may be particularly at risk for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D can be a crucial nutrient that is typically needed for the body to function properly.
Calming teas
Many people prefer calming tea blends that are purported to deliver relaxing results. Teas, such as peppermint, chamomile, and passionflower, can have a calming effect and ease nervousness. Green tea may also aid you in clearing your mind and lowering anxiety levels.
Magnesium oxide
Magnesium deficiency may be responsible for anxiety symptoms, particularly if you're experiencing heart palpitations and difficulty sleeping. Magnesium is normally involved in many bodily processes, and research has shown that supplementation may reduce anxiety symptoms.
Nicotine and anxiety
Many of those who smoke believe that nicotine lowers their anxiety, but research has found that this is usually only a temporary effect. Nicotine often increases anxiety symptoms. Therefore, quitting smoking may result in a decrease in anxiety symptoms.
Melatonin
Melatonin is a hormone your body normally produces to help you feel relaxed and sleepy, which is why melatonin is often recommended for insomnia. Melatonin can be helpful for reducing anxiety symptoms, but because it can make you feel drowsy, it should normally only be taken around bedtime.
Rhodiola rosea
Rhodiola rosea is an herb frequently referred to as an adaptogen, meaning it can work with your body's natural stress response to lower your symptoms of anxiety. Rhodiola rosea may improve anxiety symptoms and fatigue without significant side effects.
Many other supplements, such as niacin and turmeric, may decrease symptoms in some people. Treatment typically depends on each individual's unique biochemistry. Never begin a supplement without first speaking to your physician.
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Aromatherapy usually involves inhaling the fumes of different types of essential oils, which are often thought to influence your central nervous system. Commonly used essential oils can include basil, lemon balm, jasmine, and lavender. Studies on essential oils for anxiety have shown that the most effective use typically involves therapeutic massage.
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a somewhat controversial treatment that can be used for ADHD, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Biofeedback generally involves attaching electrodes to an individual and monitoring their brain waves while performing a series of electronic tasks. The person may be guided to change their brain wave patterns consciously, which could theoretically allow them to better manage anxiety.
Dietary changes can also assist you in managing your symptoms with steps like reducing caffeine and refined sugar intake. Sugar and anxiety may have a link since sugar can increase your body's overall response to stress, potentially elevating your mood before causing a crash. Speak to your doctor about steps you can take to improve your diet if you believe this could be contributing to your anxiety.
Online therapy for generalized anxiety disorder and other anxiety disorders
There may be many treatments for anxiety, but the end goal is usually the same: to reduce your symptoms and help you cope so you can regain control of your life. While studies have shown that psychotherapy can be one of the most effective ways to treat anxiety, many people find it difficult to begin.
The reasons for this may depend on the individual’s circumstances, but some of the most common can include lack of convenience, hesitancy due to societal stigma, and affordability.
The rise in popularity of online therapy has potentially created a solution to these barriers, providing many people with the opportunity to speak with a therapist on their schedule via phone, video chat, or online messaging. There’s generally no need to travel to and from a brick-and-mortar office, and online therapy is often less expensive than speaking to a therapist in person.
According to various studies, online therapy can be particularly effective in treating a variety of psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, substance use disorders, and a variety of comorbid anxiety-related disorders. Both in-person and online therapy may be helpful for you, whether you have moderate anxiety or severe anxiety.
Takeaway
Neurontin may be an effective anxiety treatment for some people, but it can be vital to speak to your doctor or psychiatrist before starting any form of medication. Alternative treatment options for anxiety can include vitamin D supplements, calming teas, magnesium supplements, melatonin, Rhodiola rosea, aromatherapy, biofeedback, and dietary changes. Again, please consult your doctor before adding any of these options to your treatment regimen. If you’re interested in trying a more traditional treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy can be effective for a variety of mental health conditions. You can begin therapy sessions in person or online. With BetterHelp, you can be matched with a therapist who knows how to treat patients with anxiety and depressive symptoms. Take the first step toward getting help with anxiety and reach out to BetterHelp today.
Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.
Is Neurontin good for anxiety?
There have not been many studies that confirm that Neurontin or gabapentin is good for anxiety. The anticonvulsant drug is not currently approved as an anxiety treatment. If you’re interested in using Neurontin for this off-label use, talk to your doctor.
How quickly does gabapentin work for anxiety?
There is not a lot of information available on how long gabapentin can take to relieve anxiety, and no randomized controlled trials are definitive on whether gabapentin works for anxiety. This medication is commonly used to treat nerve pain, seizures, or restless leg syndrome, and it can take up to four weeks to feel the full effects when treating these conditions. Note that this does not mean that gabapentin will take the same length of time to reduce anxiety.
How much Neurontin should I take for anxiety?
As this is an off-label use for anxiety, it can vary significantly. If your doctor has prescribed Neurontin, talk to them about the correct dose.
Does gabapentin make you feel calm?
The effects of gabapentin vary, and it has many side effects. Some people may feel tired or drowsy, while others may experience irritability, anxiety, anger, or excitement.
What does gabapentin feel like for anxiety?
It’s not known how effective anxiety gabapentin treatment is, so it can be difficult to say how gabapentin feels for people taking it for this off-label use.
What type of anxiety does gabapentin treat?
Gabapentin can be used off-label as a treatment for a range of psychiatric conditions, including alcohol use disorder and alcohol withdrawal. There is also some evidence that it may be an effective third-line treatment for severe panic disorder and social anxiety disorder.
What is the best medication for anxiety?
Some of the common types of medications prescribed for anxiety include benzodiazepines, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. Everyone is different, so no single medication can be singled out as the best. Some people may need to try several medications before finding one that works for them.
How does gabapentin make you feel the first time you take it?
Gabapentin may make you feel dizzy, drowsy, or clumsy at first, but these side effects usually get better as you adjust to the medication. Some people may also feel irritable, depressed, angry, anxious, or excited when they first take gabapentin.
What is the number one side effect of gabapentin?
Everyone experiences side effects differently. The most common side effects of gabapentin are fatigue, dizziness, and headache. Other side effects people may experience with this drug include cold or flu-like symptoms, dementia, hoarseness, blurred vision, pain in the side or lower back, shaking, trembling, or swelling of the hands, legs, or feet. An allergic reaction is also possible but may be rare.
Is 300mg of gabapentin strong?
The safe dosage range for a maintenance dose of gabapentin for epilepsy is 300 to 600 mg three times a day. People may start at a lower dose and gradually increase over time. For people prescribed gabapentin for restless leg syndrome, the dose is typically 600 mg once a day in the evening. As using gabapentin for anxiety is an off-label use that is not well studied, it is not clear whether 300 mg is a strong gabapentin dosage when used in this way.
The information on this page is not intended to be a substitution for diagnosis, treatment, or informed professional advice. You should not take any action or avoid taking any action without consulting with a qualified mental health professional. For more information, please read our terms of use.
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