Gabapentin Used For Anxiety As Off Label.

I've had GAD for prostate cancer, spinal stenosis and used 600mg Gabapentin once a day at bedtimeas a possibility for my anxiety. It did work for a period of time but did no help for my anxiety at all. My neurologist recommended I Taper the Gabapentin the following manner: 600mg for 1 week, 500mg with 100mg for another week, 400mg less 100mg another week, then 300mg week less 200mg less then a 100mg, then one last week 100mg to finish the Taper.

Following that 6 weeks my anxiety increased, severe headache, lack of sleep and my GAD is now worse.

I did then try Xanax and then Valium with continued pain, anxiety, headache, all day long since the Gabapentin was fully tapered & cant determine my GAD & previous pain that seemed to be further cause of the Gabapentin and don't know how long the Gabapentin will be gone. It's strange as it's only 7/8 hours of half life, and used only at most 600 mg at bedtime til the Taper after 6weeks no longer is being used. Any help would be recommend. Thanks!

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How long where you taking it?

While there is a general life span that can be given for how long a medication lasts in the body, it does vary from person to person, depending on the dosage, how long they were taking it, and other factors that are unique to each individual, so there's no hard and fast time frame.

You might be experiencing some rebound pain, and anxiety, from stopping the Gabapentin.

Ref: Medline Plus Gabapentin

My doctor prescribed it for me to treat sciatic pain from a spinal deformity, but I never found it to do much to alleviate my pain. If I need to sleep, 200mgs before bed works great for that, though.

How are you feeling, now? Are you on any other medications?

I'm surprised that the Xanax, and Valium didn't help with your GAD, they are usually excellent for treating anxiety disorders. What dose of those did you try, and how long were you on each?

Medline Plus generalized anxiety disorder

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