Does Gabapentin Help with Anxiety Attacks?

Gabapentin is not FDA-approved for anxiety attacks but is sometimes prescribed off-label for anxiety disorders. Originally developed as an anti-seizure medication, gabapentin affects certain calcium channels in the nervous system, although exactly how it might reduce anxiety is not established, which can have calming effects. Limited studies suggest gabapentin may reduce symptoms in some anxiety disorders, but the evidence is not strong enough to estimate how likely it is to help an individual patient. However, gabapentin carries risks including drowsiness, dizziness, and potential for dependence. How quickly gabapentin might help anxiety is uncertain and may vary by condition, dose, and individual response. For panic disorder and many anxiety disorders, established treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy and medications such as SSRIs or SNRIs. Benzodiazepines may be used selectively for short-term symptom relief but carry risks such as sedation, tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal.