Gabapentin usage for anxiety is currently the topic of numerous discussions. This popular anticonvulsant has been one of the most widely prescribed medications to effectively battle depression and anxiety disorder. However, there are different ways to combating these conditions. Moreover, researchers have come up with a multitude of prescription drugs whose main action is aimed at fighting these conditions.

One example of a medication that is commonly taken to treat anxiety disorders is gabapentin. It is usually prescribed in low doses to prevent epileptic attacks. Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant, which means it prevents electric impulses in the brain from occurring. Because it effectively prevents electrical activity in the brain, it is often used as a treatment for patients who experience seizure disorders, including those who suffer from chronic pain and are experiencing depression.

Some people believe that taking gabapentin for anxiety and other disorders can lead to drug abuse. While this is not necessarily the case, it is important for healthcare professionals to carefully supervise the use of this medication. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved the use of gabapentin for anxiety disorders with a black box warning, which is a strong warning for potential consumers. This black box warning states that therapeutic levels of gabapcin might be harmful if taken without proper medical supervision. This evidence-based safety precaution has helped increase the public's trust in this medication.

Because it is an anticonvulsant, gabapentin is believed to have a calming effect. The elderly are known to be prone to having nervous twitches, while the healthy are said to experience profuse sweating and the shakes. It is believed that anticonvulsants like gabapentin act to control these conditions by calming the nerve cells. However, these claims remain unproved, and there is no conclusive evidence on whether or not gabapentin is effective at relieving symptoms of anxiety disorders. Doctors should only prescribe this medication after a thorough consultation with the patient.

Doctors may also prescribe a reduced gabapentin dosage in patients who do not respond positively to the first dose. If you are taking the medication for a depression-related anxiety treatment, doctors will not likely provide a lower dosage. It is important to consult with your doctor in order to determine the correct gabapentin dosage for your particular case. Although gabapentin can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, too much of it can lead to a dangerous imbalance of chemicals in the brain.

To prevent an overdose, it is important to follow all dosage recommendations and not take more than recommended. Patients who take gabapentin for anxiety disorders should not exceed the maximum suggested dosages daily. In some cases, the doctor will decrease the dosage in order to achieve a therapeutic result. Always keep in mind that if you notice a drastic change in your symptoms, contact your physician immediately.