My doctor just prescribed me gabapentin off-label for anxiety, instead of a benzo. i also take an antidepressant. does it take effect quickly like a benzo or several days/weeks to work for anxiety? what dosage seems to be good for anxiety?

Gabapentin is a medication that is primarily used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain. However, it is also prescribed off-label for various other conditions, including anxiety disorders. When it comes to the onset of action and dosage for anxiety, there are a few important factors to consider. Gabapentin may take several days or even weeks to start working effectively for anxiety.

Gabapentin's effect on anxiety could start anywhere between one and four weeks of consistent use. It’s meant to control anxiety. Unlike a benzo, it does not rescue a person from a panic attack. The dose range is between 300 mg to 3600 mg. A person’s doctor will typically start a person on the lower end of the range and then increase the dose based on when a person gets control of their anxiety.