I took my first dose of Gabapentin two nights ago. YEsterday I found myself feeling really down and I couldn't figure out why. I was on the verge of trears most of the day, very pessimistic, and really just unhappy/depressed... This is REALLY not like me.

DH told me last night that Pfieser has lawsuits against them associated with Gabapentin use (due to cancer, and due to suicide from depression)... I've decided not to take it today, and already I feel back to normal... If one day of Gabapentin made me depressed I cannot imagine what a week or a month of it would do.

Anyone else have these symptoms? Anyone else found they went away or, once I find I have the symptom should I just assume it'll be a side effect and stop?

Unfortunately, I have no experience with that medication, so I'm not sure.

However, I know with medications related to mental health, anytime it makes things worse (e.g. more depressed) you are to stop taking it and call your doc immediately.

I would talk to your doc and tell them you felt really depressed on it and that you don't want to feel worse than you already do. See if there is something else that can be prescribed without that side effect.

My best to you

Thanks... I did stop taking it, and it feels like night and day. Feeling MUCH improved today, no more depression or depressive thoughts... I wasn't suicidal, but I was very upset over some fertility issues that DH and I have been having... Which aren't new, and which till yesterday I was dealing with just fine. I spent most of the day fighting off tears, and just feeling really really down...

I had to stop take Gabapentin for the same reason you were experiencing. I was taking it for anxiety and pain, and it made me worse over time. Pain was relieved, but anxiety ended up getting worse. Combined with Cymbalta, I ended up in the hospital. ><

Holy smokes Consider! I have to say I am glad it was caught early on my end... I'll need to call my doc today and let him know, since I think they need to report this stuff... I do feel so much better than I did yesterday though... what a difference!

It turned out that my anxiety in the end was from the brain being depressed. I didn't feel sad, just felt numb with depersonalization. I feel much better now, I can smile and be my goofy self but just with more rest. Also, if you need a medicine for pain, Remeron and Amitripiyline seem to be good choices. Remeron is for sleep, and for pain from my Occipital Neuralgia.

This particular drug, can cause depression. It did the same thing to me, within a week I was just about suicidal. Please let your doctor know you are not responding very well to it. I had to get off the medication. Never tried it again. Google it up, and it does have this problem as a side effect to a certain portion of the population. Hope something else can be found to help you. ginnie

Thanks ginnie. I stopped taking it right away! Topamax has been suggested as an alternative, but not sure about that either. I'm 0 for 2 for drugs so far, and unsure if I want to keep trying.

I understand you being hesitant to try topomax. Look it up and discuss with your doctor too. I have not heard that topomax is quite as hard on a person. Not that many on Neuro talk have complained about it either. Maybe worth a shot. I sure hope something can be found to help you. I get some not so fun reactions from medications too. Just go one step at a time. I took that gab. for all of 5 days before I quit. Take care. ginnie