3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Office hours: Mon–Sat, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Crisis: 988 | Emergency: 911
3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308
Office hours: Mon–Sat, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Crisis: 988 | Emergency: 911
Same-day visits are often possible. See us in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida. We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare and most major insurance plans. Se habla español.
Gabapentin is a well-known anticonvulsant medication that is incredibly versatile. While it was developed for other uses, often prescribed “off-label” to effectively manage conditions like anxiety, specific anxiety disorders, or restless legs syndrome.
If you’re wondering whether a mood stabilizer like (Neurontin) Gabapentin treatment could be right for you, it’s easy to find out. At One Stop Psychiatry Meet with one of our licensed providers online today to discuss your symptoms and explore your treatment options!
Gabapentin (brand name Neurontin) is a prescription anticonvulsant and nerve pain medication that affects how nerves send messages to the brain. It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1993 for the treatment of partial (focal) seizures in adults with epilepsy.
It was originally developed to treat epilepsy but is now widely used for neuropathic pain and other off-label conditions related to abnormal nerve activity.
In 2000, Approval expanded to include pediatric patients aged 3 years and older with partial seizures. And in 2002, it was approved to treat postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) nerve pain from shingles.
Getting started is simple, and every step happens with a licensed provider.
Call (754) 270-6322 or request a visit online. Our staff check your insurance, send your intake forms and confirm your appointment, either in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida.
You’ll go over your symptoms, health history and current medications. Together you’ll decide whether gabapentin makes sense for you or whether another option fits better.
If gabapentin is a good fit, your prescription goes to the pharmacy you choose. Follow-up visits let your provider check how it’s working, watch for side effects and adjust the plan. Medication is only prescribed when it’s clinically appropriate.
The exact way gabapentin works isn’t entirely understood, but what we do know is compelling: it binds to a part of voltage-gated calcium channels (the α₂δ subunit) and thereby reduces release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate and substance P.
It does not directly act on GABA receptors although its name suggests that—it is a GABA analogue structurally but functions differently.
Gabapentin could diminish the levels of glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter that is associated with both anxiety and the perception of pain. Recognizing the workings of gabapentin clarifies its versatility in treating a range of conditions, including its effectiveness in alleviating anxiety.
Gabapentin is approved by the FDA for several uses, but your healthcare provider may also choose to prescribe it off-label for other medical conditions
Gabapentin is approved as an adjunctive therapy in partial-onset seizures in adults and children.
In adults, gabapentin is approved for postherpetic neuralgia (pain after shingles) and is widely used (labelled or off-label) for other types of neuropathic pain such as diabetic neuropathy.
Some formulations (like extended-release gabapentin) are used for restless legs syndrome (RLS). There are also emerging uses (off-label) for fibromyalgia, migraines, and movement disorders — though evidence may be less robust.
Gabapentin has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in the treatment of different anxiety-related conditions.
Some of the most common side effects of gabapentin include:
Yes. At One Stop Psychiatry, after a full virtual evaluation, a licensed provider may approve a gabapentin treatment if medically appropriate.
Federally, no, Gabapentin is not classified as a controlled substance.
However, be aware that some states do classify it as a Schedule V controlled substance. This means those states monitor it more closely due to a potential for misuse.
Avoid taking gabapentin if you have certain health conditions, such as:
Breathing problems or lung disease
Kidney disease
Drug addiction
Liver disease
Heart disease
Depression or suicidal thoughts
Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose. If you miss multiple doses or experience symptoms, contact your provider.
Yes, in many cases, but only under your psychiatrist’s or neurologist’s supervision. Drug combinations may require special monitoring.
Your provider sets your gabapentin dose based on your age, health, other medications and how you respond, and adjusts it at follow-up visits. We don’t list doses here because the right one is different for each person. Take it exactly as prescribed, and don’t change or stop it on your own.
Your provider will give you specific instructions for your prescription. Always read the label and follow those instructions carefully. If anything is confusing, call your doctor or pharmacy right away.
Since Gabapentin comes in various forms and doses, you must stick to the plan your doctor set:
Take the whole tablet and capsules, don’t chew or crush or open them.
Can Gabapentin be used for anxiety? Absolutely. It’s an effective option, especially when other treatments haven’t worked well.
Though it’s not officially FDA-approved for this use, Gabapentin has gained significant attention because it genuinely helps manage various anxiety disorders.
How Does it Work?
Gabapentin works by boosting the activity of a crucial calming brain chemical called GABA. By enhancing GABA’s effects, the medication creates a calming effect on both the mind and body.
The benefits we often see include:
Less Physical Tension: It can reduce physical signs of anxiety like tremors, sweating, and tense muscles.
Better Sleep: Many patients report a much-needed improvement in sleep quality.
Fewer Panic Attacks: It may help lower the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
A Unique Advantage: Compared to some traditional anti-anxiety meds, Gabapentin generally carries a lower risk of dependence.
(Note: Gabapentin is a controlled substance, and its telemedicine availability is subject to state and federal laws.)
Gabapentin has over 200 possible drug interactions. Please do not change anything you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist first. This includes all other medications, herbal supplements, and even over-the-counter drugs.
Drugs to Discuss with Your Provider:
Common pain relievers like Aspirin and Tylenol (acetaminophen).
Antidepressants such as Cymbalta (duloxetine).
Vitamins (B12, C, D3) and fish oil.
Stronger pain meds like Norco (acetaminophen/hydrocodone).
Anti-anxiety drugs like Xanax (alprazolam).
Combining Gabapentin with other drugs that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing can cause serious side effects, breathing problems, or even death. Avoid drinking alcohol.
Do not drive or perform hazardous activity until you know exactly how Gabapentin affects you.
Never stop taking Gabapentin suddenly, even if you start feeling better. You must consult your doctor first.
At One Stop Psychiatry, we understand that navigating neurological or mental health conditions can be challenging, especially when symptoms like nerve pain, anxiety, or seizures begin to affect your daily life. Our mission is to make getting help easier, faster, and more compassionate through expert-led telepsychiatry care.
Our professionals provide personalized, evidence-based treatment plans according to each individual’s unique needs. With our Gabapentin treatment, you can connect with a licensed psychiatrist from the comfort of your home.
Yes, We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare and Medicaid. and also offer flexible self-pay options for uninsured patients.
Book your online psychiatry appointment today and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced life.
Call to request an appointment: (754) 270-6322
See all medications we manage or learn about medication management at One Stop Psychiatry.
We aren’t an emergency service. If you’re thinking about suicide or you’re in crisis, call or text 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DO, psychiatrist, on October 6, 2026.
Source: MedlinePlus: gabapentin (U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH). This page is general information, not medical advice.
"I've only been seeing her for about six months and I can already pinpoint drastic changes in my life that I can trace back to her brilliance.".
"I love Dr. Heather. She has been my psychiatrist for over 6 years and I could not be happier. She is kind, is an amazing listener, and is really good at explaining the medication. Highly recommend!"
"Great first meeting. Concise and to the point while still empathetic and closely listening. Understood my issue well"
You can schedule a therapy consultation with our medical professionals on your time, not theirs.
Your care is with our team of physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners and a physician assistant. Visits are available in English, Spanish, Russian, Urdu and Hindi. Our staff can help you choose someone who's a good fit.
Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DOPsychiatrist
Dr. Murtaza Ali, DOAddiction specialist and family physician
Dr. Heather Brathwaite, PhD, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner
Michelle KovalPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Russian
Neal Fouke, PAPsychiatric physician assistant
Muhammad Nawaz, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Urdu and HindiTell us how to reach you. Our team calls back the same business day, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Your appointment is confirmed once staff call you to set the time and place.
Prefer to talk to someone? Call (754) 270-6322.
3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Phone: (754) 270-6322. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Video visits are available anywhere in Florida. Directions and parking.
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