Key takeaways
Gabapentin (Neurontin) and sertraline (Zoloft) are both prescription medications that can be used to treat anxiety. Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's approved to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety. Gabapentin is an antiseizure medication that's approved to treat certain types of seizures and nerve pain. It isn't FDA-approved for anxiety, so this is considered an off-label use. You'll typically take sertraline once daily, but you may need to take gabapentin up to three times a day. Sertraline side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping, and sexual side effects. Common side effects of gabapentin include dizziness and drowsiness. Gabapentin also carries a risk for dependence and misuse, so it's considered a controlled substance in some states. Sertraline doesn't carry these risks. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly, so you should talk to your prescriber about how to stop taking them safely if needed.
