Does anyone have experience with Gabapentin used commonly even in animals off-label as well as humans to help with anxiety in seniors?

Quality of life is what matters at 93. COMFORT and security is uppermost. Whether or not a 93 year old sleeps most of the time or not is absolutely irrelevant in my book. Whatever contributes to the feelings of well being is crucial unless it is so sedating that falls increase.

A stray dog (with untreated injuries) came into my care and the capturing pound had put him on gabapentin plus tramadol. My husband takes gabapentin for his herniated disc.

Your mother is 93. Weighing her age against an increased risk of dementia and sleepiness... Whatever gives her peace and comfort.

I have taken Gabapentin for about 4 years and it’s been of immense help to me in dealing with anxiety.

At 93 I would not worry about meds that could cause dementia, her comfort is more important at 93.

I have been taking gabapentin for severe spondylosis for many years, but I only take
it at night to get some sleep. I was prescribed 300 mg. 3 times a day, but if I took it that way I couldn't function especially that I am caregiver to my husband that has Alzheimer's. If I feel pain during the day I just take extra strength Tylenol because I also suffer from Epstein Barr virus.

Yes my wife took it for years primarily for her ms.

Gabapentin: A pain dr prescribed it to me for my back pain. I stopped it after I had a fall. The fact stated it also is for anxiety and may cause dementia is a bit concerning. At 81 I want to maintain my mental health and capacity. I watched the effects of dementia. I prefer as little medication as possible. Initially the dr had informed me that the medication was for epilepsy. I’m concerned it is too broadly prescribed.
pat

My Mom took Gabapentin to relieve the pain in her lower back. We used a minimal dose. I have heard of some people where Gabapentin is not tolerated. It appeared to help with the pain.

When my Mom who had mid-late stage dementia went into the hospital, she wanted her normal routine and became belligerent with the nurses. Since she was a fall risk, they didn't want her to get out of her bed. They gave her Seroquel to "calm her down". However, all it did was make her try to get out of bed even harder. At the first hospital, they put her in "soft restraints". I wasn't allowed to be there so I don't know what happened after that. At the 2nd, more elderly friendly hospital, after giving her the Seroquel, she attempted to get out of the bed for 6 hours (she didn't have the muscle strength to sit up or climb over the padded rails and I was there to ensure she did not get out of the bed). In both cases, she then fell asleep for approximately 48 hours (no eating or drinking and barely stirring when they were getting blood from her).

When the doctors and I discussed what happened at the second hospital, they blamed the Gabapentin in her system for the unexpected response to Seroquel.

Luckily, we didn't have to go through the experience a 3rd time.

My husband had two amputations from diabetes a lower dose helped him cope better with his life changes I was his caregiver and advocate many pills he was prescribed had so many bad side affects that I stopped giving them to him gavipentin was one that helped him

While it was prescribed for epilepsy, a doctor can prescribe a medication off label. When I worked in health care, that question would come up on other drugs which I had to dispense with treatment. The FDA has warnings but so are many black box warnings on meds still prescribed. Doctors do have a right to order but the manufacturer cannot make a new claim until a rigorous studies are completed.

You said it right in your last sentance about the line beween quality of life and preserving what is left (for longevity). If not prescribed and used, there may no longer be any other choice but to use something off label.