Posted by Elizabeth on June 25, 2001, at 6:01:08
In reply to NEURONTIN is not in the same class. . ., posted by Zo on June 24, 2001, at 15:55:33
> . . as depakote, or Klonopin. It is not addictive, or habit-forming, and while no med can be ruled out as having a negative effect on someone, Neurontin works for many conditions such as anxiety, TLE and pain by caliming the excitable GABA receptor sites.
GABA is an *inhibitory* (not excitatory) neurotransmitter, so drugs that activate GABA receptors, inhibit the metabolism of GABA (e.g., Nardil and vigabatrin), block the GABA transporter (e.g., tiagabine), or potentiate the effects of endogenous GABA (e.g., benzodiazepines), cause *decreased* firing and CNS depression (*not* the same thing as "depressed mood"). This is thought to be the basis for their efficacy in the treatment of seizures, anxiety, and mania.
Neurontin's molecular structure resembles that of GABA, so it was natural for researchers to hypothesise that it might produce its effects through GABA-ergic actions. Last I checked, though, nobody had been able to figure out what the stuff does. It is not a GABA-A agonist or a promotor of GABA release. Some research suggests that it may be an agonist at certain GABA-B receptors, however. Another possibility is that it increases GABA activity and/or decreases glutamate activity via enzyme induction. It does seem to alter GABA turnover, a property shared by some other anxiolytic drugs.
Interestingly, I found that Neurontin actually *felt* sort of like Xanax, although it was not as effective for panic disorder. (I probably didn't try a high enough dose; since I didn't have problems with sedation, I've considered giving it another try.) It's not clear whether Neurontin is as effective for anxiety as the benzos are, but there are some studies and anecdotal reports suggesting that it may be worth trying for sufferers of anxiety or mixed anxiety/mood disorders.
> Altho it was hell to get on and ramp up, because of daytime fogginess, it has been nothing but beneficial to me, and is remarkably non-toxic. No comparison to other anticonvulsants, which can be nasty buggers.
Lamictal, which has gained some popularity as an antidepressant-anticonvulsant for people with bipolar-spectrum disorders, is also pretty much free of side effects (and usually isn't sedating the way that Neurontin can be for some people). Lamictal might be a better first choice for people whose problems are more associated with depression or mood swings, while Neurontin may be preferable for those with major anxiety disorders.
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:1356
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010625/msgs/67782.html