Posted by Ritch on March 3, 2002, at 11:13:47
In reply to Neurontin /T egretol/ Trileptal - differences ?, posted by ben on March 3, 2002, at 9:39:48
> What are the main differences between these three antiepileptic drugs concerning pharmacodynamic effects ? The information about the use and side effects are very controversal and confusing. I am unipolar and do have a pain syndrome (perhaps neuropathic pain) in the legs. Which does affect pain at most, which one has the fewest side effects (fatigue, dizziness...) and which one is a good mood stabilizer ?
Hi,
Neurontin has the most benign side-effect profile of the three and it doesn't interact with other medicines affecting their levels like Tegretol can. However, the down-side of Neurontin is you need to take it 3+x daily to keep enough in your system as it is washed out very rapidly. Some people complain about excess fatigue while on it and feeling "spacey", etc. Tegretol has been around for a long-time and can be quite effective for pain syndromes, too. Its biggest setback is it can drastically alter the blood levels of other medicines you are taking with it (or might take with it in the future). It also can trigger a rare incidence of agranulocytosis (a blood disorder). Trileptal is similar to Tegretol, and nearly eliminates the blood disorder problems and can be mixed up with other meds without causing trouble like Tegretol. I have tried all three for bipolar disorder. Trileptal has a propensity to cause a lot of nausea. I am sensitive to nauseating meds-so I can't tolerate it. Topamax is another AED that some have had success with for migraines and pain syndromes. The trouble with it (for many) is cognitive blunting, trouble thinking, memory probs, etc.
hope this helps,
Mitch
poster:Ritch
thread:96161
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020301/msgs/96168.html