Posted by Ame Sans Vie on February 4, 2003, at 21:18:45
In reply to Neurontin and Gabatril, posted by Rainee on February 4, 2003, at 20:52:05
No, they're definitely not the same drug. Neurontin (gabapentin) isn't really understood. Some think it acts like GABA in the brain. I really don't know much on this subject, to tell you the truth.
Gabitril (tiagabine) blocks the reuptake of GABA type B; lol, sorry I'm too tired to explain, but just trust me, what it ends up doing is elevating your total available GABA-B. GABA-A is the subtype that is seemingly responsible for anxiolysis/disinhibition.
Hope that gives you a clearer picture... there is a new drug Pfizer is putting out in the not-too-distant future called Pregabalin-- you may want to look into it. It actually decomposes into GABA inside the brain. Those GABA supplements they sell at health food stores that claim to be good for 'nervous tension' and whatnot are almost completely bogus. Barely any of the GABA is actually able to cross the blood-brain barrier. These supplements were intended as a substitute for GHB (the date rape drug) when it was taken off health store shelves. It's only real use has something to do with HgH (human growth hormone) and bodybuilding, I believe.
--Michael
poster:Ame Sans Vie
thread:139441
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030204/msgs/139453.html