Posted by jlbl2l on May 4, 2004, at 5:43:54
In reply to To Chemist, how does this med work?, posted by krybrahaha on May 4, 2004, at 4:00:26
neurontin and the upcoming successor pregablin (Lyrica) are the 2 most drugs I am interested in at the moment, so I hope you don't mind me trying to answer this - about both drugs since they are similar.
I believe neurontin works through modulating the voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels in the brain, same with pregabalin (Lyrica) soon to be released.
It increases gaba , but does not bind to gaba a or b receptors. According to literture, it appears to modulate glutamate synthesis as well. Most literature points to increase gaba by modulation of the Ca2+ channels in the brain , (calcium is what i am referring to). gabapentin is structrually related to gaba, though chemically modified, and can pass through the blood brain barrier. magnesium will INHIBIT its actions, which gives another clue into its mech. of action.
neurontin has been found effective for seizure disorder and neuropathic pain, however, in other unpublished studies or general reports, it has been found effective in numerous disorders including, social phobia, generalized anxiety (pregablin's FDA submission included that), depression, sleep disorders, fibomyligia, bipolar disorder and many other physiatric disorders.
In vitro studies indicate that neurontin has NUMEROUS modes of action including : reduction of the release of several mono-amine neurotransmitters, modulating the action of the GABA synthetic enzyme, increasing non-synaptic GABA responses from neuarl tissue and probably more.
however, it appears that some people have *no* response to neurontin AT any dosage level, while some , it becomes there miracle drug. from what ive heard, pregabalin has solved this problem, though i have no idea how or why it didnt effect certain people at all.
in the latest study, which i can cite, they found pregablin was superior to xanax and effexor for generalized, or social anxiety (which had a co-depression w/it) i believe.. if you would like me to locate that study i will, its very recent, and i was VERY surprised that it was more effective than xanax!!!
AND they dont expect pregablin to be a controlled substance, as it is supposued to be non-addicting, just like neurontin.
in conclusion, both neurontin and the upcoming Lyrica (pregablin) are both highly novel and possibly one a kind treatments for MANY conditions.
hope this helps
jlbl2l
poster:jlbl2l
thread:343099
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040429/msgs/343113.html