Posted by collegeguy on May 24, 2004, at 6:28:21
In reply to Difference between Neurontin and Pregabalin?, posted by krybrahaha on May 24, 2004, at 2:11:00
Pregabalin is the generic name for Lyrica, the drug Pfizer has developed as the sequel to Neurontin (gabapentin). Neurontin, when used for "off-label" disorders like anxiety, normally requires extremely high therapeutic dosages. Though lucrative in a way, high dosages also can induce side effects that may lead to termination of the therapy (which is bad for business). In developing Lyrica (pregabalin), Pfizer sought to create a chemical that could provide the theraputic action of Neurontin, but at much lower dosages. Pregabalin and neurontin share a similar chemical structure; both are GABA analogues, but neither is GABA like in activity. On top of that, neither has GABA stimulating or inhibitory effects. However, both are believed to act similarly in modulating calcium levels in the neuron and thus bringing about the anxiolytic, analgesic, etc effects.
That was probably far more detail than you wanted. Basically, pregabalin is not simply a "refined" form of Neurontin---they are two different chemicals that share certain characterists and modes of action. Lexapro, on the other hand, is just a "purified" form of celexela---it consists only of the more active isomer of the citalopram molecule (instead of a 50/50 mixture of both forms). The same relationship applies to Clarinex (desloratadine) and Claritin (loratadine).
poster:collegeguy
thread:350043
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040521/msgs/350061.html