Posted by humanPDR on June 7, 2010, at 17:04:27
In reply to ...And Potentially A Worthwhile Recreational Drug, posted by Brainbeard on June 6, 2010, at 5:55:40
Gabapentin can be a great drug for neuropathic pain but also anxiety. Although it's mechanism of action wasn't truly understood until recently, it is believed to interact with calcium channels in presynaptic GABAergic neurons (if memory serves)which leads to an increase in glutamic acid decarboxylase, which converts glutamate into GABA, the inhibitory NT we all love. So essentially you get elevated GABA levels.
High doses (1000-2000mg) can be quite fun, with a slight euphoria accompanied by a sense on complete calmness and relaxation--great for someone with GAD. IMHO it doesnt come close to a GHB-feeling, but can be a fun pro-social drug.
Also tolerance to high doses does build quite rapidly (within 3-5 days) and so it is best used as needed otherwise you'll just be wasting it.
As far as damage? I sincerely doubt it. It actually prevents glutamate-excitotoxicity by preventing excess Ca2+ influx which can lead to cell death and free radical generation. Gabapentin can deff make you a zombie dumbass when you are on it, but history has demonstrated its safety and very low toxicity. People have survived something like a [xxx] ingestion.BUT if used daily long-term, it can produce physical dependence and must be gradually tapered to prevent seizures and other W/D symptoms. However I took ~1,200mg/day for 30 days and quit cold turkey with no noticeable w/d.
Every CNS reacts differently, but Gabapentin is prob one of THE SAFEST psychotropic pharmaceuticals out there.
poster:humanPDR
thread:475771
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20100604/msgs/950283.html