Posted by JaneB on October 29, 2005, at 12:23:06
In reply to Re: Neurontin/Lyrica ? for Scott (SLS) » JaneB, posted by SLS on October 29, 2005, at 2:15:02
Scott,
Thanks for the response. My first pdoc suggested that I should take Klonopin for the rest of my life. When I moved the 2nd pdoc tried to switch me to Neurontin which I didn't tolerate. When I moved again my gp prescribed Klonopin for me. It is my son-in-law (family practice doctor) who says Klonopin is "like alcohol in a capsule." You have given me scientific info to help "educate" him. Thanks> Hi Jane.
>
> > Scott,
> > I can't remember. Have you taken Klonopin?
>
> Yes. It is a good drug.
>
> > Why were you thinking about taking Lyrica?
>
> Because I'm bipolar and desperate. Lyrica might share some properties with Neurontin. I haven't fully investigated it. Neurontin did produce an antidepressant effect for me during the first week of treatment and thereafter whenever I would adjust the dosage up or down. Ultimately, Neurontin was a failure and might even have upset my system. I think it was more of a mood de-stabilizer for me.
>
> > What would it do that Klonopin doesn't do?
>
> I really don't know enough about Lyrica to comment. However, if it works anything like Neurontin, it might reduce the excitability of neurons in a brain structure known as the amygdala, which is responsible for producing fear and panic. Klonopin might actually do the same thing, but in a different way.
>
> > Why would my doctor say that using Klonopin is like taking alcohol in a capsule?
>
> This is a statement that probably demonstrates your doctor's bias against benzodiazepines. It was a trend for a great while to shun these drugs. I am hoping that this is now reversing. Benzodiazepines like Klonopin and alcohol work in completely different ways. Different receptors. As a matter of fact, alcohol does not act on receptors at all. There are some commonalities in overall effect, but these are superficial. Klonopin directly attaches to the GABA receptor, rendering it more active. Alcohol affects GABA neurons, but in a different way. It exerts its effects on the cell membranes and the ion channels within them.
>
> > I have never taken any alcohol so I can't compare. Klonopin is just a smooth, all around anxiety reducer, sleep help, muscle relaxer for me (at .50 mg.)
>
> You sold me!
>
>
> - Scott
poster:JaneB
thread:572836
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20051024/msgs/573041.html