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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by ed_uk on April 23, 2006, at 9:48:31
So pregabalin (Lyrica) has been approved (in Europe) for the treatment of generalised anxiety disorder in adults. The updated data sheet isn't available yet though, so I can't be sure about the recommended dose. I did read that it would be 150-600mg/day in two to three divided doses.
I'm pleased that Lyrica has been approved for GAD. Finally, a non-SSRI has been approved for anxiety!
Ed
Posted by Sobriquet Style on April 23, 2006, at 10:23:32
In reply to Lyrica's approval for GAD in Europe, posted by ed_uk on April 23, 2006, at 9:48:31
I wonder if pregabalin, has the propensity to cause more side effects compared to that of Gabapentin.
In theory, if a medication is more potent, eg clonzapam compared to diazepam. Then my theory is that perhaps it "may" cause more side effects. Then again, perhaps it being "new and improved" it has less?
Do you know what the dosage equivalency is of gabapentin compared to pregabalin. i.e 300mg of gabapentin = ?
~
Posted by james_glasgow on April 23, 2006, at 10:28:15
In reply to Lyrica's approval for GAD in Europe, posted by ed_uk on April 23, 2006, at 9:48:31
Hi Ed
The PIL went on the electronic medicines compendium website on Friday, hopefully the revised SPC will on there tomorrow. It just says the dose is generally between 150mg and 600mg.
Cheers
James
Posted by james_glasgow on April 23, 2006, at 10:34:30
In reply to Re: Lyrica's approval for GAD in Europe » ed_uk, posted by Sobriquet Style on April 23, 2006, at 10:23:32
> I wonder if pregabalin, has the propensity to cause more side effects compared to that of Gabapentin.
>
> In theory, if a medication is more potent, eg clonzapam compared to diazepam. Then my theory is that perhaps it "may" cause more side effects. Then again, perhaps it being "new and improved" it has less?
>
> Do you know what the dosage equivalency is of gabapentin compared to pregabalin. i.e 300mg of gabapentin = ?
>
> ~Hey there
Below is a coversion protocol advocated by one of the UK's top pain control clinics. It was originally in frames that will be lost here but you should be able to work out what is what.
James
Converting from Gabapentin to Pregabalin
Below are some suggested conversion regimes. Each step could be 3 - 7 days. Doses may need to be adjusted according to patient response and side effects. If excessive drowsiness occurs, reduce the Gabapentin dose faster than instructedConvert From Gabapentin 2400 mg / day To Pregabalin 600 mg / day
Time Breakfast Lunch Supper
Drug Gaba Pregab Gaba Pregab Gaba Pregab
Step 0 900 mg - 600 mg - 900 mg -
Step 1 600 mg 75 mg 600 mg - 600 mg 75 mg
Step 2 300 mg 150 mg300 mg - 300 mg 150 mg
Step 3 - 300 mg - - - 300 mg
Convert From Gabapentin 1800 mg / day To Pregabalin 600 mg / day
Time Breakfast Lunch Supper
Drug Gaba Pregab Gaba Pregab Gaba Pregab
Step 0 600 mg - 600 mg - 600 mg -
Step 1 300 mg 100 mg 300 mg - 600 mg 100 mg
Step 2 300 mg 200 mg - - 300 mg 200 mg
Step 3 - 300 mg - - - 300 mg
Convert From Gabapentin 900 mg / day To Pregabalin 300 mg / day
Time Breakfast Lunch Supper
Drug Gaba Pregab Gaba Pregab Gaba Pregab
Step 0 300 mg - 300 mg - 300 mg -
Step 1 300 mg 50 mg - - 300 mg 50 mg
Step 2 - 100 mg - - 300 mg 100 mg
Step 3 - 150 mg - - - 150 mg
Posted by ed_uk on April 23, 2006, at 10:43:41
In reply to Re: Lyrica's approval for GAD in Europe, posted by james_glasgow on April 23, 2006, at 10:28:15
Hi James
>The PIL went on the electronic medicines compendium website on Friday, hopefully the revised SPC will on there tomorrow. It just says the dose is generally between 150mg and 600mg.
I keep looking at the SPC to see whether it has been updated. I didn't think to look at the PIL, I just assumed that it hadn't been updated yet. Thanks for letting me know :)
Regards
Ed
Posted by james_glasgow on April 23, 2006, at 10:46:09
In reply to Re: Lyrica's approval for GAD in Europe » james_glasgow, posted by ed_uk on April 23, 2006, at 10:43:41
No problem
The URL I use is http://emc.medicines.org.uk/ it updates every weekday through out the day with both PIL's and SPC's
James
Posted by ed_uk on April 23, 2006, at 10:49:44
In reply to Re: Lyrica's approval for GAD in Europe, posted by james_glasgow on April 23, 2006, at 10:46:09
Thanks James, I was looking here....
www.medicines.org.uk
Regards
Ed
Posted by River1924 on April 24, 2006, at 0:48:45
In reply to Lyrica's approval for GAD in Europe, posted by ed_uk on April 23, 2006, at 9:48:31
Hey Ed, How you doing?
Did you plan to take this medication? It is helpful. I'm less inhibited. Initially, I jabbered. but that "pressured speech" went away. My eyes itch a bit more.
But, for the first time in years, I stopped my SSRI (zoloft) and feel okay with just wellbutrin.
I think, I mentioned in a previous post, I was worried about my lack of emotions on zoloft. Social phobia had become social disinterest. Well, I react with emotions again and I'm not suicidal. The Lyrica must do something, perhaps lower some anxiety... well that would go into psychoanalysis... let's just say I feel better.
It isn't a miracle drug but it is pretty effective. I lowered my benzo, too.
Later, River.
Posted by Sobriquet Style on April 24, 2006, at 6:22:22
In reply to Re: Lyrica's approval for GAD in Europe, posted by james_glasgow on April 23, 2006, at 10:34:30
Posted by james_glasgow on April 24, 2006, at 7:03:15
In reply to Thanks! :-) (nm) » james_glasgow, posted by Sobriquet Style on April 24, 2006, at 6:22:22
Hi
I am just back from my GP and have received Lyrica at a dose of 150mg BD for GAD. I took the first one about an hour ago and feel in a better mood with clearer thinking. Apparently it takes one week to make a real difference so I will post again after a week to let you know how I am doing.
James
Posted by Greif on April 24, 2006, at 9:56:39
In reply to Re: Lyrica's approval for GAD in Europe » ed_uk, posted by Sobriquet Style on April 23, 2006, at 10:23:32
I was on Gabapentin for 1 year. Did not like the side effects but it worked fine. There is a Lyrica thread on this board from a few months back started by Robert David. Coincidentally I had just started Lyrica the same week. My experience was very similar to his. It was too intense and created too much anxiety, insomnia and cognitive impairment. I hung in for 25 days and have never been so relieved to quit a med. My Doctor is getting mixed results. I read the entire double blind study and had it not been for this website I would have thought the effects I was experiencing were unusual. According to my Pdoc those benefiting from it are far less than than study suggests. As stated on any med, tehy work different on everyone. US FDA has not approved it yet and it is not covered by insurance. A monthly supply here is close to $300 at full strength. A friend is using it for pain and loves it. Far less sedation for him than Gabapentin.
Posted by ed_uk on April 24, 2006, at 12:50:40
In reply to Re: Started Lyrica for GAD, posted by james_glasgow on April 24, 2006, at 7:03:15
Hi James
Best of luck, it sounds good so far :)
Ed
Posted by Sobriquet Style on April 24, 2006, at 13:44:29
In reply to Re: Started Lyrica for GAD, posted by james_glasgow on April 24, 2006, at 7:03:15
>I took the first one about an hour ago and feel in a better mood with clearer thinking.
Excellent news :-)
I have one question - have you taken Neurontin before this for the treatment of anxiety? I only ask, as i'm taking Neurontin now for anxiety, I find it works well, but am looking to find how people compare the effects of Lyrica compared to Neurontin... (I may try Lyrica in the future)
>I will post again after a week to let you know how I am doing.
Best of luck, I hope it works out well :-)
~
Posted by Toothy on September 10, 2007, at 10:27:02
In reply to Re: Lyrica's approval for GAD in Europe » ed_uk, posted by River1924 on April 24, 2006, at 0:48:45
> Hey Ed, How you doing?
>
> Did you plan to take this medication? It is helpful. I'm less inhibited. Initially, I jabbered. but that "pressured speech" went away. My eyes itch a bit more.
>
> But, for the first time in years, I stopped my SSRI (zoloft) and feel okay with just wellbutrin.
>
> I think, I mentioned in a previous post, I was worried about my lack of emotions on zoloft. Social phobia had become social disinterest. Well, I react with emotions again and I'm not suicidal. The Lyrica must do something, perhaps lower some anxiety... well that would go into psychoanalysis... let's just say I feel better.
>
> It isn't a miracle drug but it is pretty effective. I lowered my benzo, too.
>
> Later, River.River,,
Are you still using Lyrica. Is it still helping you with anxiety? Have you reduced any benzos as a result? I noticed you were doing well as of April 2006.
Thanks!
Toothy
Posted by qbsbrown on January 22, 2008, at 18:11:14
In reply to Lyrica's approval for GAD in Europe, posted by ed_uk on April 23, 2006, at 9:48:31
Ed, my pdoc said that it's ok to take 900 mg of lyrica. Is this true?
Brian
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