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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by PaulB on August 12, 2001, at 18:29:12
Hi
I have searched the archives and found that there is posts in the past concerning the use of Neurontin for anxiety disorders with mixed opinion. But I didnt think this should deter me from posting this message because I think it is always good to hear from new people with new experiences with the drug for this anxiety disorder.That Pregabalin is undergoing clinical trials for a wide range of anxiety disorders makes Neurontin an attractive option still.
Basicallly, anyone whose tried this anticonvulsant for anxiety disorders I would welcome their views on its effectiveness but am not really interested in the few, preliminary studies done as I have already read them. Studies show that it can be effecitve for panic disorder so I believe it could be very effective for the milder anxiety disorder social phobia. My pdoc believes that it is certainly worth a trial.
How do you think it compares in anxiolytic potency to the 'gold standard' Xanax and Klonopin,Paxil and Nardil. Also are the side-effects a problem?
I still use Klonopin on a PRN basis and find it very helpful but I find if I use it continuously decreased effectiveness is rapid unless the dose is escalated to higher levels which is a path my pdoc does not want to take unless absolutely necessary. Liver tolerance I assume is a problem frequent with benzodiazepines used in very small dosages dosages(0.5,1,2 mg etc) So recently I have been take Clonazepam 3xweek. As rule of thumb Im told thats the frequency of taking a benzodiazepine that will not result in any withdrawal problems.
Im usually very sensitive to medications so it may be that even though Pregabalin looks set to be the one that is licensed for anxiety disorders in my case its 10 fold increased potency may be a disadvantage and Neurontin may be a better bet. Persons I have spoken to have been postive in their recommendation that I should try this med. Psycho-babblers, what do you think?
Best
PaulB
Posted by JahL on August 12, 2001, at 19:46:43
In reply to neurontin and social phobia, posted by PaulB on August 12, 2001, at 18:29:12
> That Pregabalin is undergoing clinical trials for a wide range of anxiety disorders makes Neurontin an attractive option still.
>
> Basicallly, anyone whose tried this anticonvulsant for anxiety disorders I would welcome their views on its effectiveness. Studies show that it can be effecitve for panic disorder so I believe it could be very effective for the milder anxiety disorder social phobia. My pdoc believes that it is certainly worth a trial.I added 1800mg to Lamictal to little affect. @ higher doses things weren't too clever on the cognitive front, tho' it was fairly side-effect free otherwise. No help for my social phobia. Only Sulpiride is consistently effective, albeit only partially.
> How do you think it compares in anxiolytic potency to the 'gold standard' Xanax and Klonopin,Paxil and Nardil. Also are the side-effects a problem?
Out of that list (I've taken amounts of each), only Xanax produces any real anxiolytic effect in me. Nardil twisted my brain (in an unpleasant way), Klonopin is great for prevention of night-waking & Paxil is the only drug to ever 'cure' my social phobia. Along with all my other symptoms. Didn't last long tho' (brief BPII remission). When it's not working it just makes me more agitated/sedated (if that's possible...).
I've never actually read a personal report of Neurontin helping social phobia specifically but a few posters here have described it as having a 'calming effect'.
I've been interested in Pregabalin for a while now. Do you know how far they've got with it?
Ta,
J.
Posted by Neal on August 13, 2001, at 2:27:51
In reply to neurontin and social phobia, posted by PaulB on August 12, 2001, at 18:29:12
It's my understanding that Neurontin works at the GABA receptors and produces an anxiolitic effect. In my experience, it helps with anxiety. The more you take, the more it helps, however on large doses you start to get wooly-headed.
I think it does help some on social phobia. I think you're right, it deserves a trial. I usually take 600-900mg at a time to get any effect.
This is the end of the thread.
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