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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by krybrahaha on May 24, 2004, at 2:11:00
What are the differences between Neurontin and Pregabalin. Is this just a refined form of Neurontin? Just as Lexapro is a refined version of Celexa?
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).
Posted by snapper on May 24, 2004, at 21:15:08
In reply to Re: Difference between Neurontin and Pregabalin?, posted by collegeguy on May 24, 2004, at 6:28:21
Very good explanation! Sadly I see these drug spin-offs as pre-concieved ideas ( pharm companies) as excellent ways to improve their bottom line over the long haul $$$$$. I could be wrong but that is how it appears. Now if they could only come up with a truely affective MAOI w/o the serious dietary precautions. Can anyone even imagine the implications that would have on all the suffering souls in the world ! A medication that is not only effective for a larger majority of sick individuals but does'nt have the potential to kill you if you happen to eat the wrong kind of cheese or beer or whatever wrong food for that matter! Oops I have strayed off the subject! sorry. I really do hope that Pregabalin is not only effective for many of the things that ail us, I also hope it can do it with out as many S/E's.
While it probably won't be a ' magic bullet' I will gladly welcome it to our arsenal of things to relieve our sufferings!
Best to all
Snapper
Posted by theo on May 25, 2004, at 22:44:14
In reply to Re: Difference between Neurontin and Pregabalin?, posted by collegeguy on May 24, 2004, at 6:28:21
This is the end of the thread.
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