Posted by Cam W. on September 17, 2001, at 6:55:07
In reply to Re: Questions: neurontin, klono ,celexa and BiPol NOS » Maya, posted by Mitch on September 16, 2001, at 18:16:31
Maya - They are not sure of the mechanism of action of Neurontin™ (gabapentin). It is similar in structure to the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, but is not an agonist at the GABA-receptor complex (ie. it does not bind to the receptor where GABA does). Stated simply, it probably works by slowing hyperactive neurons containing serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, etc. It sorta attenuates, or cuts off, the manic high (ie. stops the high from getting too high).
The dosage of Neurontin must be raised slowly to allow the neurons to adjust to it, and to minimize the profound sedation the drug can cause. The therapeutic dose is highly individualized; anywhere from 100mg/day to 4800mg/day, with most people taking between 300mg/day and 900mg/day.
As for the Klonopin™ (clonazepam), Mitch is right. A low daily maintenance dose is usually the way to go (eg. 0.25mg/day, or a little more, if needed - best to discuss the right dose for you with your doc), and increase the dose for breakthrough anxiety. Also, like Mitch said, most people with bipolar disorder do not abuse Klonopin. The addiction potential is low if you are not using it to try to get high or to escape. The tolerance usually only happens to the psychomotor (impaired movement) effects of the drug, and not the anti-anxiety effects.
Good luck with the art therapy. - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:78865
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010917/msgs/78908.html