Posted by SLS on May 1, 2011, at 5:36:38
In reply to PLEASE READ.Pro/con:Gabapentin-agitated depression, posted by jmb2012 on April 30, 2011, at 20:21:15
Hi.
> Briefly*: the mechanism of GP is still somewhat in question right? Recent studies however have identified it's activity on voltage gated ion channels- exerting a membrane potential and anti-"kindling" stabilizing effect. They also discovered it acts on a number of enzymes, the net result of which supposedly reduce GLUTAMATE synthesis and release while increasing GABA production and slowing or inhibiting its breakdown. GP's activity on glutamate metabolism strikes the strongest note with me. IT FEELS, no proof, that when the GP wears off the brain compensates for it's reduced glutamate load. That or like benzos the brain becomes unable to properly regulate the GABA/GLUTAMATE inhib/excitatory balance. AGAIN THIS IS ALL SPECULATION. PLEASE SOUND OFF ON THIS IF ANY ONE CARES.
Your speculation is very logical. Do you think you could find any literature describing the enzymatic activity? I don't think Neurontin inhibitsl sodium channels, so I am interested in what other ways it reduces glutamate and increases GABA.
Do you feel a brief lifting of mood immediately upon dosage reduction?
I experienced a significant improvement in depression and anxiety any time I would start Neurontin that would fade within a few hours to a few days.
Someone raised some concerns regarding your psychological component to returning to Neurontin repeatedly. Although there is some physiological accommodation to the effects of Neurontin, withdrawal is usually uneventful if tapered gradually. In other words, dependence is generally not an issue. However, you very well could be attached to Neurontin emotionally in a rollercoaster fashion (approach-avoidence). I imagine you are somewhat impulsive and impatient when self-medicating. It will difficult to change your approach toward treatment. I believe you must be methodical in choice of drug and choice of trial period.
Are you a perfectionist or somewhat obsessive?
- ScottSome see things as they are and ask why.
I dream of things that never were and ask why not.
poster:SLS
thread:984211
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20110418/msgs/984267.html