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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Neal on February 22, 2009, at 21:16:10
gabapentin, or Neurontin is an interesting agent. Gabapentin's listed use is to help control seizures in adults and children (3 years of age and older). It is also used to relieve nerve pain associated with shingles (herpes zoster) infection in adults.
I've taken it for years, although not for the above. It seems to have mood altering effects. For shorthand, I'll say 300mg is like having a beer, (I'm 6'2"), but without any hangover . Since it also affects or works in the gabba receptors, it has some anti-anxiety effects, as I've noticed.
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Posted by dcruik518 on February 22, 2009, at 21:30:46
In reply to gabapentin - a possible anti-anxiety agent?, posted by Neal on February 22, 2009, at 21:16:10
Yeah, it has mood enhancing effects and anti-anxiety effects. Sort of like beer in that it tends to reduce one's inhibitions. Unfortunately, it also has a very high poop out rate, at least in my experience, as well as some annoying cognitive side effects. I've found it works better if I take it only on as needed basis.
Posted by Neal on February 22, 2009, at 22:35:47
In reply to Re: gabapentin - a possible anti-anxiety agent?, posted by dcruik518 on February 22, 2009, at 21:30:46
"a very high poop out rate, at least in my experience, as well as some annoying cognitive side effects"
here too, i.e., if you reach for it several times a day it seems to have have diminishing returns. And its effects are only a few hours. It's not, by any means like a benzo.
The cognitive effects are similar to alcohol, plus a little confusion thrown in. I can't do intricate tasks, nor would I recommend driving with it. I reckon that's why it's not much used.
But a few who need a calming agent at bedtime for instance, and don't want to go the full benzo route, it's possibly something to consider
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Posted by desolationrower on February 27, 2009, at 2:37:09
In reply to Re: gabapentin - a possible anti-anxiety agent? » dcruik518, posted by Neal on February 22, 2009, at 22:35:47
yeah its a good drug for sleep, it improves sleep architecture unlike benzos.
there were a number of studies for this for various things, some people it really has some kick for. seems more like a good addition to alcohol to me.
-d/r
This is the end of the thread.
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