Just wondering if anyone has ever taken Neurontin for anxiety. Also, I was wondering if anyone has, if they have ever tried Paxil. I was wanting to know the differences between the two.
What is the difference between Neurontin and Paxil for anxiety?
- Posted:
- 3+ months ago by tinkers048
- Topics:
- neurontin, paxil, anxiety
Details:
Answers (6)
They are two totally different types of drugs, Paxil (Paroxetine) is a Selective Seratonin Reuptake Inhibitor, sometimes depression and anxiety can be caused by not having enough Seratonin (the happy hormone)in the brain, Paxil prevents your brain from absorbing the amount you do have, so it stays in their longer and helps your mood and anxiety.
Neurontin is Gabapentin, originally approved for Epileptic Seizures, then it was found to work on neuropathic pain for people who had Herpes Zoster (Shingles.)It is sometimes effective for people when other mental health drugs have not worked and it has relatively few side effects.
"DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Gabapentin is in the class of drugs called anticonvulsants because they are used to treat seizures (epilepsy) and herpes zoster (shingles). Gabapentin is related to the brain chemical gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) but exactly how it works is unknown."
So it works on a different brain chemical than Paxil.
My husband takes Paxil for anxiety disorders and major depression, it works great for him. I use Neurontin for pain due to a spinal condition.
Hey, I looked up both drugs so far here is one website all about Neurontin, also under- neath that website there is a nother one all about Paxil.
l was talking paxil for anxiety and help me very much the 1st 2 weeks felt tired light head than 3 week change my life But Neurontin!!!!!! be careful l took it for 2 months it just get sleepy at night but l regret the day l took them it made my anxiety worse and the side effects are not nice now l am talking ativan and paxil thank god GOODBYE ANXIETY
I've been taking Neurontin for 3 months now for anxiety and nerve pain. I don't think it has helped much in my situation. I'm also on Prozac. My doctor is trying to find me a differnt "cocktai" as this does not seem to be working very well. I'm very tired with this med as I take over 3,000mg a day. I hope you find the answers you are looking for ... good luck
HI, Paxil is a ssri, used for depression and anxiety symptoms, focussing on the brain hormone Serotonin. The mechanism of these types of medications are to ensure or promote more access to the brain of Secretin; thus, the human repsonse is less vegetative anxiety and depresssive sympotms.
Neurontin is an anticonvulsant, some times being used for or to assist stabilizing a persons' mood, usually in conjunction with another anticonvulsant such as tegretol or depakote or even antipsychotic, such as Abilify. Anyway the mechanism of action, when compared to that of the Paxil is different, in that its structurally similar to GABA, which plays a role in perpetuating the anxiety process. Hope that this helps. FYI In the United Kingdom, for Fibromyalgia, the sister drug to Gabapentin, Lyrica, Lyrica has been approved for use there for Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Good Luck
