Halcion

[Balls and chain]

Hi OR,

Lyrica was originally an anti-epileptic drug, similar to Gabapenten, Neurontin and Topamax. Today, it is commonly prescribed along with Lithium for the treatment of Bi-polar disorder. Anti-epileptic drugs, including all 4 listed above, have been historically been prescribed off-label for a variety of ailments, including the prevention of migranes, insomnia and anxiety disorders. I was prescribed Topamax (or "Dopamax" as it is often referred to because it can cause memory loss, as well as the Inability to form complete sentences and thoughts) for migraine prevention 4 years before it was approved for the treatment of migraines by the FDA. Because it suppresses the appetite and makes anything carbonated taste like metal, weight loss commonly occurs. Seizing upon this side effect, Big Pharma pounced on this "side effect" (opportunity) and today Topiramate (the generic form of Topamax) is now found in new weight loss medication called Qsymia, along with Phentermine. 

Big Pharma will also find any and every way possibly to extend the life of their patents, in particular by prescribing the drugs for off label use. There is a drug called Zyprexa, which is an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and Bi-polar disorder. A few years ago, Zyprexa, which brought in more than $2 billion a year, and was Eli Lilly's 2nd most profitable drug (Prozac was number 1) had a patent that was about to expire, so they created a new drug by combining Zyprexa with Prozac called Symbyax to treat depression. 

Just becareful with these drugs. They don't result in mult-million dollar and even billion dollar class action settlements and lawsuits for nothing. Also, the US/FDA is usually the last country/Government agency to issue what is referred to as Black Box Warnings, or side effects labeled on the drug and it's literature. You will see other countries label these drugs with these same side effects years before the FDA does. 

p.s. OR, you were smart to take yourself off of Lyrica. Many people still believe that if a doctor tells them they need to take something, they will take it. Not knowing the doctor is doing what sales reps advised him or her to do or that they were somehow compensated by Big Pharma to prescribe particular drugs. I have a really good specialist, who knowing my background and knowledge of these drugs, will often ask me questions like "So, what's the latest on Gabapenten?" - and I have no medical background. 


M. 

The greed these days is quite upsetting.