Progabide

Progabide (INN; trade names Gabrene, Sanofi 20591) is a pharmaceutical drug that was used mainly in the treatment of epilepsy, but also in the treatment of anxiety and withdrawal syndromes. It is a structural analog of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and acts as an agonist at GABA receptors, specifically the GABA_A receptor.

Etymology

The name "Progabide" is derived from its chemical structure, which is a prodrug of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). The prefix "pro-" refers to its prodrug nature, and "gabide" is a combination of "GABA" and "amide", referring to its amide functional group.

Pharmacology

Progabide acts as an agonist at the GABA receptor, specifically the GABA_A receptor. This means it enhances the effect of GABA in the brain, which has an inhibitory effect on brain activity. This can help to control seizures, anxiety, and withdrawal symptoms.

Medical uses

Progabide was used mainly in the treatment of epilepsy, but also in the treatment of anxiety and withdrawal syndromes. It has been studied for use in a number of other conditions, including schizophrenia, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, but these uses have not been widely adopted.

Side effects

Common side effects of progabide include drowsiness, dizziness, and nausea. More serious side effects can include confusion, hallucinations, and severe skin reactions.

History

Progabide was developed by the French pharmaceutical company Sanofi. It was first approved for medical use in France in 1980, and was later approved in other countries. However, it has been withdrawn from the market in many countries due to concerns about its side effects and limited effectiveness.

See also

• List of withdrawn drugs
• GABA receptor agonists

References

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Progabide

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  Structure of Progabide
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  Synthesis of Progabide