Prostigmine and Mestinon
 

Hey guys,

Does anyone know what the difference is between these two? I find that mestinon doesn't help me as much as it seems to help you guys, and I'm wondering if I should try the prostigmine. The only thing is, I don't know if they work the same way- if they do, prolly wouldn't help too much...

It's so weird because the time-span mestinon definately works for me, not as much as I'd like, but it does work. The regular tablets don't seem to work at all..

ttys
Nicky

Nicky, The "fancy" name for Mestinon is Pyridostigmine Bromide. They are one in the same.

Since the Timespan works for you, I'm wondering about the status of your GI tract. Are you on antacids? Not just Tums but the nasty ones like Prilosec? That will get rid of your stomach acid and you will not digest those little tablets well enough. But, as the Timespan goes through your body, there may be enough of it released later to absorb. Get it?

Maybe if you try the Mestinon syrup, which I use due to no stomach acid, it may absorb better. Worth a shot.

Annie

Prostigmin is not pyridostigmine
 

Hi nicknerd,
Correct me if I am wrong, but I think you are talking about Prostigmin, which is the brand name of neostigmine bromide tablets or neostigmine methylsulfate IM injections.
It's similar to, but NOT Mestinon. Mestinon being the brand name of pyridostigmine bromide.

Prostigmin given by IM injection does not contain the bromide component of Mestinon, so it works a little differently. I have tried Prostigmin by IM injection in the past when my swallowing was really bad, when I was first diagnosed.

Valeant is the producer of both Mestinon and Prostigmin. I feel they may be the best source to get accurate information on the exact differences between the two drugs.

Jenna

Here, Nicky.

http://www.valeantcanada.com/html/prostigmin.html

The tablet has bromide. They even say it is poorly absorbed in the GI tract.

That's what happens when you're too tired to put up sites. I'll let Valeant speak for themselves.

Prostigmine and mestinon
 

Hi Nicky,
I take Pyridostigmine and my bottle says generic for Mestinon. I haven't had alot of luck with it either. It does help but like you said not to the degree other people see. I am only on 60 mg tablets, have never had the syrup or the time span. When I am really weak I notice a difference but my ptosis doesn't respond to anything except the pred.
Kendra