Analgesic compositions comprising anti-epileptic compounds and methods of using same

Abstract

The present invention is directed to novel combinations of anti-epileptic compounds that demonstrate pain alleviating properties, with compounds selected from the group consisting of analgesics, NMDA receptor antagonists, and NSAIDs and pharmaceutical compositions comprising same. It has been discovered that the administration of anti-epileptic compounds that demonstrate pain alleviating properties in these novel combinations results in an improved reduction in the frequency and severity of pain. It is also believed that the incidence of unwanted side effects can be reduced by these novel combinations in comparison to using higher doses of a single agent treatment to achieve a similar therapeutic effect. The present invention is also directed to methods of using effective amounts of the novel pharmaceutical compositions to treat pain in mammals.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A combination of an effective amount of at least one anti-epileptic compound having pain alleviating properties and an effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of NMDA receptor antagonists, NSAIDs, and analgesics.  
     
     
         2 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the anti-epileptic compound is a compound of Formula I  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein R 1  is hydrogen or a lower alkyl; n is an integer of from 4 to 6; and the cyclic ring is optionally substituted. and the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.  
     
     
         3 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the anti-epileptic compound is gabapentin.  
     
     
         4 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the anti-epileptic compound is a compound of Formula II  
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein R 11  is a straight or branched alkyl of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, phenyl, or cycloalkyl having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms; R 12  is hydrogen or methyl; and R 13  is hydrogen, methyl, or carboxyl; or an individual diastereomeric or enantiomeric isomer thereof; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof  
     
     
         5 . The combination of  claim 1  wherein the anti-epileptic compound is pregabalin.  
     
     
         6 . A combination of an effective amount of at least one anti-epileptic compound having pain alleviating properties and an effective amount of a NMDA receptor antagonist.  
     
     
         7 . The combination of  claim 6  wherein the anti-epileptic compound is gabapentin.  
     
     
         8 . The combination of  claim 6  wherein the anti-epileptic compound is pregabalin.  
     
     
         9 . A combination of an effective amount of at least one anti-epileptic compound having pain alleviating properties and an effective amount of a NSAID.  
     
     
         10 . The combination of  claim 9  wherein the anti-epileptic compound is gabapentin.  
     
     
         11 . The combination of  claim 9  wherein the anti-epileptic compound is pregabalin.  
     
     
         12 . The combination of  claim 9  wherein the anti-epileptic compound is NSAID is naproxen.  
     
     
         13 . A combination of an effective amount of at least one anti-epileptic compound having pain alleviating properties and an effective amount of a narcotic analgesic, with the proviso that morphine is not included as a narcotic analgesic.  
     
     
         14 . The combination of  claim 13  wherein the anti-epileptic compound is gabapentin.  
     
     
         15 . The combination of  claim 13  wherein the anti-epileptic compound is pregabalin.