A recent study published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine explored a potential link between gabapentin, a widely prescribed drug for nerve pain and seizures, and cognitive decline. Gabapentin is also used off-label for conditions like insomnia, anxiety, and back pain, and is considered less addictive than alternatives. However, side effects can include nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, memory problems, and speech difficulties.

The study analyzed data from over 26,000 adults in the TriNetX health network, focusing on chronic pain patients. Researchers compared those taking gabapentin to a similar-sized group who weren’t and tracked them for ten years. Participants were sorted into five age ranges to monitor development of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or dementia.

“Currently, there is a discrepancy on whether taking gabapentin increases a patient’s risk for developing dementia,” said Nafis B. Eghrari, the study’s first author. The results showed that people with six or more prescriptions had a 29% higher risk of dementia and an 85% higher risk of MCI. “Though this does not imply causation, this warrants further investigation on the drug’s long-term effects,” Eghrari added.

The 35–49 age group showed the most striking results, with dementia risk doubling and MCI risk tripling. Experts noted study limitations: it did not account for other medications, physical activity, or treatment duration. Tara Spires-Jones said, “People with chronic pain requiring gabapentin may have been less physically active, which is a known risk factor for developing dementia.” Ian Maidment emphasized, “The jury is out on whether gabapentin causes dementia.”

The authors advise caution. Eghrari recommended, “Physicians prescribing gabapentin for chronic pain perform cognitive exams on a regular basis” and encouraged patients to report memory problems or confusion.

Disclaimer: This is informational only and not medical advice.