Millions of people take this drug, but it can increase the risk of memory loss by 40%.

Gabapentin: Link to Side Effects and Dementia Risk?

Gabapentin is an FDA-approved prescription drug primarily used as an anticonvulsant to treat neuropathic pain and control seizures. However, it is also often prescribed off-label for pain relief or to treat fibromyalgia, sciatica, insomnia, anxiety, hot flashes, and low back pain. This medication is popular because it does not cause the severe addiction seen with opioids. Like any medication, gabapentin can cause side effects, including nausea, dizziness, fatigue, headache, memory impairment, and slurred speech.

However, a new study shows that people who received six or more prescriptions for gabapentin for lower back pain have a higher risk of mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

Can gabapentin increase the risk of dementia?

The study, published in the journal  Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine , used data from the TriNetX  health research network   . Researchers analyzed data from more than 26,000 adults with chronic pain, chronic pain syndrome, chronic low back pain, or lumbar radiculopathy. The data were compared to a control group of the same number of participants not taking the medication. Participants were then divided into five age groups: 18-34 years, 35-49 years, 50-64 years, 65 years and older, and a general group of 18-64 years. The results were followed up 10 years later to determine how many of them developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease, or vascular dementia.