Latest news with #Gabapentin
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Explained: Gabapentin's hidden side effects—From pain relief to brain fog
Image: Getty TL;DR Gabapentin might raise dementia risk by ~30–40% in frequent or long-term users . Younger users (35–64) seem especially affected It's not proof of cause—but strong enough to rethink long-term use. Other meds have similar risks—be informed across the board. Lifestyle is a powerful buffer—exercise, mindful diet, social engagement, mental stimulation. Chat with your doc, don't self-diagnose or detox alone. You've got persistent nerve pain—maybe from shingles, back trouble, or restless legs syndrome—and your doctor prescribes gabapentin, a drug originally developed to treat seizures. You're told it's generally safe aside from needing a bit more sleep, and sometimes feeling like your head's in a fog. But now... headlines say it might increase your risk of dementia by up to 40%. Before you yank your prescription and panic-type in Google, let's break down what this all means. What is Gabapentin? Gabapentin is a medication first approved in 1993 for treating epilepsy. Soon after, its knack for reducing nerve pain—from post-shingles neuralgia to diabetic neuropathy—made it wildly popular. It's generally considered safer and less addictive than opioids. Side effects? Sure—sleepiness, dizziness, headaches, nausea. But for many, the relief from chronic pain outweighs those little annoyances. New study: What did researchers do and find? A recent study published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine analyzed records from 68 U.S. health systems, comparing patients with chronic low back pain. The ones who'd had six or more prescriptions of gabapentin were 29% more likely to develop dementia, and 85% more likely to experience mild cognitive impairment (MCI)—all within a decade of their first pain diagnosis. The darker stat? People with 12 or more prescriptions faced a 40% increased dementia risk and a 65% bump in MCI risk versus those with fewer prescriptions. Age mattered too. Those aged 35–64 saw more dramatic effects, with dementia risks doubling for 35–49-year-olds and MCI risk tripling. So, should you ditch Gabapentin? Not without chatting with your doctor. Here's the smart play: Doctors might explore alternatives, such as topical therapies, antidepressants (off-label), or even non-drug therapies like mindfulness or physical therapy. Lifestyle remains king: exercise, brain games, healthy diet—all proven to protect cognition . What about other dementia-linked medications? This isn't just about gabapentin. Other common drugs have been under the microscope: Benzodiazepines (like Valium, Xanax) and opioids have also been linked to higher dementia risks Over-the-counter meds like Benadryl (diphenhydramine) and omeprazole (for heartburn) might have their own concerns if used long-term Gabapentin is unique in that it's often seen as a safer alternative—but newer evidence means we may need to rethink that assumption. Why are these associations possible? Several biological theories are floating around: CNS depression: Gabapentin calms brain activity—great for hyperactive nerves. But could it also dull cognition over time? Possibly. Chronic pain itself is linked to faster memory decline. So is pain causing dementia, or is gabapentin? Hard to say. Lack of physical activity and social isolation often accompany chronic pain—and both are known dementia risk factors. So it might be a combination of factors, not just the drug itself. What should you do if you're on Gabapentin? Here's a mini checklist to guide your next steps: Talk to your doctor—especially if you've been prescribed gabapentin frequently or long-term. Ask about brain monitoring: cognitive assessments every year or two could catch changes early. Explore alternatives: viability depending on your condition—other meds or therapy. Boost lifestyle defenses: walk, chat, do puzzles, eat well. (Yep, the brain benefits from spinach and Sudoku.) Educate your support system: family and friends can help notice memory lapses. Don't abruptly quit: stopping suddenly could worsen pain or trigger withdrawal—the switch should be managed. Bottom Line Gabapentin has been a go-to painkiller, especially as we try to avoid opioids. New research suggests a link to dementia risks, particularly with frequent/prolonged use. But it's not a deal-breaker—especially if you use it responsibly and under medical supervision. Still, this is a wake-up call: time to talk to your doctor, think critically, and monitor brain health. Gabapentin-dementia risk FAQs: Does gabapentin really increase the risk of dementia? Recent research suggests that long-term or frequent use of gabapentin may be associated with a higher risk of developing dementia or mild cognitive impairment. However, the study was observational, so it doesn't prove causation. It highlights the need for more research and regular cognitive monitoring in long-term users. Who is most at risk from gabapentin-related cognitive issues? The study found that people aged 35 to 64, especially those who had 6 or more prescriptions over time, were at higher risk. Those with 12 or more prescriptions had up to a 40% increased risk of developing dementia compared to people who used less or none. Should I stop taking gabapentin if I'm currently using it for pain? No—do not stop taking gabapentin suddenly, especially without consulting your doctor. If you're concerned, speak with your healthcare provider to review your dosage, explore alternatives, or discuss ways to monitor your cognitive health. Are there safer alternatives to gabapentin for managing nerve pain? Yes, depending on your condition. Alternatives include physical therapy, certain antidepressants, topical treatments, or other medications. Your doctor can recommend the best option based on your specific needs and health history. How can I protect my brain health while managing chronic pain? Besides regular medical reviews, focus on brain-friendly habits: stay physically active, eat a balanced diet, manage stress, stay socially connected, and challenge your mind with puzzles, reading, or learning. These lifestyle habits can support cognitive function even while managing long-term pain.
Medical News Today
5 days ago
- Health
- Medical News Today
Gabapentin users may face 85% higher cognitive impairment risk
Gabapentin is a medication that, in the United States, is approved to treat seizures and shingles-related neuralgia. It is also used off-label to treat other health issues, including low back pain. Past studies have also found that using gabapentin may increase a person's risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia. A new study reports that people who receive six or more prescriptions of gabapentin for lower back pain are at a higher risk of developing dementia and mild cognitive found these risks were more than doubled in adults between the ages of 35 to 49 is a medication that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of some epileptic seizures, moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome, and postherpetic neuralgia, which is a nerve pain associated with shingles. Additionally, gabapentin is sometimes prescribed off-label for anxiety disorders, insomnia, hot flashes, alcohol use disorder, akathisia, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and lower back pain. Like all medications, gabapentin has some potential side effects, including dizziness, tiredness, water retention, and dry mouth. Past studies have also found that using gabapentin may cause breathing difficulties, and may increase a person's risk of developing cognitive impairment and dementia. Now, a new study published in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine reports that people who receive six or more prescriptions of gabapentin for lower back pain are at a higher risk of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Scientists also discovered these risks were more than doubled in adults between the ages of 35 to 49 How does it affect dementia, MCI risk?For this study, researchers analyzed data from more than 26,000 adults through the federated health research network selected participants who had a diagnosis of chronic pain, chronic pain syndrome, lumbar radiculopathy, and chronic low back pain. They also categorized study participants into different age groups: 18–64, 18–34, 35–49, 50–64, and 65 or older. Researchers assess 10-year outcomes on study participants to see what percentage developed dementia, generally, or specifically Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, or MCI. 'Currently, there is a discrepancy on whether taking gabapentin increases a patient's risk for developing dementia,' Nafis B. Eghrari, a 4th-year medical student at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine in Cleveland, OH, and first author of this study, told Medical News Today.'Moreover, there lacks a strong understanding of how gabapentin impacts cognitive function and whether it contributes to neurodegenerative processes. Previous studies have shown mixed findings on this topic. Thus, we decided to explore this gap in the field,' explained Eghrari.6 or more gabapentin prescriptions linked to 85% higher MCI riskUpon analysis, researchers found that study participants who received six or more gabapentin prescriptions had a 29% higher risk of developing dementia, and an 85% greater chance of being diagnosed with MCI.'The significance of this finding is an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia on a nationwide level,' Eghrari explained. 'Though this does not imply causation, this warrants further investigation on the drug's long-term effects.''In terms of clinical significance, I recommend that physicians prescribing gabapentin for chronic pain perform cognitive exams on a regular basis when seeing patients,' he continued.'I'd also advise patients who are taking this drug to alert their physician if they notice any cognitive deficits, including confusion, poor memory, or slowed thinking,' said the doubled in 35–49-year-oldsEghrari and his team also discovered that when looking at participants by age groups, the risks for dementia more than doubled and more than tripled for MCI in people who were 35 to 49 years old. 'We were surprised to find this relatively higher risk in the non-elderly population,' Eghrari said.'These results indicate that gabapentin may have a greater cognitive impact on non-elderly individuals, as elderly individuals are already at risk for neurodegeneration due to their older age. This finding warrants further investigation into the underlying mechanism of how gabapentin may impact cognition.' – Nafis B. Eghrari'The key takeaway of this study is that patients prescribed gabapentin for chronic back pain should be closely monitored by their physician for cognitive decline,' he continued. 'Moreover, gabapentin should be prescribed with caution due to the associated risk of dementia/cognitive impairment.''We hope to carry this research forward and explore whether there is a true causative relationship between gabapentin and cognitive impairment,' Eghrari added. 'We also plan to investigate the underlying mechanisms of how the drug may impact cognition.'What are the drawbacks of large dataset studies?MNT had the opportunity to speak with Neel Anand, MD, MCh Orth, a board-certified orthopedic spine surgeon and director of the Cedars-Sinai Spine Center in Los Angeles, about this study. Anand, who was not involved in the research, commented that there are pros and cons to studies with big data sets as there are many variables and it is hard to determine the true causative little or no information was provided on any other illnesses participants may have had or other medications they were taking.'The best thing I would take from the study is […] [that] there's not a single drug without a side effect — they all have some issues,' Anand pointed out. 'So the answer is, if you're chronically going to take something, you better watch out — something's [potentially] going to go wrong somewhere.'Anand said the best way to prove anything is to take a cohort of study participants who take a specific medication and nothing else, and compare them to another cohort who does not take the medication. And researchers need to ensure that participants take the medication if it is prescribed to noted that, in some cases, patients do not follow the doctor's indications regarding prescription medication. 'Sometimes they do more, sometimes they'll take less,' Anand said. 'The only way to actually study [the real-life effects of long-term drug use] would be to literally take a thousand people and give them gabapentin and nothing else, and a thousand you don't, and then follow them over 5 years or more,' he he admitted that 'at least we can be cognizant' that there may be a heightened risk of dementia with prolonged gabapentin is 'a possibility that [doctors] needs to be aware [of] or at least counsel our patients [on] — that's fair,' Anand added.
Time of India
13-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Popularly prescribed pain drug can increase the risk of dementia by up to 40%, reveals study
Gabapentin is an anti-seizure drug that is used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy after shingles and restless legs syndrome by affecting the chemical messengers in the brain and nerves. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now With every drug having some types of side effects, the ones produced by taking this one include dizziness, drowsiness, headaches and nausea. While these might be more adaptable side effects that can be dealt with easily, a new study has revealed one side effect of the consumption of gabapentin that has more long-term effects than ever known before. Case Western University in Cleveland performed a to find that gabapentin can significantly increase the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in people consuming it for lower chronic back pain. 'Our findings indicate an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia or cognitive impairment within 10 years. Moreover, increased gabapentin prescription frequency correlated with dementia incidence,' wrote the study authors in the study published in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. Does gabapentin really increase the risk of dementia? Image credits: X In order to carry out the research, the researchers examined the records of over 26,400 patients who had been prescribed gabapentin for persistent low back pain between 2004 and 2024 and 26,400 patients who had not been prescribed the drug. After considering differentiating factors such as patient demographics, medical history and use of other painkillers, the researchers revealed that those who had received 6 or more gabapentin prescriptions were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia. These people were 85% more likely to be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment within 10 years of back pain diagnosis. While dementia typically affects older adults over the age of 65, due to the consumption of gabapentin, the risk of dementia more than doubled among people between the ages of 35-49. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Additionally, the risk of mild cognitive impairment more than tripled. Similar effects were seen in people between 50-64 years old. Here, the frequency of use was a deciding factor as well. Those with 12 or more prescriptions were 40% more likely to develop dementia and 65% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment as compared to those who had 3-11 prescriptions. Gabapentin was approved by the FDA in 1993 to control partial seizures in epilepsy patients older than 12. It was initially considered to have a low potential for abuse or dependence. However, recently various cases of its side effects have been on the rise. published in Pain Medicine highlighted how gabapentin exposure was associated with hospitalisation for all ages, even at low doses. The results of the study associating gabapentin with a higher risk of dementia support the monitoring of adult patients prescribed the drug to monitor their potential cognitive decline. Along with drug consumption, other risks of dementia are traumatic brain injury, untreated hearing loss, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and smoking. The ideal way to reduce these risks is to stop smoking and alcohol consumption, have a healthy diet and regular exercise.
New York Post
11-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Commonly prescribed pain drug can increase your risk of dementia by up to 40%
How nerve-racking! The anti-seizure drug gabapentin is used to treat epilepsy, nerve pain after shingles and restless legs syndrome by affecting chemical messengers in the brain and nerves. Common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, headaches and nausea. Now, a new study out of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland warns that gabapentin can significantly increase the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in people taking it for chronic low back pain. 4 A new study warns that gabapentin can significantly increase the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in people taking it for chronic low back pain. ryanking999 – 'Our findings indicate an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia or cognitive impairment within 10 years. Moreover, increased gabapentin prescription frequency correlated with dementia incidence,' the study authors wrote this week in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. Researchers pored over records of 26,400 patients who had been prescribed gabapentin for persistent low back pain between 2004 and 2024 and 26,400 patients who didn't get a prescription. After taking into account patient demographics, their medical history and their use of other painkillers, the researchers determined that those who had received six or more gabapentin prescriptions were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia. This same group was also 85% more likely to be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment within 10 years of their back pain diagnosis. 4 The anti-seizure drug gabapentin is used to treat epilepsy, nerve pain after shingles and restless legs syndrome by affecting chemical messengers in the brain and nerves. The Drug Users Bible Dementia tends to affect older adults, yet the risks of dementia more than doubled among 35- to 49-year-olds prescribed gabapentin. Their risks of mild cognitive impairment more than tripled. Similar effects were seen in patients 50 to 64 years old. Frequency of use was an important factor, too. People with 12 or more prescriptions were 40% more likely to develop dementia and 65% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment than those prescribed gabapentin three to 11 times. Gabapentin was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1993 to control partial seizures in epilepsy patients older than 12. 4 Gabapentin was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 1993 to control partial seizures in epilepsy patients older than 12. Commons Unlike opioids, gabapentin was initially considered to have a low potential for abuse or dependence. However, there's growing concern about its misuse, particularly to enhance opioid highs. With this new research, the study authors acknowledged that their work was observational, so they could not definitively establish a cause-and-effect relationship between gabapentin and dementia. They also noted that they weren't able to account for gabapentin dose or length of use in their records review. Still, they said their 'results support the need for close monitoring of adult patients prescribed gabapentin to assess for potential cognitive decline.' 4 Dementia, which affects over 6 million Americans, is characterized by troubles with memory, problem-solving, judgment and language. LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS – Other medical experts cautioned against drawing overly strong conclusions from the findings. 'While authors used statistical methods to try and account for other risk factors, this type of study cannot prove that gabapentin was the cause of increased dementia risk,' Tara Spires-Jones, director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, told reporters. 'One very important factor that was not examined in this study is levels of physical activity,' she added. 'People with chronic pain requiring gabapentin may have been less physically active, which is a known risk factor for developing dementia.' Other known risk factors for dementia include traumatic brain injury, untreated hearing loss, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and a history of smoking. Experts recommend lowering dementia risk with a healthy diet, regular exercise and social activity and without cigarettes or excessive alcohol.
Scottish Sun
10-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Common painkiller used for back pain ups risk of dementia by 29%, scientists warn
Find out the full list of side effects of the drug below DRUG WARNING Common painkiller used for back pain ups risk of dementia by 29%, scientists warn Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A POPULAR nerve and back pain medicine has been linked to an increased risk of dementia by scientists. The risk was associated with patients who had received six or more prescriptions of the drug. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Gabapentin is commonly prescribed to treat chronic pain, such as nerve pain and back pain Credit: Getty Gabapentin has become increasingly popular for the treatment of chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain - pain that arises from damage or disease affecting the nervous system - as it offers potentially neuroprotective benefits. But concerns have begun to emerge about its side effects, include a possible link to neurodegeneration. In a new study published in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, researchers found receiving six or more prescriptions of the drug is associated with 29 per cent increased risk of developing dementia - and a 85 per cent increased risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The research team looked at real-time data from 68 healthcare organisations across the US. Alongside the number of prescriptions associated with dementia and MCI risks, they found diagnoses occurred within 10 years of patients' initial pain diagnosis. When looking at age, 18 to 64 year olds prescribed the drug were more than twice as likely to develop either condition than those who hadn't been prescribed gabapentin. There was no heightened risk among 18 to 34 year olds prescribed the drug, but among 35 to 49 year olds, the risks of dementia more than doubled and those of MCI more than tripled. A similar pattern was observed among 50 to 64 year olds. Risks also rose with prescription frequency - patients who had received 12 or more prescriptions were 40 per cent more likely to develop dementia and 65 per cent more likely to develop MCI than those prescribed gabapentin between three and 11 times. As the study was observational, the researchers weren't able to draw firm conclusions about cause and effect. Signs of dementia that might be missed They also weren't able to account for dose or length of gabapentin use. But they concluded: "Our findings indicate an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia or cognitive impairment within 10 years. "Moreover, increased gabapentin prescription frequency correlated with dementia incidence." They added: "Our results support the need for close monitoring of adult patients prescribed gabapentin to assess for potential cognitive decline." Side effects of gabapentin LIKE all medicines, gabapentin can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Side effects of gabapentin may happen in more than one in 100 people. They're usually mild and go away by themselves. They include: Feeling sleepy, tired or dizzy Feeling sick (nausea) Being sick (vomiting) Diarrhoea Mood changes Swollen arms and legs Blurred vision Dry mouth Difficulty getting an erection Weight gain Memory problems Headaches Getting more infections than usual Very few people taking the drug experience serious problems. Call a doctor or call 111 straight away if you have a serious side effect, including: Thoughts of harming or killing yourself – a small number of people taking gabapentin have had suicidal thoughts, which can happen after only a week of treatment A high temperature, swollen glands that do not go away, your eyes or skin turn yellow (this may be less obvious on brown or black skin), unusual bruises or bleeding, severe tiredness or weakness, unexpected muscle pain or weakness, with or without a rash – these may be symptoms of a serious reaction Long-lasting stomach pain, feeling sick or being sick – these may be warning signs of an inflamed pancreas Muscle pain or weakness and you're having dialysis treatment because of kidney failure Seeing things that are not there (hallucinations) In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Call 999 now if: Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen You're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air) Your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet) You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy Someone faints and cannot be woken up A child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face) Source: NHS In a study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia earlier this year, a team of scientists systemically reviewed data-driven research on how prescribed medications may influence dementia risk. They found antibiotics, antivirals, and anti-inflammatory drugs were protective. Vaccines for diseases such as hepatitis and typhoid showed associations between reduced dementia risk. But they also uncovered concerning associations between frequent use of antipsychotics and benzodiazepines and an elevated risk of dementia. Medications targeting vascular and metabolic pathways, including antihypertensives and statins, showed mixed outcomes.
