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Gabapentin - being linked to increased risk of dementia
According to a large scale observational study published in the journal "Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine", patients who received frequent gabapentin prescriptions were significantly more likely to develop dementia and/or mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
Researchers analyzed anonymized medical records from tens of thousands of Americans sourced from TriNetX, a federated health research network with electronic health records from 68 healthcare organizations across the country.
They found that patients whom had received six or more gabapentin prescriptions were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to be diagnosed with MCI within 10 years of their initial pain diagnosis.
There is more - To view the full report:
https://doi.org/10.1136/rapm-2025-106577
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I take for burning mouth syndrome.. now on 300 mg/3 times a day. Burning is a little less....I don't think I will increase just for general safety concerns. My neurologist, for WHAT ITS WORTH, told me this study on alzheimer's is not really a concern. I believe him.....
It took me a couple of months, but I completely stopped 1200mgs a day of gabapentin. The only thing I'm left with is numbness on the bottom of my feet and some on the palms of my hands. Annoying, for sure, but something I can live with.
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2 ReactionsI have been on 300mg 3X/day since 2019 post right thumb surgery which left me with severe RSD/CRPS which required 4 sessions of ganglion injections and back nerve injections to stop severe pain. Still left with right hand RSD below the wrist. I'm 74 and not demented yet. Maybe less acute than younger days, but at least mostly pain free.
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3 ReactionsI was diagnosed with IPN 2 years ago. Almost 2 years on Gabapentin. 600 mg. before I go to bed along with 1/2 of an ibuprofen PM. I sleep well and only wake up to go to the bathroom 2, maybe 3 times during my 9-10 hour nightly sleep. As soon as I go back to my bed I fall a sleep almost immediately. I wake up refreshed and ready to take on the world. I'm 79 and feel and mentally strong as I did 15 years ago. It certainly hasn't made me walk around wondering who I am! By the way, I met with a highly respected Doctor of Pharmacy to have him review my over the counter meds that I have added and he was pleased with how much I'm taking and when I take them. He also said the 1/2 of ibuprofen was fine! If you want to know if you're taking the right OTC medications, Meet with an expert and don't accept other peoples claims!
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4 Reactions@kimmiesue I was shocked to find this out. I took it for over 22 years. I would still be taking it if I had not been able to decrease the doseage down to the point where I could totally stop.
Having helped to take care of my Mom who suffered with dementia it is one of my biggest fears. She didn’t realize how bad she was, but it left me with some very sad heartbreaking memories of my wonderful Mom. It wasn’t just the memory -it changed her whole personality.
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1 Reaction@kiducator I recently saw attorney ads on TV about this potential side effect .
Can't comment on dementia risk, but I didn't tolerate SE's - prefer pregabalin which I continue..
I've been on gabapentn for around 5 years ,300mg 3 tmes a day for peripheral neuropathy. I'm 84 and my mind seems to be fine.
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2 ReactionsI've been on gabapentin for 3-4 years to treat anxiety. 800 mg 3 times per day as needed.
I' m currently taking 1500 mg of gabapentin. I started taking it several years ago. My mind is still as sharp as a, ah, you know, those little things you stick other things to.
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