A recent headline about a common back-pain drug being linked to higher dementia risk refers mainly to gabapentin (a medication originally developed for seizures that is also widely used for nerve pain and some chronic back-pain conditions). A large observational study found an association between repeated gabapentin prescriptions in people with chronic low back pain and higher rates of dementia and mild cognitive impairment.
What the study found
- Researchers analyzed health records from more than 26,000 adults with chronic low back pain who were prescribed gabapentin and compared them with similar patients who did not receive the drug.
- People who received six or more gabapentin prescriptions had a higher incidence of dementia and cognitive impairment diagnoses during follow-up.
Important: this does not prove gabapentin causes dementia
The study shows a link, not proof of cause. People who need gabapentin may already have factors that affect brain health, such as:
- Chronic pain itself
- Sleep problems
- Other illnesses
- Use of other medications
- Reduced activity due to pain
More research is needed to determine whether gabapentin directly contributes to long-term cognitive decline.
Known side effects of gabapentin
Gabapentin can commonly cause:
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Trouble with balance or coordination
- Fatigue
- Confusion or slowed thinking in some people (especially older adults)
If you take gabapentin
- Do not stop it suddenly without medical guidance, as withdrawal symptoms can occur.
- Review your medication list with your healthcare professional, especially if you are older or take other medicines that cause drowsiness.
- Report new memory problems, confusion, falls, or major changes in alertness.
If you tell me your age, why you take gabapentin (back pain, nerve pain, shingles, etc.), your dose, and how long you’ve taken it, I can help explain what the findings may
