Gabapentin Lawsuit Overview

Gabapentin is a widely prescribed medication originally developed to control epileptic seizures, which has become a common treatment for chronic back pain, sciatica, nerve damage, fibromyalgia and other painful conditions throughout the United States.

First approved by the FDA in 1993 under the brand name Neurontin, gabapentin has been used by millions of Americans, many of whom receive repeated prescriptions for months or years to manage persistent pain or other uses that were never approved as safe and effective by the FDA.

Although gabapentin has been available for more than three decades, recent medical studies have linked repeated prescriptions to an increased risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other serious cognitive problems, with some research finding more than twice the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment among adults under age 65.

Gabapentin dementia lawsuits allege Pfizer and other pharmaceutical companies failed to adequately investigate the long-term neurological effects of the medication or warn that repeated use may contribute to memory loss, cognitive impairment and dementia.

Who Is Eligible for a Gabapentin Lawsuit?

Gabapentin lawyers are pursuing financial compensation for individuals who were prescribed gabapentin, Neurontin, Lyrica or other gabapentinoid or pregabalin medications off-label, and subsequently developed:

• Dementia: Progressive decline in memory, thinking and reasoning that interferes with daily activities and independent living.
• Early-onset dementia: Dementia diagnosed before age 65, often affecting individuals who are still working and raising families.
• Alzheimer’s disease: A progressive brain disorder that causes worsening memory loss, confusion and loss of cognitive abilities.
• Mild cognitive impairment (MCI): Noticeable problems with memory, concentration or thinking that are more severe than normal aging but do not substantially interfere with daily independence.

To determine whether you or a loved one qualify for a gabapentin dementia settlement, submit information for review by an attorney, who will evaluate the prescription history, neurological diagnosis and circumstances of the potential claim.

Gabapentin Lawsuit 2026 Updates

November 5, 2026 Update: Lawyers are investigating potential gabapentin dementia lawsuits involving individuals who developed Alzheimer’s disease, early-onset dementia or mild cognitive impairment after repeated prescriptions for conditions that were never approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The claims focus on whether pharmaceutical manufacturers failed to adequately investigate and warn about potential long-term neurological risks from gabapentin.

May 5, 2026 Update: A Pennsylvania woman filed a gabapentin dementia lawsuit (PDF) against Pfizer and several related pharmaceutical companies, alleging that years of gabapentin and pregabalin treatment caused severe memory problems, cognitive decline and early-onset dementia. The complaint alleges the manufacturers failed to adequately study or warn about the medications’ neurological effects.

What is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant medication that affects nerve signaling in the brain and nervous system, helping control certain seizures and relieve pain caused by nerve damage.

Originally developed by Warner-Lambert, gabapentin received FDA approval in 1993 under the brand name Neurontin to treat certain epileptic seizures. In 2002, the FDA expanded its approved uses to include postherpetic neuralgia, a painful nerve condition that can develop after shingles.

Despite these limited approved indications, over the following decades, gabapentin has been widely prescribed for a wide-variety of “off-label” uses, which were never established by the FDA to be safe or effective. Some of the most common off-label uses include:

• Chronic lower back pain
• Sciatica and herniated discs
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Fibromyalgia
• Anxiety disorder
• Menopause symptoms
• Alcohol withdrawal symptoms
• Pain following surgery
• Chronic itching
• Complex regional pain syndrom
• Other neck and spinal cord injury pain

Since many of these conditions can persist for years, individuals often receive dozens of gabapentin prescriptions over extended periods. This repeated use has become an important focus of emerging dementia concerns.

Gabapentin is sold under several brand names, including Neurontin, Gralise and other formulations. Pregabalin, marketed as Lyrica, is a related medication in the gabapentinoid class, but contains a different active ingredient.

Gabapentin Linked to Dementia

Medical research has raised concerns that repeated gabapentin prescriptions may increase the risk of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment, particularly among individuals who take the medication for chronic pain over extended periods.

The medications involved in these concerns include:

• Neurontin
• Gralise
• Gabarone
• Relgaabi
• Horizant
• Lyrica

Although gabapentin has long been known to cause neurological side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, confusion and difficulty concentrating, recent studies have examined whether the medication may also be associated with more serious cognitive problems.

Study Finds More 2x Gabapentin Dementia Risk Among Younger Adults

A 2025 study published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine examined more than 26,000 adults with chronic lower back pain, finding that individuals who received at least six gabapentin prescriptions faced:

• 29% higher relative risk of dementia
• 85% higher relative risk of mild cognitive impairment
• 2.1 times the risk of dementia among adults ages 18 to 64
• 2.5 times the risk of mild cognitive impairment among adults ages 18 to 64

Researchers also found that individuals receiving at least 12 gabapentin prescriptions had higher rates of dementia and cognitive impairment than those receiving three to 11 prescriptions.

Review Finds Increased Dementia Risk Among Gabapentinoid Users

A 2026 review published in Drugs & Aging examined five observational studies involving more than 325,000 participants, finding approximately 28% higher estimated odds of dementia among individuals taking gabapentin or pregabalin.

Although the research involved both medications and did not establish a causal relationship, the findings add to the evidence being examined in connection with potential long-term neurological risks.

Study Identifies Higher Dementia Risk Among Adults Under 50

A 2023 study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology examined more than 206,000 individuals and found that those prescribed gabapentin or pregabalin had a 45% higher adjusted hazard of dementia.

The association was pronounced among adults younger than 50, who had approximately 3.16 times the adjusted dementia hazard compared with the study’s comparison group.

Gabapentin Dementia and Memory Loss Symptoms

Dementia is a neurological condition involving progressive deterioration in memory, thinking and reasoning that can eventually interfere with a person’s ability to work, maintain relationships and live independently.

Symptoms may initially be mistaken for ordinary forgetfulness, stress or age-related changes, but can become increasingly severe as the underlying condition progresses.

Memory and Cognitive Symptoms

Common symptoms associated with dementia and cognitive impairment include:

• Forgetting recent conversations or events
• Repeatedly asking the same questions
• Difficulty remembering appointments
• Trouble concentrating or following conversations
• Confusion about dates, locations or familiar surroundings
• Difficulty making decisions
• Poor judgment
• Problems managing finances
• Difficulty finding words
• Getting lost in familiar places
• Trouble completing routine tasks
• Problems recognizing familiar people

Behavioral and Functional Symptoms

As dementia progresses, individuals may also experience:

• Changes in personality or behavior
• Irritability and mood swings
• Anxiety or depression
• Social withdrawal
• Difficulty maintaining employment
• Reduced ability to drive safely
• Problems managing medications
• Increasing dependence on family members
• Loss of independent living abilities

Individuals diagnosed with early-onset dementia may face significant consequences when symptoms develop during their working years, potentially forcing them to leave their careers or rely on others for financial and personal support.

Mild cognitive impairment generally involves less severe changes in memory and thinking, but some individuals with MCI eventually develop dementia.

How Is Gabapentin Memory Loss or Dementia Diagnosed?

Individuals who experience persistent memory loss, confusion or difficulty concentrating after taking gabapentin or Neurontin should speak with a healthcare provider about undergoing a cognitive evaluation if the symptoms are worsening or interfering with work, relationships or daily activities.

While memory problems are a recognized potential side effect of gabapentin, persistent cognitive decline may also indicate mild cognitive impairment (MCI), dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or another underlying medical condition.

What Doctor Should I See for Memory Loss After Taking Gabapentin?

The first step is generally to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician, who can review the individual’s symptoms, medical history and prescription medications, including how long they have been taking gabapentin or other gabapentinoid medications.

Depending on the findings, individuals may be referred to a specialist for further evaluation, including:

• Neurologist: Evaluates memory loss, cognitive decline and neurological conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
• Neuropsychologist: Performs detailed testing to identify changes in memory, attention, reasoning and other cognitive abilities.
• Geriatrician: Specializes in medical conditions affecting older adults, including dementia and age-related cognitive decline.
• Memory disorder clinic: Provides comprehensive evaluations for individuals experiencing unexplained memory loss or suspected dementia.

Adults under age 65 experiencing unexplained cognitive decline should also seek evaluation, as early-onset dementia can develop during a person’s working years.

What Tests Are Used to Diagnose Dementia or Mild Cognitive Impairment?

According to the National Institute on Aging, doctors use several types of examinations and diagnostic tests to determine the cause of memory problems and distinguish dementia from other conditions that can produce similar symptoms.

Common tests used to evaluate dementia and cognitive impairment include:

• Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA): A screening test that evaluates memory, attention, language and other thinking abilities.
• Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE): A cognitive screening tool used to assess orientation, memory, concentration and language skills.
• Neuropsychological testing: More extensive testing that can identify specific cognitive difficulties and help distinguish mild cognitive impairment from dementia.
• MRI or CT brain scans: Imaging tests that can identify structural changes, strokes, tumors or other conditions contributing to cognitive symptoms.
• Blood tests: Laboratory testing that may identify thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiencies or other potentially treatable causes of memory problems.
• Alzheimer’s biomarker testing: Specialized blood tests, spinal fluid testing or PET imaging that may help identify biological changes associated with Alzheimer’s disease when clinically appropriate.

An initial cognitive screening does not necessarily establish a dementia diagnosis. Additional testing or repeat evaluations may be needed to determine whether symptoms are progressing.

Gabapentin Side Effects

The FDA-approved Neurontin (gabapentin) warning label (PDF) identifies several neurological and physical side effects associated with the medication, including dizziness, drowsiness, coordination problems and changes in mood or behavior.

The prescribing information also warns about potentially serious complications, including breathing difficulties, suicidal thoughts or behavior and increased seizure risks if the medication is abruptly discontinued.

What Side Effects Are Listed on the Gabapentin Warning Label?

Known gabapentin side effects identified in the FDA-approved prescribing information include:

• Dizziness and lightheadedness
• Drowsiness and fatigue
• Impaired coordination and balance
• Difficulty walking or unsteady movements
• Blurred or double vision
• Tremors and involuntary eye movements
• Swelling in the hands, arms or legs
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion and memory problems
• Mood and behavioral changes

The label also contains warnings about serious allergic reactions, suicidal thoughts or behavior, respiratory depression and withdrawal-related complications.

What Gabapentin Side Effects Are Not Warned About?

Although the Neurontin warning label identifies certain cognitive and neurological side effects, it does not specifically warn that gabapentin may increase the risk of dementia, early-onset dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment.

This distinction is central to the emerging gabapentin lawsuits, which allege that manufacturers failed to adequately investigate or disclose the potential for serious long-term cognitive injuries, despite research identifying increased dementia risks among individuals receiving repeated prescriptions.

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Were you diagnosed with memory loss or dementia after taking gabapentin? Share your story with AboutLawsuits.com and have your information reviewed by a lawyer to determine whether you may be eligible for a lawsuit.

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Gabapentin Lawsuit Allegations

Gabapentin dementia lawsuits raise product liability claims against pharmaceutical companies involved in developing, manufacturing, marketing and selling gabapentin, Neurontin and related medications. Plaintiffs allege the manufacturers:

• Failed to adequately investigate the long-term neurological effects of gabapentin
• Failed to study the potential connection between repeated prescriptions and dementia
• Failed to provide sufficient warnings about memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Sold medications with neurological risks that were not adequately disclosed
• Minimized or failed to communicate evidence of potential cognitive complications
• Promoted widespread use without adequately investigating long-term safety
• Failed to properly evaluate emerging medical research
• Continued marketing gabapentin without appropriate dementia risk warnings
• Failed to provide physicians with sufficient information about the potential dangers of prolonged treatment

The lawsuits maintain that adequate warnings could have influenced physicians’ treatment recommendations, encouraged closer monitoring for memory problems or prompted consideration of alternative medications.

Gabapentin Dementia Lawsuit Example

Crystal Seifers filed a gabapentin dementia lawsuit in the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas on May 5, 2026, alleging that years of treatment with gabapentin and pregabalin caused serious cognitive problems and early-onset dementia.

According to the complaint (PDF), Seifers received 52 gabapentin prescriptions and 42 pregabalin prescriptions between approximately 2017 and 2026. She alleges that prolonged exposure to the medications caused neurological injuries, including:

• Severe memory loss
• Early-onset dementia
• Impaired judgment
• Behavioral changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Coordination problems

The lawsuit names Pfizer Inc., Greenstone LLC, Pharmacia & Upjohn Co. LLC, Pharmacia LLC and Viatris Inc. as defendants.

Seifers claims the manufacturers failed to adequately investigate the long-term neurological risks of the medications or provide warnings about the potential for dementia and serious cognitive impairment.

The complaint raises claims involving negligence, failure to warn, design defects, misrepresentation and breach of warranty, seeking compensatory damages exceeding $50,000, as well as punitive damages.

Gabapentin Lawsuit Settlements

There are currently no established average settlement amounts or confirmed payout ranges for gabapentin dementia lawsuits.

Because the litigation remains in its early stages, the amount of compensation that may be available to individuals diagnosed with dementia or other serious cognitive problems is uncertain.

Any future gabapentin lawsuit settlements may depend on the severity of the neurological injury, medical and prescription histories, available scientific evidence and the extent of the manufacturer’s legal responsibility. Potential damages may include:

• Medical expenses and neurological treatment
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Loss of retirement benefits
• Long-term care and assisted living expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of independence and enjoyment of life
• Other financial losses associated with dementia

The financial impact can be severe for individuals diagnosed with early-onset dementia, who may lose decades of potential earnings while requiring ongoing medical treatment and assistance with daily activities.

Contact a Gabapentin Lawyer

Gabapentin lawyers are providing free consultations and claim evaluations for individuals diagnosed with dementia, early-onset dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or mild cognitive impairment after taking gabapentin, Neurontin, Lyrica or related medications.

Attorneys handle potential gabapentin dementia lawsuits on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront attorney fees or expenses, and lawyers receive no payment unless a settlement or lawsuit payout is obtained.