Gabapentin Dementia Risks May Result in Lawsuits Against Drug Maker

Researchers have found dementia and cognitive impairment risks may increase with more gabapentin prescriptions, with 12 or more linked to 40% and 65% higher risks respectively.

As prescriptions for the painkiller gabapentin continue to surge, a new study warns that the drug’s side effects may increase the risk of cognitive decline, particularly in younger users.

Researchers with Case Western University recently published a study in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine, warning that they have seen an increased risk of dementia among non-elderly adults who take the drug to combat chronic lower back pain. They are urging doctors to begin monitoring the cognitive function of patients prescribed the medication.

Gabapentin Side Effects

Gabapentin was first approved for use in the U.S. under the brand name Neurontin in 1993 for the treatment of chronic pain and seizures. It was later sold under the Gralise and Horizant brand names. Belonging to a class of drugs known as gabapentinoids, the medication has also been widely used off label to treat diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, chronic pain, sciatica, restless leg syndrome, anxiety and alcohol use disorder in recent years.

However, there are widespread concerns about overuse and abuse of gabapentin, which may cause serious side effects. These concerns have been exacerbated by the steadily increasing rise in gabapentin use in the U.S., with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announcing recently that gabapentin use has increased by more than 200% over the past 15 years.

A year ago, another study warned that gabapentin misuse and abuse may be increasing while also worsening addiction issues for other drugs, including opioids. In 2022, the CDC warned that gabapentin increases the potency of other drugs, including illegal narcotic painkillers, which heightens the risk of respiratory depression and death.

Gabapentin Dementia Risks

In the new study, researchers analyzed health records involving more than 26,000 adults with chronic lower back pain from 2004 through 2024, comparing patients prescribed gabapentin with similar patients who did not receive the medication.

The findings showed higher rates of dementia and mild cognitive impairment among gabapentin users, with some of the strongest associations seen among younger adults and patients who received the medication more frequently.

Among patients who received six or more gabapentin prescriptions, researchers found:

• 29% higher risk of dementia
• 85% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment

The association was even more pronounced among adults ages 18 to 64, who faced:

• About 2.1 times the risk of dementia
• About 2.5 times the risk of mild cognitive impairment

The strongest age-specific findings were among adults ages 35 to 49. In that group, gabapentin use was associated with about 2.4 times the risk of dementia and 3.5 times the risk of mild cognitive impairment.

“Gabapentin prescription in adults with chronic low back pain is associated with increased risk of dementia and cognitive impairment, particularly in non-elderly adults. Physicians should monitor cognitive outcomes in patients prescribed gabapentin.”

– Nafis B. Eghrari, Risk of dementia following gabapentin prescription in chronic low back pain patients

Researchers also identified a pattern suggesting the risks increased with more frequent gabapentin use. Compared with patients who received three to 11 prescriptions, those who received 12 or more faced a 40% higher risk of dementia and 65% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment.

While the findings do not establish that gabapentin causes dementia, the stronger associations among younger adults and patients receiving the drug more frequently add to concerns about the potential neurological effects of repeated or long-term use.

Gabapentin and Dementia Lawsuits

The findings raise questions about whether gabapentin manufacturers adequately studied and warned about the neurological risks associated with repeated or long-term use.

Potential gabapentin dementia lawsuits may allege manufacturers failed to adequately test for cognitive side effects and failed to warn doctors and patients about the risk of memory problems, cognitive decline and dementia associated with prolonged exposure.

Claims may also focus on whether manufacturers had information from clinical trials, adverse event reports, scientific literature or post-market data that should have prompted additional testing, stronger warnings or changes to the drug’s labeling.

Gabapentin lawsuit attorneys are currently reviewing potential claims for individuals who have experienced:

• Dementia
• Cognitive decline
• Addiction
• Other adverse health effects

Case evaluations are free and all cases are handled on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless a settlement or other award is obtained.

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