A large US medical records study has found that adults taking gabapentin six or more times for chronic low back pain are at a significantly higher risk of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment within 10 years. The study, which analyzed data from over 26,400 adults, suggests a dose-response relationship between the frequency of prescriptions and the risk of cognitive decline.
The researchers found that adults aged 18-64 prescribed gabapentin were more than twice as likely to develop dementia and mild cognitive impairment compared to those not taking the medication. The risk increased further with each additional prescription, with patients who received 12 or more prescriptions facing a higher incidence of both conditions.
While the study is observational and does not provide conclusive proof of causation, it highlights the need for close monitoring of adult patients prescribed gabapentin for signs of cognitive decline. The findings also underscore the importance of considering potential side effects of gabapentin in its treatment of chronic pain.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/gabapentine-cognitive-decline-29439