Common Back-Pain Drug May Be Linked to Higher Dementia Risk: What the Study Found A recent study has raised questions about a commonly prescribed medication for chronic low back pain: gabapentin. Researchers found an association between gabapentin use and a higher risk of developing dementia or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), especially among people receiving repeated prescriptions. However, the findings do not prove that gabapentin causes dementia.
What is gabapentin?
Gabapentin is a medication originally developed to treat:
- Epilepsy (seizures)
- Nerve pain (such as pain after shingles)
- Some types of chronic pain
It is also frequently prescribed off-label for conditions such as chronic back pain, although its effectiveness varies depending on the cause of the pain.
What did the study find?
Researchers analyzed medical records from more than 26,000 adults with chronic low back pain who had been prescribed gabapentin and compared them with similar patients who had not received the drug.
Key findings included:
- People with six or more gabapentin prescriptions had a higher rate of dementia diagnoses compared with similar patients who did not receive gabapentin.
- The same group also showed a higher rate of mild cognitive impairment, a condition involving memory and thinking problems that can sometimes precede dementia.
- The association appeared stronger in some younger adults in the study.
Why might gabapentin affect thinking?
Gabapentin can affect the nervous system and may cause side effects such as:
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Slower reaction time
- Confusion or “brain fog” in some people
These effects may be more noticeable in older adults or people taking multiple medications.
Important: association is not proof of cause
The study shows a relationship, not that gabapentin directly causes dementia. People taking gabapentin often have:
- More severe or long-lasting pain
- Reduced physical activity
- Other health conditions
These factors themselves may influence dementia risk. More research is needed to determine whether the medication, the underlying pain condition, or other factors explain the connection.
Should people stop taking gabapentin?
No. People taking gabapentin should not stop suddenly without medical advice. Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms or worsening of the condition being treated.
A healthcare professional can help review:
- Whether gabapentin is still needed
- The dose and duration of use
- Possible alternatives
- Any memory, mood, or concentration changes
Ways to manage chronic back pain while protecting brain health
Depending on the cause of back pain, approaches may include:
- Physical therapy and strengthening exercises
- Regular movement and walking
- Improving sleep quality
- Weight management if appropriate
- Stress reduction techniques
- Non-drug pain strategies
The study is a reason for clinicians and patients to review long-term gabapentin use carefully, not a reason for everyone taking the medication to panic.