A known analgesic could increase the risk of cognitive impairment
Suffering from chronic pain is exhausting. One of the medications used to manage this condition could pose serious dangers. In recent research studies, a disturbing link was found between the drug gabapentin and an increased risk of cognitive decline.
The study was led by scientists from Case Western Reserve University, who examined medical records of people with chronic lower back pain. They found that those taking gabapentin for pain were much more likely to experience cognitive decline over time compared to those who did not take it. The results suggest that doctors should consider this potential complication, the researchers stated.
“Our findings point to a relationship between prescribed gabapentin and cognitive decline within 10 years,” they wrote in a study published last week in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine.
What is it and what is it used for
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug commonly used to treat neuralgia and restless leg syndrome. It is sometimes used to treat chronic lower back pain, especially if nerve involvement is suspected. The drug works by reducing abnormal electrical activity in the brain neurons.
Although gabapentin is useful, some studies – although not all – suggest a possible link to cognitive decline and senile dementia. To better understand this potential risk, researchers analyzed its use in patients with chronic lower back pain. They studied the medical records of over 26,000 patients diagnosed with lower back pain between 2004 and 2024, comparing similar groups of patients who were prescribed gabapentin or not.
People who were prescribed gabapentin six or more times were much more likely to be diagnosed with senile dementia (approximately 30% more) and mild cognitive impairment (85% more) compared to those who were not prescribed. This increase in relative risk was greater in people under 65 years of age, and in those who took 12 or more gabapentin prescriptions (compared to those who took less).
These retrospective studies can only demonstrate a correlation between two things and do not show a clear cause-and-effect relationship. However, the findings should prompt further research to confirm whether the link is genuine and to understand the exact underlying mechanisms, the researchers stated. For now, doctors should at least be more cautious when prescribing gabapentin, as well as being more proactive in monitoring the cognitive health of their patients undergoing this treatment.
“Our results reinforce the need for active monitoring of adult patients prescribed gabapentin to assess potential cognitive decline,” the researchers wrote in their study.
This article has been translated from Gizmodo US by Lucas Handley. You can find the original version here.
