Does Gabapentin Cause Memory Loss?
Gabapentin is an anticonvulsant drug first used for epilepsy treatment. In time, scientists revealed its benefits in struggling with neuropathic pain caused by different diseases like postherpetic neuralgia, diabetic neuropathy, etc. This medication is very popular in the USA, with nearly 40 million packages sold only in 2022. [1] Still, as with any medicine, gabapentin has its side effects, which require caution. Most of them relate to cognitive functions.
Can Gabapentin Cause Memory Loss?
The simple answer to this question is yes, but not in every case. The medication may cause memory loss due to affecting nerve activity in the brain. It can lead to some unpleasant side effects. However, firstly, they occur rarely. Secondly, even when cognitive functions suffer because of this drug treatment, a simple adjustment of dosage makes gabapentin memory loss reversible. Only if memory loss happens and doesn’t go away with changing a dose it requires immediate medical attention. [2]
How Common Is Memory Loss With Gabapentin?
Gabapentin alone may not commonly cause memory loss. It becomes more likely under these conditions:
- Combination therapy. The probability of gabapentin side effects like memory loss increases when this drug is combined with other medications.
- Long-term use. Studies claim a connection between cognitive decline and long-term use of this medicine.
- Older adults. The risk of side effects rises with age. [3]
Is Memory Loss From Gabapentin Permanent?
It is observed in some patients and depends on many factors. Among them are age, overall health, and concurrent medication. Gabapentin and memory loss connection also occurs because of treatment nuances. Prolonged use and increased dosages may influence the chances of memory loss becoming permanent. That’s why it’s vital to follow doctor’s prescriptions and recommendations. They help you avoid undesirable consequences of drug use. [2]
Does Gabapentin Cause Memory Loss in the Elderly?
Generally, gabapentin can cause memory loss in elderly individuals. It may even lead to dementia. And this risk is higher for them in comparison with younger recipients. Still, it isn’t a 100 percent probability. Many factors play a part in this, including individual health, drug interactions with other medications, dosage, and duration. Therefore, as with any medication, there is always a tiny likelihood of side effects. Still, it may significantly decrease if the patient listens to the specialist’s advice. [4]
Does Gabapentin Cause Short-Term Memory Loss?
Scientists observe cases of short-term memory loss with gabapentin. It happens because of the following reasons:
- Higher dosage
- Combining gabapentin with other central nervous system (CNS) drugs
- Individual differences (age, health, genetics, etc)
- Prolonged use
- Initial use. Short-term memory loss, among other cognitive side effects, may be revealed after starting gabapentin treatment. It may pass by itself when the body adapts to the drug. [5]
Does Gabapentin Cause Permanent Memory Loss?
The medication isn’t typically associated with causing permanent memory loss in most patients. Still, gabapentin linked to memory loss is a rare but not exceptional phenomenon. Different reasons we mentioned above increase the possibility of it. And again, strict adherence to doctor’s recommendations dramatically reduces the chances of side effects of the medicine. [2]
Gabapentin is a widespread drug against neuropathic pain and seizures. Still, as it happens with any potent remedy, this medicine has its side effects. One of them is memory loss. It may be short or long-term, turn out to be reversible or become persistent. There are many factors to impact it. However, patients have great chances to avoid these unwanted side effects if they follow doctor’s prescriptions.
References:
- The Top 300 of 2022. https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Top300Drugs.aspx
- Richard Crabbe. The Connection Between Gabapentin and Memory Loss. https://freebythesea.com/gabapentin-and-memory-loss/. Jan 2, 2025
- National Library of Medicine. The association between Gabapentin or Pregabalin use and the risk of dementia: an analysis of the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10266423/. May 30, 2023
- Gabapentin side effects in elderly patients. https://www.singlecare.com/blog/gabapentin-side-effects-in-elderly-patients/. Feb 20, 2024
- National Library of Medicine. Adverse cognitive effect of gabapentin in individuals with spinal cord injury: preliminary findings. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5802689/. Jan 23, 2018
