Top News

If you’re taking gabapentin for chronic pain, nerve pain, or seizures, you’re not alone. Across the US, prescriptions for gabapentin have exploded in recent years. Doctors often turn to it as a safer alternative to opioids because it isn’t considered addictive. But here’s the catch: as more Americans stay on gabapentin for months or even years, researchers are raising new questions about how it might affect brain health, memory, and dementia risk.

Gabapentin is prescribed for a wide range of conditions, nerve pain from sciatica or shingles, chronic low back pain, seizures, and sometimes even anxiety. Its popularity comes from the fact that it helps with stubborn pain and has fewer abuse concerns compared to opioids. Still, when it comes to long-term gabapentin use , the conversation is shifting. Some studies suggest that the drug could play a role in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or even increase the odds of dementia over time.

Several large studies published in 2025 and earlier have tracked patients with ongoing gabapentin prescriptions. The results were eye-opening. Adults who had six or more prescriptions showed about a 29% higher risk of dementia and an 85% higher risk of MCI compared to people who didn’t take gabapentin. For those with 12 or more prescriptions, the numbers jumped even higher, roughly 40% greater dementia risk and a 65% increase in MCI. What’s especially surprising is that this wasn’t limited to older adults. Even people under 65, who typically aren’t considered high risk for dementia, seemed more vulnerable.

The cognitive side effects of gabapentin are often subtle at first but can become harder to ignore with long-term use. Patients have reported memory loss, difficulty concentrating, slower thinking, and that frustrating “brain fog” feeling. Some research suggests these issues can appear within just a week of starting gabapentin, while other studies found they show up more clearly after extended treatment. Either way, it’s clear that gabapentin can have an impact on mental sharpness and attention.

Of course, it’s important to keep things in perspective. These studies show an association, not direct proof that gabapentin causes dementia. Chronic pain itself is known to affect brain health, and many patients on gabapentin are also taking other medications that could play a role. So while the findings are concerning, they don’t mean every person who takes gabapentin long-term will develop dementia.

Still, the numbers are strong enough that US doctors are paying attention. Many are being encouraged to check in with patients about memory issues or confusion during routine appointments. They’re also weighing the risks and benefits more carefully, especially when prescribing gabapentin to younger adults or patients already at risk for cognitive decline.

So what should you do if you’re on gabapentin? Don’t stop taking it on your own, for many Americans, it provides life-changing relief from chronic pain or seizures. But do bring up any new memory problems, brain fog, or trouble concentrating with your doctor. Together, you can decide whether to continue, adjust, or explore alternatives.

At the end of the day, gabapentin can still be a safe and effective medication, but like any drug, it comes with trade-offs. If you’re using it long-term, keeping an eye on brain health and cognitive changes is just as important as tracking your pain relief.