Gabapentin and Lyrica Increase the Risk of Dementia
Cindy Perlin, LCSW
CEO, Alternative Pain Treatment Directory, Marketing for holistic practitioners, chronic pain expert, author
Gabapentin and Lyrica (pregabalin) are medications often prescribed to manage various types of pain and neurological conditions. Several recent studies have raised concerns about their potential link to an increased risk of dementia.
Gabapentin and Lyrica belong to a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They are most commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain, seizures, fibromyalgia, and restless leg syndrome. They are also increasingly prescribed for almost any kind of pain as an alternative to opioids and for behavioral issues in Alzheimer’s patients. Gabapentin is only FDA approved as a secondary drug for partial seizures and for postherpetic neuralgia (lingering pain after shingles). Lyrica is only FDA approved for neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Gabapentin is one of the 10 most prescribed drugs in the United States
Potential Link to Dementia
A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2023 analyzed data from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. 34,467 Gabapentin or pregabalin users and 172,335 non-users matched for age and sex were included in the study. The study found that the use of Gabapentin or pregabalin was associated with a significantly increased risk of developing dementia compared to those who were not taking them. The risk was highest in patients under the age of 50.
Another study published in 2022 in Frontiers in Pharmacology focused on adults aged 65 or older with normal cognition. This research explored the association between Gabapentin initiation and neurocognitive changes. The study compared 480 patients who started taking Gabapentin to 4,320 nonusers. The results suggested that starting gabapentin was significantly associated with cognitive decline in older adults, even those without preexisting cognitive issues. They also found increased falls in patients using Gabapentin.
The Mayo Clinic list of side effects for Gabapentin is very long and states dementia is one of the most common. The Mayo Clinic’s list of side effects for Pregabalin is just as long. Although it doesn’t mention dementia, it mentions confusion, difficulty with speaking, loss of memory, and poor insight and judgment as some of the most common side effects.
Possible Mechanisms of Action
The exact reasons why Gabapentin and Lyrica might increase the risk of dementia are not entirely clear, but several theories exist:
Altered Brain Chemistry: These drugs affect neurotransmitters in the brain, which could potentially impact cognitive functions over time.
Sedative Effects: The sedative properties of these medications might lead to decreased brain activity and cognitive decline.
Impact on Synaptic Function: There is some evidence suggesting that these drugs could interfere with synaptic plasticity, the ability of synapses (the connections between neurons) to change and adapt, which is crucial for learning and memory.
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Effectiveness and Other Side Effects
Most patients prescribed Gabapentin or Lyrica find that they do not get pain relief and that the side effects are horrific.
Conclusion
It's important to be informed about the potential risks of any prescribed drugs, including the possibility of an increased risk of dementia, and consider safer alternatives. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen. Rapid tapering or abrupt discontinuation of Gabapentin or Lyrica can be dangerous.
For more information about Gabapentin and Lyrica side effects and safer and more effective alternatives, see this article.
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Cindy Perlin is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, certified biofeedback practitioner, chronic pain survivor, the author of The Truth About Chronic Pain Treatments: The Best and Worst Strategies for Becoming Pain Free and the founder and CEO of the Alternative Pain Treatment Directory. She has been helping her clients in the Albany, NY area reach their health and wellness goals for over 30 years. See her provider profile HERE.