Does Gabapentin Cause Memory Loss Or Dementia Permanently? Risks & Preventions

Gabapentin is an often-prescribed drug to provide relief in treating nerve pain, seizure activity, and some neurological disorders. While many have had success with gabapentin some are concerned about the potential side effects of this medication, including problems with memory.  The question of “Does Gabapentin cause memory loss?” is one of the most commonly asked questions from patients and caregivers alike. 

To help you make an informed choice about your treatment options, you first need to understand how gabapentin affects memory and why it may impact memory for some individuals more than others. In this blog, we’ll go through the scientific rationale for how gabapentin works and how it can cause memory loss along with it’s precaution and other side effects.

Understanding About, Does Gabapentin Cause Memory Loss:

Sometimes patients will experience cognitive problems (forgetfulness, inability to concentrate, think clearly) while they are taking Gabapentin Pills. This is due to the way Gabapentin works in the brain and will vary from person to person and depend upon multiple factors. Not everyone is suffering from memory loss while using gabapentin, but in some cases memoryloss problem can arise. Before knowing can gabapentin cause memory loss we have to know about what is gabapentin and how it works.

What Is Gabapentin?

Gabapentin is a non-opioid medication and widely used for managing nerve pain, seizures, and conditions in which the nerves have become hypersensitive and is also known as a gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) analogue. It may also be used to promote sleep or alleviate anxiety in some patients. It is available in the form of tablets, capsule and oral solutions. The extended-release form of gabapentin is also taken for restless legs and is taken once in a day with food.

How Does Gabapentin Work?

Gabapentin works by reducing excessive nerve firing by controlling impulses throughout both the brain and the body. Although gabapentin is chemically similar to the brain neurotransmitter (GABA) it does not bind directly to the GABA receptors. Rather, it binds to specific sites on calcium channels found within nerve cells. This interaction reduces the amount of excitatory neurotransmitter released from the nerve cell, thereby reducing the amplification of pain signals and abnormal electrical activity.

How Does Gabapentin Affect Memory?

When you take drugs like gabapentin, which has a direct effect on the CNS, memory loss problem can arise. Gabapentin targets area like the hippocampus, which are crucial for memory power and reminding. It slows down the communication in the hippocampus which causes dementia. Additionally, drowsiness, fatigue, and cognitive slowing further impairing attention and the brain’s ability to encode and retrieve memories will be feel but their is no evidence of gabapentin permanent brain damage. This effect can vary from patient to patient depending on doses and their durations.

Other Side Effects Of Gabapentin:

Gabapentin has some common side effects which vary from person to person according to their age, strength of dose and metabolism. Gabapentin side effects in elderly are more noticeable due to their physical change and changes in how the body process the medicine.

• drowsiness or dizziness
• headache or blurred vision
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation
• dry mouth
• weight gain
• swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles 

But in the same case rare but serious side effects are shown, which are

• rash, itching, or yellowing of the skin
• swelling of the face and throat
• problems speaking or swallowing
• changes in memory, ability to concentrate, or personality

Long-term uses of gabapentin can cause dependency, withdrawal syndrome, and memory loss. In some cases, long-term side effects of gabapentin like weight gain, edema and muscle weakness are found.

Precautions For Gabapentin Side Effects: 

Gabapentin memory loss arises in some cases, it can be prevented or may be reversed by changing the doses and in some cases, alternates reaquired. You have to follow some steps to stopping gabapentin side effects.

• Regularly monitor and review the medication with your physician.
• Be aware of your changes in memory power and consult your doctor about it.
• Maintaining physical and mental activity to promote cognitive health.
• Avoid overdoses and interactions.

Drug Interaction Of Gabapentin:

The interaction risk of gabapentin is high with some drugs and with some substances. It may produce some side effects like sedation, respiratory depression, overdose, drowsiness and dizziness.

• Interaction with alcohol and Sedatives: Taking gabapentin with alcohol and Sedatives enahnce risk of Drowsiness and dizziness.
• Interaction with opioids: Abusing gabapentin with opioids like Oxycodone, hydrocodone etc, is extremely dangerous. It will cause overdosing, respiratory problems and severe sedation.
• Interaction with antacids: Antacids can decrease the absorption of gabapentin.

FAQ’s

Can I drink alcohol while taking gabapentin?

Avoid drinking alcohol while on the course of gabapentin as both are CNS depressants. Alcohol is highly reactive with gabapentin and can cause side effects like severe drowsiness and dizziness. In some cases, slow breathing is shown

Is it safe to take gabapentin in pregnancy?

Generally it is not recommended to take gabapentin during pregnancy unless it is essential. If you are planning for pregnancy during the gabapentin course it is prescribed to take higher doses of folic acid. Don’t suddenly stop taking gabapentin if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.

Does gabapentin pass into breast milk?

Gabapentin can pass into breast milk but in a small amount. In many tests a low amount of gabapentin from the mother’s dose is found in the baby. Some studies have not found any major side effects. Visit your doctor before breastfeeding when on a course of gabapentin.

Is gabapentin addictive?

Gabapentin is not considered as a controlled substance. It has a minimal risk of gabapentin addiction or dependence because it works differently from opioids. But it can be misused by overdosing and taking with opioids and alcohol. Taking gabapentin with opioids or other sedatives increases the risk of many serious side effects, addiction and fatal overdose.

Conclusion:

Gabapentin is generally seen as a safe and effective treatment for neuropathic pain, seizures and some psychiatric disorders. However, some individuals may be negatively affected cognitively. Gabapentin causing dementia and trouble focusing are sometimes reported more frequently in patients using higher doses of gabapentin or in combination with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. In most patients, memory problems are mild, reversible, or temporary. Factors such as how susceptible an individual is, age, presence of any pre-existing cognitive issues and how many drugs (polypharmacy) one takes all determine an individual’s risk for developing memory problems associated with gabapentin.