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Is Short Term Memory Loss A Side Effect Of Gabapentin?

Posted on Sat, 6 Feb 2016

Question: Is one of the side effects of gabapentin similar to mild dementia or short term memory loss? I take 900 mg before I go to bed. It was prescribed (and works for menopausal hot flashes, etc.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Take reduced dose initially

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome to HCM

I have gone through your question and understand your concerns.

Yes Gabapentin may cause concentration and memory problem, dizziness, anxiety, depression,.

You should reduce the dose to 300 mg initially on starting phase and then gradually increase if required.

Any further queries are most welcome in this regard.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (24 minutes later)

Is it safe to reduce dosage this dramatically, I.e., to go from 900 to 300 each day? I once ran out of this drug and experienced withdrawal type symptoms so I'm concerned about reducing the dosage.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Take 600 mg gabapentin

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Welcome back to HCM.

If you were taking higher dosage for some time then reduce it to 600 mg.
If concentration is OK then continue the same dose. Otherwise over a period of time reduce it to 300mg .

I hope I've solved your doubt.

Please let me know if there's any further queries

Regards

Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee