HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Gabapentin Cause Dementia?

default
Posted on Tue, 23 May 2017
Question: I'm told that taking an average does of gabentin (as prescribed by Dr.) can affect your cognitive abilities, in other words, in older folks, it can bring on dementia. is that true?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Klarida Papaqako (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Gabapentin does not give dementia.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query.
I read carefully your question and I understand your concern.

Gabapentin has a lot of side effects, but giving Dementia is not one of the ones that it gives.
Yes, in the long term it can effect some cognitive abilities, but those are reversible when the medicine is stopped.
And at the end, it is always used when the benefits are more then the risks, like every medications. So if it is improving your quality of life, and you together with your doctor decide that it is better to continue it, then I agree with that decision too.

Hope this is helpful.
Let me know if you need more clarifications.

Regards,
Dr. Papaqako

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Klarida Papaqako

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 1804 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Gabapentin Cause Dementia?

Brief Answer: Gabapentin does not give dementia. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thank you for using Healthcaremagic to post your health query. I read carefully your question and I understand your concern. Gabapentin has a lot of side effects, but giving Dementia is not one of the ones that it gives. Yes, in the long term it can effect some cognitive abilities, but those are reversible when the medicine is stopped. And at the end, it is always used when the benefits are more then the risks, like every medications. So if it is improving your quality of life, and you together with your doctor decide that it is better to continue it, then I agree with that decision too. Hope this is helpful. Let me know if you need more clarifications. Regards, Dr. Papaqako