Research shows that patients with six or more prescriptions for gabapentin, commonly used to treat lower back pain, were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia and 85% more likely to be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment within 10 years of their initial pain diagnosis. In late December 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it will require new warning labels for gabapentinoids. These labels will address the risk of serious respiratory distress leading to death in patients who combine the treatment with an opioid. Gabapentin is the sixth most prescribed drug in the USA. So the FDA wants everybody to take notice. The new gabapentin warnings are strong and direct. They result from incidences between 2012 and 2017, where the FDA said it received over 50 reports of "great concern". The reports described respiratory problems associated with using gabapentin and pregabalin. They included 12 deaths. Note that A recent study has linked gabapentin, a popular painkiller for lower back pain, to increased risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in some adults. A warning that serious breathing problems may occur in patients using gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) or pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR) who have respiratory risk factors. The Food and Drug Administration said Thursday it would add new warnings to packaging for Neurontin, Lyrica and generic versions, which are used to treat seizures, nerve pain, restless leg Gabapentin has become increasingly popular for the treatment of chronic pain because it’s not nearly as addictive as opioids, researchers said in background notes. But concerns have been growing that gabapentin might contribute to cognitive decline, since it works by suppressing communication between nerve cells, researchers said. Gabapentin prescriptions for chronic back pain were linked to higher dementia and cognitive impairment risk. Risks were especially high for chronic back pain patients ages 35 to 64. The study The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is warning that serious breathing problems can occur in patients who use gabapentin or pregabalin with opioids or other drugs that depress the central nervous system. The elderly and patients with lung problems are at higher risk when they use the drugs, according to an FDA drug safety communication. Receiving six or more prescriptions of the drug gabapentin for low back pain is associated with significantly increased risks of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI)—29% and FDA is requiring new warnings about the risk of serious breathing difficulties that can lead to death in patients who use gabapentanoids with opioid pain medicines or other drugs that depress Gabapentin is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant. It is used to treat some types of seizures and nerve pain caused by shingles. Thanks to its low addictive potential, gabapentin is usually seen as a safer option to opioids, however, the new findings raise concerns on its potential side effects on brain health. A commonly taken drug for lower back pain could raise the risk of developing dementia by up to 40 per cent, concerning research suggests. Gabapentin, sold as Neurontin, was approved on the NHS in The FDA has warned that gabapentin and pregabalin, used to treat a range of conditions including pain and seizures, may cause serious breathing problems. Respiratory Depression and Withdrawal Drug-induced respiratory depression has been well documented with gabapentin use. The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) now requires new warning labels on all gabapentinoids regarding potential respiratory depressant effects. FDA is warning that serious breathing difficulties may occur in patients using gabapentin or pregabalin who have respiratory risk factors. Gabapentin, which is used to treat seizures, nerve pain and restless leg syndrome might be linked with increased risk of dementia, a new study says. Four gabapentinoids have new warnings about the risk of suicidal thoughts and the risk of withdrawal symptoms. The FDA sent letters to the sponsors of these products with instructions to add new safety information to drug labels: Neurontin (gabapentin), Gralise (gabapentin), Horizant (gabapentin enacarbil), Lyrica and Lyrica CR (pregabalin). Despite those warnings, gabapentinoids — gabapentin in particular — are still being promoted as a treatment for all sorts of things, from dental pain to alcoholism to improving your sex life. Gabapentin has been pitched for so many different conditions that a drug company executive infamously called it “snake oil.” Gabapentin is FDA-approved for epilepsy and neuropathic pain caused by
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |