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. Health care professionals and patients should report side effects from gabapentin, pregabalin or other medicines to the FDA’s MedWatch program. In this article, we delve into the dangers of Gabapentin, scrutinizing its side effects, possible addiction risks, and the reasons behind its prescription. What are the Side Effects of Gabapentin? Frequent use of gabapentin for back pain may raise the risk of dementia by 29% and mild cognitive impairment by 85%, new study finds. The CDC’s 2016 opioid guideline recommended gabapentin and pregabalin dozens of times as alternatives to opioids, without saying a word about their abuse or side effects. While these might be more adaptable side effects that can be dealt with easily, a new study has revealed one side effect of the consumption of gabapentin that has more long-term effects than ever 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. Side Effects Associated with Gabapentin Use As stated by the NIH, Gabapentin works by binding to a calcium channel in nerve cells, which is believed to modify nerve function. Since it reduces 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 Learn about the side effects of gabapentin, from common to rare, for consumers and healthcare professionals. Gabapentin was initially marketed as a medication with low potential for abuse. A growing body of evidence highlights the potential risks of overprescribing the medication. Here's who gabapentin was originally approved for, what it's used for today and why it's becoming a drug of increasing concern for abuse and misuse. 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 85 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. 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. Despite its benefits, gabapentin has potential long-term side effects that users should be aware of. The long-term use of gabapentin may result in a range of physical side effects, some of which may become more pronounced the longer a person takes the medication. 1. Sedation and Fatigue. Regular gabapentin use appeared to increase risk of dementia by 29% and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) by 85%, researchers reported July 10 in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine. What’s more, the risk was more than doubled in people normally considered too young to suffer from brain aging, those 18 to 64, results show. The anti-seizure drug gabapentin is used to treat epilepsy, nerve pain after shingles and restless legs syndrome by affecting chemical messengers in the brain and nerves. Common side effects Credit: Neuroscience News Unlike opioids, gabapentin has relatively low addictive potential, and it has become increasingly popular for the treatment of chronic pain, especially neuropathic pain, as it offers potentially neuroprotective benefits, point out the researchers. But concerns are beginning to emerge about its side effects, including a possible association with neurodegeneration
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