The memory issues you are experiencing may be very well due to the extremely high dose of gabapentin you are taking. Fortunately, memory loss and other side effects associated with gabapentin are not considered permanent and should resolve upon discontinuation of therapy or with a dose decrease. Such drugs are on the list because they share troubling side effects—confusion, clouded thinking, and memory lapses—that can lead to falls, fractures, and auto accidents. What the studies found It's important to note that neither of these studies was a randomized controlled clinical trial, so neither proved that either type of drug causes Gabapentin new users with normal cognition at the visit of gabapentin initiation (i.e., index visit) were included. New-users were matched on year of first enrollment and time of gabapentin initiation since enrollment to randomly select nonusers with replacement. Memory impairment and cognitive decline are two of the greatest concerns with long-term administration of drugs that affect the CNS. In this study, we discovered a significant association between cumulative exposure to gabapentin and pregabalin and the risk of dementia. Very few people taking gabapentin have serious problems. Call a doctor or call 111 straight away if you have a serious side effect, including: thoughts of harming or killing yourself – a small number of people taking gabapentin have had suicidal thoughts, which can happen after only a week of treatment changes in memory, ability to concentrate, or personality. Gabapentin may cause breathing problems in people who use opioid pain medicines and those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Older adults who take gabapentin also are at higher risk of breathing problems. Gabapentin use has been associated with memory loss and cognitive decline. Studies suggest that the risk of dementia may be higher in patients treated with gabapentin. It is important for patients and healthcare providers to be aware of the potential cognitive side effects of gabapentin. Some individuals report experiencing cognitive issues with long-term gabapentin use, such as difficulty concentrating, memory loss, or mental fog. These effects can be particularly concerning for individuals who rely on clear thinking for their work or daily tasks. Abstract. Memory impairment is one of the greatest concerns when it comes to long-term CNS-affecting drug administration. Drugs like gabapentin, pregabalin and baclofen are administered in a long-term period in conditions such as epilepsy, neuropathic pain, spasticity associated with spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis. While gabapentin alone does not typically cause memory problems, when used in conjunction with certain medications, it can have a significant impact on cognitive function. Gabapentin is widely used to treat seizures and shingles, but its effect on memory has been a topic of ongoing debate. How they can affect memory: Although these are molecularly distinct from benzodiazepines (see No. 1, above), they act on many of the same brain pathways and chemical messengers, producing similar side effects and problems with addiction and withdrawal. The “Z” drugs also can cause amnesia and sometimes trigger dangerous or strange behaviors Gabapentin, widely used for nerve pain and seizures, can cause memory issues in some users, such as forgetfulness or difficulty concentrating. Compared to pregabalin, which shares a similar mechanism, gabapentin’s cognitive effects are often considered milder, though this varies by individual. Seeing how gabapentin works, it is not terribly surprising that memory loss is a possible side effect. It is though that part of the mechanism of action of gabapentin contributes to some mild central nervous system depression. Not only can this cause slight memory loss, but it can also cause movement problems, slurred speech etc Gabapentin is a medication for migraines that can cause memory loss and cognitive impairment at high doses. Learn about the possible alternatives, side effects and how to talk to your doctor about switching medications. Gabapentin initiation was significantly associated with cognitive/functional status decline: worsening CDRGLOB at index+1 visit (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.55 [1.07, 2.25]); CDR-SB at index+1 visit (1.94 [1.22, 3.09]); and mean of FAQ at index+2 visit (1.78 [1.12, 2.83]). Last but certainly not least in our parade of psychological side effects are memory problems and cognitive impairment. It’s like gabapentin decided to play a game of hide-and-seek with your memories and thought processes. You might find yourself struggling to remember simple things or feeling like your thoughts are wading through molasses. Explore gabapentin's effects on mental function, memory, and cognition. Learn about managing side effects and balancing therapeutic benefits with potential risks. In addition, Gabapentin can cause memory problems, confusion, or difficulty concentrating, which can be especially concerning for people with neurologic injury. Some brain injury patients may experience heightened anxiety and restlessness when taking gabapentin. Mood swings, irritability, or depression have been reported with Gabapentin. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Some studies show that gabapentin may have effects on your memory. But we need more research on this topic to be sure. Still, older adults are more at risk of memory issues and medication side effects in general. A 2022 study looked at 480 adults aged 65 and older who were taking gabapentin.
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