Nerve pain drug gabapentin linked to increased dementia, cognitive impairment

Re:Nerve pain drug gabapentin linked to increased dementia, ... by Perenti on Friday July 11, 2025 @02:00AM (#44528817)

I've taken quite a lot of these. I was on 3600mg/day for about 5 years. I was later on lyrica for about 3 years.

These drugs _do_ help you to tolerate nerve pain, but do _not_ stop it. I found they led to my otherwise amazing memory developing "holes" - I knew I knew something, but I couldn't put my finger on it. As someone accused of having an eidetic memory (I'm not convinced) I found this really disturbing. I also felt more stupid, and less quick.

I've been off gabapentinoid medications for about 4 years. My pain is more "in my face", but I no longer feel retarded.

Note: The advice on the gabapentinoid box "May increase the effects of alcohol" is both warning and recommendation. It's not unknown for the mix to include open-eyed hallucinations.

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Re:Nerve pain drug gabapentin linked to increased dementia, ... by burnt-resistor on Friday July 11, 2025 @03:14AM (#44529214)

Holy! 3600mg is a lot-a lot.

GABA analogues are known to impact memory formation.

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Re:Nerve pain drug gabapentin linked to increased dementia, ... by kasey_junk on Friday July 11, 2025 @07:18AM (#44530865)

It’s the top end of what gets prescribed for spinal nerve pain but not an uncommon dose. I was on the same. I spent the last year tapering off of it.

I’ll note I did not have the same experience. It eliminated my nerve pain and I did feel mentally sluggish when I first started but that receded and I didn’t have memory issues while on it.

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Re:Nerve pain drug gabapentin linked to increased dementia, ... by djmips on Monday July 14, 2025 @02:16AM (#44556971)

As far as you can remember.

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