If you’re one of the many Americans prescribed gabapentin for chronic pain—especially low back pain—you may want to take a closer look at the risks. While gabapentin has often been seen as a safer alternative to opioids, new research is raising red flags about its long-term effects on brain health.
Recent Study Links Gabapentin to Increased Dementia Risk
A recent large-scale study using data from over 26,000 patients found that those who received six or more gabapentin prescriptions had a 29% higher risk of developing dementia and an 85% higher risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) over a 10-year period. These risks were even more pronounced in adults under 65, who were found to be more than twice as likely to develop cognitive issues compared to non-users.
Even more concerning: patients with 12 or more prescriptions faced a 40% greater risk of dementia and 65% increased risk of MCI, compared to those with fewer prescriptions.
While this study doesn’t prove that gabapentin causes dementia, it does strongly suggest a dose-dependent relationship—and it’s a wake-up call for both patients and clinicians who may assume long-term gabapentin use is “low risk.”
Gabapentin: Originally for Seizures, Now Widely Overprescribed
Gabapentin was originally approved for seizures and nerve pain from shingles, but it’s now commonly prescribed off-label for all types of chronic pain—including back pain, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and even anxiety. Many doctors turn to gabapentin as a non-opioid option, but we need to ask: At what cost?
Side Effects to Watch Out For
Gabapentin is generally well tolerated in the short term, but chronic use has been associated with a number of side effects that may be underreported:
- Cognitive & Neurological: brain fog, dizziness, drowsiness, memory problems, poor coordination, emotional blunting
- Mood & Mental Health: anxiety, irritability, depression, suicidal thoughts (especially in younger adults)
- Gastrointestinal: nausea, constipation, dry mouth, weight gain
- Respiratory: increased risk of respiratory depression when combined with opioids or in patients with sleep apnea
- Dependency & Withdrawal: abrupt discontinuation can lead to agitation, insomnia, nausea, and even seizures
We now know that gabapentin misuse and overuse is a growing problem—especially when combined with other medications that depress the nervous system.
A Better Way Forward: Natural Pain Relief That Protects Your Brain
At Pepper Natural Health & Wellness, we believe in treating the whole person, not just masking symptoms with medication. Chronic pain is real—but so are natural, effective, and brain-safe solutions that work in tandem with your body’s own healing systems.
Here are some proven approaches I regularly recommend to my patients:
1. Chiropractic Care
Gentle, targeted spinal adjustments can relieve pressure on nerves, improve joint mobility, and reduce inflammation—without drugs or surgery.
2. Acupuncture
This time-tested therapy helps stimulate your body’s pain-relieving endorphins and improves circulation. It’s especially helpful for nerve pain, arthritis, and headaches.
3. Laser Therapy
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) uses focused light to accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and relieve chronic pain. It’s painless, non-invasive, and safe.
4. Movement & Exercise
Pain often leads to inactivity, which creates a vicious cycle. But even gentle activity like walking, stretching, or yoga helps reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and support cognitive health.
5. Sleep Optimization
Pain disrupts sleep, and poor sleep increases pain sensitivity. Establishing a calming bedtime routine, limiting screens, and addressing underlying sleep issues (like apnea) can make a major difference.
6. Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition
Your diet directly affects inflammation and nerve health. Emphasize whole foods—especially vegetables, healthy fats, wild-caught fish, berries, and herbs—and minimize sugar, refined carbs, and processed foods.
What I Tell My Patients
If you’re on gabapentin—or have been for a while—don’t panic. But do have a conversation with a qualified healthcare provider about whether it’s still the best option for you.
In many cases, a comprehensive, holistic plan that includes lifestyle adjustments, hands-on therapies, and targeted supplementation can reduce or eliminate the need for medications like gabapentin. And if you’re already noticing brain fog, memory issues, or mood changes, those symptoms deserve to be taken seriously—not written off as “just stress” or “getting older.”
Final Thoughts
Pain relief shouldn’t come at the expense of your mind. At Pepper Natural Health & Wellness, we’re here to help you find safe, sustainable solutions that not only ease your pain—but also protect your long-term cognitive health and vitality.
If you’re ready for a smarter, more natural approach to chronic pain, we’re ready to help.