Does Taking Gabapentin Cause Memory Loss And The Inability To Remember Things?

Posted on Tue, 12 Sep 2023

Question: I take gabapentin 300 mg for the last year 1 at night for pain in back because of bulging discs.But I have had many problems remembering things,and trying to speak my words are hard to get out .I’m 56 yrs. Could gabapentin cause this?I have noticed when I miss a dose in the evening my head feels a lot more clear in the morning. Looking for some advice thank you for your time.

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It may play a role.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

As most medications acting on central nervous system gabapentin does have a potential for side effects such as somnolence, drowsiness and cognitive slowing. So it may well play a part, at least partially in those issues you report. Of course it doesn't happen in all patients and yours is a lower than average daily dose, but not every patient reacts the same and if the issues started around the time you started Gabapentin then it may be the cause.

So if these issues are very troubling to you, you may try reducing the dose to 200 mg or even 100 mg. If the pain doesn't increase may try to stop it altogether. If the pain flares up with the reduction then it may be tried to take another neuropathic pain medication such as pregabalin or amitriptyline (although as I said all have the potential to cause such side effects in a percentage of patients).

I remain at your disposal for other questions.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (35 hours later)

Thank You Doc. I really appreciate your time.Im going to take your advice try to wing myself off the medicine. I so love this webpage! Thank You Again,,,,

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Thank you!

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Thank you for taking the time to express your appreciation.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj