A new study suggests patients with chronic pain who receive frequent gabapentin prescriptions may face a higher risk of dementia. Those prescribed the drug six or more times had a 29% increased risk, and 12+ prescriptions raised the risk to 40%.

The risk was highest in adults aged 35–49. While the study shows a link—not causation—experts recommend doctors monitor cognitive health in long-term users.

Patients should not stop gabapentin without medical advice.

A new study suggests patients with chronic pain who receive frequent gabapentin prescriptions may face a higher risk of dementia. Those prescribed the drug six or more times had a 29% increased risk, and 12+ prescriptions raised the risk to 40%.