Alternative Pain Treatment Directory

By: Cindy Perlin Gabapentin and Lyrica (pregabalin) are medications often prescribed to manage various types of pain and neurological conditions. Several recent studies have raised concerns about their potential link to an increased risk of dementia. Gabapentin and Lyrica belong to a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. They are most commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain, seizures, fibromyalgia, and restless leg syndrome. They are also increasingly prescribed for almost any kind of pain as an alternative to opioids and for behavioral issues in Alzheimer’s patients. Gabapentin is only FDA approved as a secondary drug for partial seizures and for postherpetic neuralgia (lingering pain after shingles). Lyrica is only FDA approved for neuropathy and fibromyalgia. Gabapentin is one of the 10 most prescribed drugs in the United States   Potential Link to Dementia A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2023   analyzed data from the National Health Insurance ...