Gabapentin and Pregabalin Lawsuit

For individuals that have suffered certain nerve pain or seizures, gabapentin (also known by its brand name Neurontin) has been an option to treat these conditions since the early 1990s. A decade later, in 2004, another drug known as pregabalin (Lyrica) hit the market, to treat patients suffering from nerve pain due to diabetes, shingles, or spinal cord injuries; fibromyalgia; and certain types of seizures.

However, doctors sometimes prescribe these drugs to treat ailments such as chronic back pain, insomnia, or anxiety, known as “off label” use. Patients may feel relief in the moment after taking these drugs but may also face unwanted side-effects they weren’t made aware of from long-term use.

Though gabapentin has been reported to be among the 10 most commonly prescribed medications in the U.S., it has also been linked to higher rates of dementia and cognitive impairment over time. The Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine reports that patients who receive six or more gabapentin prescriptions for low back pain—an off-label use of the drug—may be at a significantly increased risks for developing these neurological conditions. Pregabalin has similarly been linked to dementia.

Now, patients are filing lawsuits alleging they experienced cognitive impairments after long-term use of gabapentin. Similar investigations are taking place into pregabalin off-label use. Plaintiffs blame the drug manufacturers for not only marketing the drug for off-label, unapproved uses, but for failing to warn consumers and their doctors about the risks associated with the drug.

If you or a loved one was:

1. prescribed gabapentin or pregabalin 6 or more times between the years 2000 and 2024
2. prescribed gabapentin or pregabalin for any purpose other than to treat nerve pain or seizures
3. diagnosed by a neurologist or other specialist with early-onset dementia before the age of 65

Did you or a loved one experienced early-onset dementia after taking gabapentin (Neurontin) or pregabalin (Lyrica)? You may be eligible to seek compensation.