logo
Popularly prescribed pain drug can increase the risk of dementia by up to 40%, reveals study

Popularly prescribed pain drug can increase the risk of dementia by up to 40%, reveals study

Time of India13-07-2025
Gabapentin is an anti-seizure drug that is used to treat nerve pain, epilepsy after shingles and restless legs syndrome by affecting the chemical messengers in the brain and nerves.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
With every drug having some types of side effects, the ones produced by taking this one include dizziness, drowsiness, headaches and nausea. While these might be more adaptable side effects that can be dealt with easily, a new study has revealed one side effect of the consumption of gabapentin that has more long-term effects than ever known before.
Case Western University in Cleveland performed a
to find that gabapentin can significantly increase the risk of dementia and mild cognitive impairment in people consuming it for lower chronic back pain.
'Our findings indicate an association between gabapentin prescription and dementia or cognitive impairment within 10 years. Moreover, increased gabapentin prescription frequency correlated with dementia incidence,' wrote the study authors in the study published in the journal Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine.
Does gabapentin really increase the risk of dementia?
Image credits: X
In order to carry out the research, the researchers examined the records of over 26,400 patients who had been prescribed gabapentin for persistent low back pain between 2004 and 2024 and 26,400 patients who had not been prescribed the drug.
After considering differentiating factors such as patient demographics, medical history and use of other painkillers, the researchers revealed that those who had received 6 or more gabapentin prescriptions were 29% more likely to be diagnosed with dementia. These people were 85% more likely to be diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment within 10 years of back pain diagnosis.
While dementia typically affects older adults over the age of 65, due to the consumption of gabapentin, the risk of dementia more than doubled among people between the ages of 35-49.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Additionally, the risk of mild cognitive impairment more than tripled. Similar effects were seen in people between 50-64 years old.
Here, the frequency of use was a deciding factor as well. Those with 12 or more prescriptions were 40% more likely to develop dementia and 65% more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment as compared to those who had 3-11 prescriptions.
Gabapentin was approved by the FDA in 1993 to control partial seizures in epilepsy patients older than 12.
It was initially considered to have a low potential for abuse or dependence.
However, recently various cases of its side effects have been on the rise.
published in Pain Medicine highlighted how gabapentin exposure was associated with hospitalisation for all ages, even at low doses.
The results of the study associating gabapentin with a higher risk of dementia support the monitoring of adult patients prescribed the drug to monitor their potential cognitive decline.
Along with drug consumption, other risks of dementia are traumatic brain injury, untreated hearing loss, depression, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity and smoking. The ideal way to reduce these risks is to stop smoking and alcohol consumption, have a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

US lawmakers press FDA to target knockoff weight-loss drugs
US lawmakers press FDA to target knockoff weight-loss drugs

Time of India

time4 hours ago

  • Time of India

US lawmakers press FDA to target knockoff weight-loss drugs

Dozens of lawmakers are urging US health regulators to crack down on the booming market for knockoff weight-loss drugs amid mounting concerns over their potential safety risks. On Friday, a group of more than 80 bipartisan lawmakers asked the US Food and Drug Administration to stop counterfeit and copycat versions of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound from flooding the market-a problem that emerged over the last year. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Cybersecurity MCA Data Science Degree Leadership PGDM Public Policy Operations Management others Others Product Management healthcare Digital Marketing MBA Technology Project Management CXO Finance Artificial Intelligence Healthcare Data Analytics Management Design Thinking Data Science Skills you'll gain: Duration: 10 Months MIT xPRO CERT-MIT xPRO PGC in Cybersecurity Starts on undefined Get Details "We are concerned about recent reports revealing a surge in illegal and counterfeit anti-obesity medications," they wrote in a letter to FDA commissioner Marty Makary. "Undoubtedly, illegal counterfeit medications pose an increased risk to patient safety with sometimes fatal consequences." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo The group-spearheaded by Representatives Richard Hudson of North Carolina and Herb Conaway of New Jersey-asked the agency to ramp up enforcement over illegally imported weight-loss drugs. They suggested issuing warning letters and better monitoring non-compliant online retailers and so-called compounding pharmacies that sell the medicines. The lawmakers also said the FDA should work in tandem with US Customs and Border Patrol agents to stop Chinese entities from shipping unsafe weight-loss drugs into the US. They requested an update on the FDA's efforts by July 30, given the "urgency" of the situation. Live Events A spokesperson for the FDA said the agency will work with the US Department of Health and Human Services to provide a "complete and thorough" response to the issues raised in the lawmakers' letter. "Any effort to undermine America's supply of safe medicines is an issue that FDA takes seriously," the spokesperson said. "And we are deeply committed to strengthening the oversight of imported products at US ports of entry." In recent years, the popularity of GLP-1 drugs has led to an explosion of copycats and counterfeits made by companies seeking to capitalise on the hype. State-licensed pharmacies were temporarily allowed to make copies of the drugs during a supply shortage but are no longer permitted to do so after Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly boosted production. Still, some pharmacies have refused to wind down their operations while others have pivoted to selling the drugs in lower doses in order to avoid regulatory scrutiny. Counterfeit drugs are made by unregistered entities typically using illegally imported ingredients. As recently as April, there continue to be instances when counterfeit Ozempic pens covertly enter the drug supply chain undetected. Some patients are also purchasing ingredients directly from online sellers in an attempt to make the drugs themselves at home. In both cases, the medications don't go through the same rigorous approval process as brand-name drugs made by Novo and Lilly. Experts worry the lack of oversight is putting patients at risk. The FDA has said it's aware of hospitalisations potentially linked to the copycat drugs, but that adverse events are likely being underreported. "We support the bi-partisan call for the FDA to crack down on counterfeit and illegally sold weight-loss drugs," said a spokesperson for Hims & Hers Health, one of the telehealth firms that sells compounded GLP-1s. "We appreciate lawmakers' recognition that legitimate compounded medications dispensed by state-regulated pharmacies are not counterfeit. Patient safety must always come first." Novo and Lilly have discouraged consumers from using compounded and counterfeit products, including suing telehealth firms that sell the copycat versions and working with border agents to seize illegal shipments.

Popular ice cream brands recalled across US after labeling error
Popular ice cream brands recalled across US after labeling error

Time of India

time4 hours ago

  • Time of India

Popular ice cream brands recalled across US after labeling error

More than a dozen popular ice cream products are being recalled nationwide after a labeling error that could put people with milk allergies at risk, the Food and Drug Administration ( FDA ) says. Tropicale Foods , based in Ontario, California, announced the voluntary recall Friday(July 25) for select Helados Mexico and La Michoacana ice cream products. The issue is the labels list 'cream' as an ingredient, but not 'milk,' a major allergen under federal law. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Operations Management PGDM Technology Finance Healthcare MBA Digital Marketing Project Management Cybersecurity Data Analytics Leadership Artificial Intelligence Management MCA others Product Management Data Science Design Thinking CXO Others Data Science Degree Public Policy healthcare Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details 'People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products,' the company said in a statement posted to the FDA's website. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo What's affected The recall covers several single-flavor bars, coconut, strawberry , bubble gum, cookies and cream, and mango, along with 6-pack, 12-pack, and 16-pack multipacks sold nationwide. The affected 'best by' dates range from May 2026 to July 2027. Live Events Milk is one of nine major allergens that must be clearly labeled under federal law. Undeclared allergens can trigger severe reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. So far, one illness linked to the recalled products has been reported, according to the company. What you should do If you have any of the recalled products and are allergic or sensitive to milk, do not eat them, the FDA warns. Consumers should throw them away or return them to the store for a refund. For questions, contact Tropicale Foods at 909-563-3090, Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 5 pm PT.

Lawmakers Press FDA to Target Knockoff Weight-Loss Drugs
Lawmakers Press FDA to Target Knockoff Weight-Loss Drugs

Mint

time7 hours ago

  • Mint

Lawmakers Press FDA to Target Knockoff Weight-Loss Drugs

(Bloomberg) -- Dozens of lawmakers are urging US health regulators to crack down on the booming market for knockoff weight-loss drugs amid mounting concerns over their potential safety risks. On Friday, a group of more than 80 bipartisan lawmakers asked the US Food and Drug Administration to stop counterfeit and copycat versions of GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound from flooding the market — a problem that emerged over the last year. 'We are concerned about recent reports revealing a surge in illegal and counterfeit anti-obesity medications,' they wrote in a letter to FDA Commissioner Marty Makary. 'Undoubtedly, illegal counterfeit medications pose an increased risk to patient safety with sometimes fatal consequences.' The group — spearheaded by Representatives Richard Hudson of North Carolina and Herb Conaway of New Jersey — asked the agency to ramp up enforcement over illegally imported weight-loss drugs. They suggested issuing warning letters and better monitoring non-compliant online retailers and so-called compounding pharmacies that sell the medicines. The lawmakers also said the FDA should work in tandem with US Customs and Border Patrol agents to stop Chinese entities from shipping unsafe weight-loss drugs into the US. They requested an update on the FDA's efforts by July 30, given the 'urgency' of the situation. A spokesperson for the FDA said the agency will work with the US Department of Health and Human Services to provide a 'complete and thorough' response to the issues raised in the lawmakers' letter. 'Any effort to undermine America's supply of safe medicines is an issue that FDA takes seriously,' the spokesperson said. 'And we are deeply committed to strengthening the oversight of imported products at US ports of entry.' In recent years, the popularity of GLP-1 drugs has led to an explosion of copycats and counterfeits made by companies seeking to capitalize on the hype. State-licensed pharmacies were temporarily allowed to make copies of the drugs during a supply shortage, but are no longer permitted to do so after Novo Nordisk A/S and Eli Lilly & Co. boosted production. Still, some pharmacies have refused to wind down their operations while others have pivoted to selling the drugs in lower doses in order to avoid regulatory scrutiny. Counterfeit drugs are made by unregistered entities typically using illegally imported ingredients. As recently as April, there continue to be instances when counterfeit Ozempic pens covertly enter the drug supply chain undetected. Some patients are also purchasing ingredients directly from online sellers in an attempt to make the drugs themselves at home. In both cases, the medications don't go through the same rigorous approval process as brand-name drugs made by Novo and Lilly. Experts worry the lack of oversight is putting patients at risk. The FDA has said it's aware of hospitalizations potentially linked to the copycat drugs, but that adverse events are likely being underreported. 'We support the bi-partisan call for the FDA to crack down on counterfeit and illegally sold weight-loss drugs,' said a spokesperson for Hims & Hers Health Inc., one of the telehealth firms that sells compounded GLP-1s. 'We appreciate lawmakers' recognition that legitimate compounded medications dispensed by state-regulated pharmacies are not counterfeit. Patient safety must always come first.' Novo and Lilly have discouraged consumers from using compounded and counterfeit products, including suing telehealth firms that sell the copycat versions and working with border agents to seize illegal shipments. Under the Biden administration, the companies repeatedly urged the FDA to take action, but the agency mostly limited its actions to issuing consumer warnings — even as its top drug official publicly acknowledged safety concerns. Under the Trump administration, the HHS has also focused more heavily on other issues, such as banning food dyes and examining vaccine schedules. Meanwhile, lawmakers are ramping up their calls for action. State attorneys and other lawmakers have sent letters to the FDA and Federal Trade Commission advocating for greater transparency around the treatments and more scrutiny around marketing practices. (Updates with statement from FDA in sixth and seventh paragraphs.) More stories like this are available on

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store