- With Mayo Clinic neurologist
Jerry W. Swanson, M.D.
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Jerry W. Swanson, M.D.
Jerry W. Swanson, M.D.
Dr. Jerry Swanson is a board-certified neurologist at Mayo Clinic and is a professor of neurology at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. He has a special interest in headache disorders and medical education.
Dr. Swanson, a Lacon, Ill., native, was appointed to the Mayo Clinic staff in 1982 and works in the Department of Neurology with about 90 other physicians. He formerly chaired the Headache Division in the Neurology Department at Mayo Clinic and works with headache subspecialists around the world. He has published and lectured widely on headache disorders. He also serves as Assistant Dean for Assessment in Mayo Medical School.
"In a manner similar to the printing press, Internet technology enables the unprecedented ability to communicate with the global community about health information," Dr. Swanson says. "There is no doubt that the knowledgeable individual contributes greatly to his or her own health care, and now we can share information much more widely."
"There is much information already available about health care on the Internet. Unfortunately, much of it is not founded on sound principles. It is exciting to be a part of the MayoClinic.com team and contribute to the creation of a reliable and timely health resource."
Dr. Swanson is the neurology editor for "Mayo Clinic Family Health Book" and has reviewed articles for "Mayo Clinic Health Letter" and "Mayo Clinic Women's HealthSource." He is also editor-in-chief of the "Mayo Clinic on Headache" book, published in 2004. In 2008 the magazine "Women's Health" named him one of America's Top Doctors for Women.
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Question
Neurontin side effects: Is memory loss a concern?
Is memory loss a common side effect of Neurontin? Will my memory improve if I stop taking Neurontin?
Answer
from Jerry W. Swanson, M.D.
Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a medication used to help manage certain epileptic seizures and relieve pain in some painful conditions. The most common Neurontin side effects are dizziness and drowsiness. However, cognitive side effects, such as memory loss, also have been reported. Your memory may improve when you stop taking Neurontin.
If you're taking Neurontin for epilepsy and are experiencing memory problems, it is important to note that Neurontin is only one of several possible factors affecting memory in people with epilepsy. In fact, research shows that even the progression of epilepsy may affect memory.
Also, it's important to note that in January 2008, the Food and Drug Administration concluded that people taking anti-seizure (anti-epileptic) drugs, including Neurontin, have approximately twice the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior as people who aren't taking the drug.
If you have questions about Neurontin or are experiencing troublesome side effects — including memory loss — that aren't going away, talk to your doctor. And be sure to talk to a doctor or counselor immediately if you are having suicidal thoughts.
