Why Are People Filing Gabapentin Lawsuits?
People are filing Neurontin lawsuits because they or their loved ones developed cognitive impairments or dementia after having six or more Neurontin prescriptions. They claim that they or their doctor weren’t aware of neurological side effects before gabapentin.
Gabapentin lawsuits allege that drug maker Pfizer:
- Failed to warn the public about the risk of cognitive side effects
- Knew or should have known about the potential neurological complications
- Advertised gabapentin for off-label uses, like treating bipolar disorder or chronic pain
You trusted that your gabapentin prescription would safely treat health issues. A gabapentin lawyer could help you seek financial accountability if you believe you’re suffering from its cognitive side effects.
Get a free case review today to explore your legal options.
What Is Gabapentin?
Gabapentin is an anti-seizure medication originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the brand name Neurontin. People take it as an extended-release tablet, capsule, or liquid dose.
The medication is approved to treat:
- Epilepsy
- Partial onset seizures
- Postherpetic neuralgia (shingles pain)
A study in the Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy found that 62.5% of the people prescribed gabapentin between 2009 and 2016 were women.
Many choose to work with gabapentin lawsuit lawyers because they trusted their medication to treat existing conditions, not create new ones.
Why Doctors Prescribe Gabapentin for Off-Label Uses
Doctors prescribe gabapentin for off-label uses because the practice is common in medicine. According to JAMA Internal Medicine, 95% of gabapentin prescriptions are written for unapproved use.
Gabapentin may also help with:
- Anxiety
- Back pain
- Bipolar disorder
- Cocaine or opioid dependence
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Restless leg syndrome
- Sleep issues
Some people who are filing lawsuits against gabapentin claim that Pfizer promoted the medication for unapproved uses without sufficient evidence that it was effective. They may have suffered some of the known gabapentin complications unrelated to cognitive issues.
Contact us if you have questions about your potential gabapentin side effects. We’re here to help you get clarity and decide your next steps.
What Are the Side Effects of Gabapentin?
There are several side effects of gabapentin that people may or may not be aware of when they get their prescription. Many medications cause side effects, so it’s crucial that drug manufacturers make each potential complication clear.
People who take gabapentin may experience:
- Aggressive behavior
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Clumsiness
- Concentration issues
- Crying
- Depression
- Distrust
- Fever
- Hyperactivity
- Rapid mood changes
- Sore throat
- Uncontrolled eye movements
Gabapentin was the seventh most-prescribed medication nationally in 2019, so many people are asking similar questions about the drug’s side effects. If you weren’t aware of potential cognitive complications when starting your prescription, you may qualify for a gabapentin or Neurontin lawsuit.
Does Gabapentin Cause Dementia?
Gabapentin and dementia have been linked in recent studies. Research in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine found that people with six or more gabapentin prescriptions have a 29% higher risk of dementia and an 85% higher risk of developing mild cognitive impairment.
Neurontin Pfizer lawsuits may cite these concerns:
- Gabapentin caused memory loss or early-onset dementia
- Long-term gabapentin use causes cognitive impairment
- Pfizer marketed gabapentin or Neurontin for unapproved uses
A Frontiers in Pharmacology study also noted that the risk of dementia was higher for people younger than 50 who took gabapentin long-term.
Asking questions about cognitive impairments is crucial, so call us at (877) 640-6101 to see if you’re eligible to file a Pfizer Neurontin lawsuit.
Who Qualifies for a Gabapentin Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a gabapentin lawsuit if you’ve experienced memory loss or other cognitive impairments since starting your prescription.
Some people also take legal action on behalf of a loved one who was diagnosed with dementia after taking gabapentin.
You may be eligible for a gabapentin lawsuit if you or a family member:
- Had six or more gabapentin prescriptions
- Have experienced cognitive decline after starting the medication
- Received a gabapentin prescription for unapproved uses
- Were diagnosed with dementia before reaching old age
“You have every right to stand up for yourself. If you were harmed by a dangerous product, you deserve answers — and the chance to seek compensation.”
— Brendan Smith, attorney
Taking legal action could result in more than a gabapentin settlement. You could also get a sense of justice and closure after struggling with unexpected cognitive complications.
How Gabapentin Lawsuit Compensation Helps Families
Women and families seek gabapentin compensation to improve their quality of life after suffering from memory loss side effects. Neurontin lawyers negotiate the largest possible payouts to help people get the care they need.
People can use gabapentin settlements to pay for:
- Assisted living expenses
- In-home care services
- Lost income
- Medical expenses
- Memory care costs
- Pain and suffering
For many families, the financial impact of dementia can be substantial. A gabapentin settlement amount may help you access resources needed for ongoing care and support.
Notable Gabapentin Lawsuit Settlements and Updates
Pfizer has faced several settlements and fines over the years related to gabapentin side effects. Neurontin attorneys continue to fight for strong payouts for those affected, according to the extent of their suffering.
Gabapentin lawsuit settlements and fines include:
- June 2014: Pfizer settled a civil lawsuit by paying $325 million to resolve claims that the company marketed Neurontin for unapproved uses.
- April 2014: Pfizer agreed to a $190 million settlement, resolving a Neurontin class action lawsuit that claimed it delayed a generic alternative to profit from the more expensive brand-name version of gabapentin.
- March 2010: A Boston jury ruled that Pfizer must pay $142 million for promoting Neurontin for neuropathic pain, migraines, and bipolar disorder.
- May 2004: A federal court ordered that Pfizer pay a $430 million fine after the company admitted to marketing gabapentin for unapproved uses, including the treatment of chronic pain, bipolar disorder, and migraines.
These lawsuits don’t involve dementia claims, but they still raise questions about whether patients and health care providers understand gabapentin’s risks and uses. Individuals can still file gabapentin lawsuits if they want to seek compensation after experiencing cognitive complications.
Is There a Gabapentin Class Action Lawsuit?
As of June 2026, there are currently no Neurontin class action lawsuits. Personal injury lawsuits are the best way for individuals to seek accountability if gabapentin causes early-onset dementia or cognitive side effects.
People may believe there’s a class action lawsuit against gabapentin because the federal multidistrict litigation (MDL) ended with a $325 million settlement in 2014.
However, MDLs and class action lawsuits differ based on how they consolidate similar cases. There are also no active MDLs related to gabapentin or Neurontin at this time.
How to File a Gabapentin Lawsuit
If you believe that you or a loved one qualifies for a gabapentin lawsuit, it’s best to take action quickly. State laws known as statutes of limitation set filing deadlines, which often begin on the date of diagnosis.
Here’s how you can file a lawsuit for gabapentin cognitive decline:
- Get a free case review: Our team is standing by to listen to your experience and connect you with the gabapentin lawyers in our network if you qualify to take legal action.
- Gather evidence: Your Neurontin attorney will work with you to gather supporting documents, such as pharmacy records and medical documentation.
- File your lawsuit: You’ll stay updated while your gabapentin lawyer files your Neurontin lawsuit before applicable legal deadlines.
- Rest at home: Focus on your health or your loved one while your gabapentin attorney negotiates the highest possible out-of-court payout.
Neurontin settlements are only possible if you file your gabapentin lawsuit before your state’s statute of limitations passes. Seek legal guidance quickly if you’ve seen or experienced unexpected gabapentin side effects.
Reach out to us now to see if you qualify.
Pursue Accountability With a Gabapentin Lawsuit
Cognitive impairments or a dementia diagnosis affect every part of your life. If you’re questioning your gabapentin side effects, struggling with caregiving responsibilities, or have financial concerns about medical care, our team could help.
The gabapentin attorneys in our network have secured $1.6 billion to date for people suffering from dangerous medical devices or drugs.
We understand that unforeseen medical complications can be overwhelming. We’re here to help you seek justice and pursue compensation when you’re ready to hold Pfizer accountable.
Get your free case review or call us at (877) 640-6101 to see if you qualify for a gabapentin lawsuit.
Gabapentin Lawsuit FAQs
What are the most serious side effects of gabapentin?
The most serious side effects of gabapentin, which is also sold under the brand name Neurontin, are numerous but happen infrequently. Generally, most people experience mild side effects that go away as their bodies get used to the medication.
Serious side effects of gabapentin include:
- Black, tarry stool
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Coughing
- Exhaustion
- Fever
- Memory loss
- Painful urination
- Swelling in your arms or legs
- Unusual bleeding
Memory loss related to gabapentin use may be hard to recognize until it becomes severe. If you or a loved one was diagnosed with dementia or cognitive impairments after taking the medication, you may qualify to file a gabapentin lawsuit.
Contact us now to talk about your experience and discuss your next steps.
What happens if you take gabapentin every day?
Taking gabapentin daily is generally safe when the medication is prescribed by your doctor. The medication effectively treats seizures and nerve pain, which may require a daily dose.
You may experience mild side effects, including drowsiness or dizziness, while your body adjusts to the medication. Your doctor can clarify which symptoms are typical.
However, long-term use might lead to cognitive impairment or early-onset dementia in some cases.
Is there a class action lawsuit against gabapentin?
There is no active gabapentin class action lawsuit as of June 2026. Instead, people suffering from gabapentin side effects are pursuing individual lawsuits.
These personal injury claims allege that long-term gabapentin use caused cognitive decline, memory loss, or dementia and that Pfizer failed to adequately warn the public about those risks.
Individual lawsuits may result in significant compensation. Gabapentin settlements depend on the extent of each person’s side effects and medical history.
Call us at (877) 640-6101 to talk with our team about filing a gabapentin lawsuit and seeking compensation.
How much is the gabapentin class action lawsuit payout per person?
Gabapentin lawsuit payouts per person change with each case. There is no gabapentin class action lawsuit as of June 2026, so settlements come from medical product liability lawsuits.
If you qualify to take legal action, a gabapentin lawyer will negotiate a generous out-of-court settlement. If Pfizer won’t settle, your lawyer could represent you in court to continue pursuing financial accountability.
Who is eligible for the gabapentin lawsuit?
You may be eligible for a gabapentin lawsuit if you or a loved one has suffered cognitive impairments after taking the medication long-term. Our team can help you understand if you qualify to take legal action.
Get a free case review now to learn about your legal rights. We’ll connect you with our partner lawyers for gabapentin lawsuits if you’re eligible to file a medical product liability lawsuit and seek compensation.
Written by: Her Case Matters
At HerCaseMatters, we believe women deserve to be heard — especially when it comes to their health and safety. Too often, harmful drugs, devices, and corporate wrongdoing impact women’s lives without proper warning, support, or accountability. We’re here to change that. We work with trusted legal partners who are deeply experienced in holding powerful companies accountable. But more than that, we’re here to remind women everywhere that their pain is real, their experiences matter, and they deserve justice.
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