Gabapentin Lawyer Discusses Lawsuits and What is Next in the Litigation
ROCHESTER, NY, July 13, 2026: Robert King, founder of the Robert King Law Firm, discusses the legal history behind Gabapentin and why it is relevant to the new wave of litigation
Gabapentin, which is sold under brand names such as Neurontin, is the fifth-most-prescribed drug in the United States. Although the drug has only been approved by the FDA to treat seizures, some types of nerve pain, and restless leg syndrome, it is prescribed off-label to millions of Americans each year.
Pfizer has faced criminal actions related to how it marketed and sold its version of gabapentin, Neurontin. Now, more than 20 years after that case was closed, Pfizer and other gabapentin manufacturers find themselves at the center of a new litigation. Today, patients are filing lawsuits alleging that the drug led them to develop early-onset dementia and cognitive decline, side effects they were not warned about.
The History of Gabapentin Litigation and Prescribing
Over 20 years ago, Pfizer pleaded guilty to promoting gabapentin for uses not approved by the FDA, known as off-label uses. Off-label use occurs when a doctor prescribes a drug for a condition other than what the FDA approved it for. Although this is perfectly legal, drug companies are not allowed to market their drugs for off-label uses. Pfizer did exactly this, pleaded guilty, and paid a fine.
King says the past and present waves of litigation are connected. Decades of widespread gabapentin prescribing exposed millions of patients to a drug that may carry long-term cognitive risks.
“In 2004, Pfizer pleaded guilty in criminal court to illegal, off-label marketing of Neurontin. They paid $430 million, which was a substantial fine at the time. However, doctors continue to frequently prescribe Neurontin for off-label use, and this is well known. Millions of Americans are taking gabapentin for a condition it wasn’t approved to treat. In doing so, they could be putting themselves at risk of cognitive issues,” said Mr. King.
Millions of people use gabapentin each year as a treatment for things like nerve pain, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, migraines, insomnia, back pain, and other conditions. In 2025, there were 73 million prescriptions written for gabapentin. This means that even a rare side effect could affect many people because of how often the drug is used.
Although the drug may be helping people with these conditions, multiple studies suggest that gabapentin increases the risk of dementia and early cognitive decline in some patients. The drug’s warning label does not list these side effects, so many patients have no idea of the possible impacts of taking gabapentin.
“Multiple large-scale studies suggest that there may be an association between long-term gabapentin use and cognitive decline. Some of those studies have found that being on the drug for even six months is enough to increase this risk. Many of these patients are younger people trying to treat chronic, debilitating conditions. They should know if this drug increases their risk of dementia or cognitive impairment,” said Mr. King.
Present-Day and Future Gabapentin Litigation
Even though gabapentin has been on the market for decades, multiple studies released over the past five years have investigated gabapentin’s possible side effects on memory. These emerging studies have put a spotlight on the possible risks of a decades-old drug, leading to lawsuits.
Gabapentin dementia lawsuits are in their early stages. Currently, there is no class action or multidistrict litigation (MDL) against gabapentin manufacturers. For now, patients and their families are filing individual civil lawsuits in state courts. But, if enough people come forward and decide to follow lawsuits, this litigation could evolve.
“This is how group lawsuits are formed. People who are injured start filing lawsuits. The public becomes more aware, people start connecting the dots, and more people take legal action. When many people across the country file similar lawsuits against the same company, the courts may decide to centralize cases with one judge. This process is called multidistrict litigation, or an MDL, and this could happen with gabapentin dementia lawsuits.”
For now, the Robert King Law Firm is an early player in gabapentin lawsuit. The firm has been instrumental in early-stage mass torts, including the Ethicon hernia mesh product liability MDL. Currently, the firm is retaining clients, determining the best path forward, and influencing how this litigation takes shape over the next year.
“We know that all too often pharmaceutical companies do not warn patients of dangerous side effects because doing so could affect their bottom lines. We are prepared to represent patients as they seek answers and accountability from gabapentin manufacturers.”
About Robert King Law Firm
Robert King Law Firm is a national law firm focused on complex litigation, including mass torts, involving personal injuries inflicted by everyday products. The firm represents individuals and families in high-stakes cases involving corporate negligence, defective design, and product liability.
For further information or comments, contact Robert King Law Firm at (585) 496-2648.
Category: Pharmaceutical Drugs
