Gabapentin Lawsuit 2026, NO Active Cases, All Settlements Closed Since 2008—But New Cognitive Decline Studies Raise Fresh Concerns
There was a class action involving this drug, which was settled several years ago. As of February 2026, no active gabapentin or Neurontin lawsuits exist. The $190 million antitrust settlement with Pfizer closed to new claims on August 31, 2008, nearly 18 years ago. However, a new study reveals a potential link between Gabapentin and cognitive decline, which increases based on the number of refills, and more so for individuals between the ages of 35 and 49—raising questions about future litigation.
The deadline to file claims passed in August 2008. If you believe you were harmed by gabapentin’s off-label marketing or suffered cognitive decline, individual lawsuits may still be possible depending on your state’s statute of limitations.
What Was The Gabapentin Lawsuit About?
Direct purchasers claimed that Pfizer violated federal antitrust laws by illegally delaying the entry of generic versions of the prescription drug Neurontin. The lawsuit claimed that Pfizer delayed competition from less expensive generic versions of Neurontin by executing a multifaceted scheme involving improperly listing certain patents with the FDA, engaging in illegal promotion and sales of Neurontin for unapproved uses, and filing sham litigations.
The brand-name drug Neurontin contains the active ingredient gabapentin. Pfizer acquired Neurontin’s manufacturer Warner-Lambert in 2000 and inherited massive legal liabilities from illegal marketing practices that occurred in the 1990s.
The $430 Million Criminal Conviction (2004)
In 2004, following an investigation by the U.S. Justice Department, Pfizer pleaded guilty to criminal illegal marketing charges involving Neurontin and faced a $430 million fine. This was one of the largest pharmaceutical fraud settlements at the time.
Dr Franklin’s suit detailed how the company suppressed study results, planted people in medical audiences to ask questions intended to put gabapentin in a good light, lavished perks on doctors, used ghostwriters, gave generous “consultation fees” to “thought leaders,” and used psychological profiling of doctors in its successful bid to move gabapentin to blockbuster status.
Whistleblower David Franklin received $24.6 million under federal whistleblowing laws for exposing the fraud. Similar to the Vioxx Lawsuit Scandal Merck Paid $4.85 Billion After Hiding Heart Attack Risks From Millions, gabapentin represents a case where pharmaceutical companies prioritized profits over patient safety.
The $190 Million Antitrust Settlement (Closed)
Pfizer reached a $190 million Neurontin class action settlement with direct purchasers in April. The Neurontin class action settlement reached in April will apply to consumers in the United States who purchased Neurontin from Pfizer at any time between December 11, 2002, and August 31, 2008, and who have purchased generic gabapentin.
The claim deadline passed in 2008. No new claims can be filed.
New 2025 Cognitive Decline Research
A new study reports that people who receive six or more prescriptions of gabapentin for lower back pain are at a higher risk of developing dementia and mild cognitive impairment. Scientists found these risks were more than doubled in adults between the ages of 35 to 49 years.
This creates a potential problem for personal injury cases. Plaintiffs claiming traumatic brain injury symptoms who were prescribed gabapentin may now face defenses arguing their cognitive decline stems from medication, not the original injury.
Growing Addiction And Abuse Concerns
As more individuals are prescribed gabapentin for pain relief, fears are growing that misuse could lead to another addiction epidemic, mirroring the opioid crisis. New research highlights growing signs of gabapentin misuse, with some patients saying they use it to enhance other drugs, replace opioids or cope with psychological stress when other care options are not available.
In December 2019, the FDA issued an urgent Drug Safety Communication warning claiming severe breathing problems might develop in patients taking gabapentin who have respiratory risk factors including the usage of narcotic pain relievers. The FDA expressly warned clinicians that combining an opioid with medications such as Lyrica and Neurontin raises the risk of respiratory depression.
Can You Still Sue Over Gabapentin Harm?
The class action settlements are closed, but individual lawsuits may be possible if you meet these criteria:
Statute of Limitations: Most states allow 2-3 years from when you discovered your injury to file. If you were prescribed gabapentin and developed cognitive decline or addiction within the past 2-3 years, consult an attorney immediately.
Product Liability: Manufacturing defects can support lawsuits. In 2014, Aurobindo Pharma USA voluntarily recalled certain gabapentin supplies because of manufacturing defects. The drug makers sold the medications, with some containing empty capsules.
FAQs
Is there a gabapentin settlement I can claim?
No. The $190 million Pfizer settlement closed to new claims on August 31, 2008. The $430 million criminal fine went to the government, not individual consumers.
What did Pfizer do wrong with gabapentin?
Pfizer illegally marketed Neurontin (gabapentin) for unapproved uses including bipolar disorder, migraines, and pain—conditions the FDA never approved it for. They also delayed generic competition through fraudulent patent lawsuits.
Can I sue for cognitive decline from gabapentin?
Potentially, if you were prescribed gabapentin within your state’s statute of limitations (typically 2-3 years from discovering the injury). Consult a personal injury attorney.
What was the deadline to join the class action?
August 31, 2008—nearly 18 years ago. No extensions are available.
Is gabapentin dangerous?
The FDA warns about respiratory depression when combined with opioids, and new research links it to cognitive decline and addiction risks. However, it remains FDA-approved for seizures and post-herpetic neuralgia.
Who won the gabapentin lawsuit?
Plaintiffs won $190 million from Pfizer, and whistleblower David Franklin received $24.6 million. However, the settlement is not a major setback for Pfizer, whose worldwide sales of gabapentin rose from $1.3bn in 2000 to $2.7bn in 2003.
Where can I find information about future gabapentin lawsuits?
Monitor legal news sites and FDA safety communications. Given emerging cognitive decline research, new lawsuits may be filed in 2026-2027.
Last Updated: February 14, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about concluded gabapentin litigation and is not legal advice.
What To Do: If you suffered harm from gabapentin prescribed within the past 2-3 years, consult a product liability attorney to evaluate whether your state’s statute of limitations allows an individual lawsuit.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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