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About LACOSAMIDE

LACOSAMIDE belongs to the class of anticonvulsants, which is primarily used to treat focal (partial) seizures in adults and children four years of age or older. Focal or partial-onset seizures are characterized by abnormal electrical activity in only one brain hemisphere.

LACOSAMIDE contains lacosamide, which treats seizures by decreasing disorganized electrical activity in the brain.

It is given as monotherapy or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs. LACOSAMIDE should be taken in the dose and duration your doctor advises. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects of LACOSAMIDE: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, confusion, dizziness, uncontrolled movements of the eye, blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), mood disturbances, itching, tremors, fatigue, and trouble walking. Consult your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen over time. Some people may also experience suicidal thoughts. Seek medical attention immediately in such cases.

Don’t stop taking LACOSAMIDE even if your condition is controlled, as abrupt stopping may cause the recurrence of the seizures. Before taking LACOSAMIDE, inform your doctor if you are allergic to lacosamide or other ingredients. Inform your doctor if using other antiepileptics, prescription or non-prescription drugs, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Inform your doctor if you are diagnosed with depression, severe renal impairment, arrhythmias (atrioventricular block, atrial fibrillation, and atrial flutter), severe heart failure, or a heart attack.

Uses of LACOSAMIDE

Focal or partial seizures

Medicinal Benefits

LACOSAMIDE is an antiepileptic drug, also called anticonvulsants. It treats focal seizures in adults and children above four years of age. Seizures occur due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain. LACOSAMIDE can inactivate the sodium channels across the neuron membranes. This inactivation decreases neuron signals, thereby decreasing the electrical disturbance or abnormal activity in the brain.

Directions for Use

Tablet: Swallow it as a whole with water; do not crush, break or chew it. Oral Suspension/syrup: Shake the bottle well before each use. Take the prescribed dose by mouth using the measuring cup/dosing syringe/dropper.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of LACOSAMIDE

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Drowsiness
  • Fatigue
  • Blurred vision
  • Uncontrollable eye movements
  • Impaired coordination
  • Uncontrollable movements
  • Balance problems
  • Pruritus (itching)
  • Tremors
  • Difficulty walking
  • Weakness

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

Inform your doctor if you use other antiepileptics, prescription or non-prescription drugs, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Do not take LACOSAMIDE if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor before taking LACOSAMIDE if you have or had heart problems, kidney and liver problems, if you have low levels of sodium in blood or if you are taking medicines that could lower the sodium levels in the blood, or if you are using hormonal contraceptives. Do not stop taking LACOSAMIDE without consulting your doctor to avoid precipitating seizures. Avoid intake of LACOSAMIDE if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy unless prescribed by the doctor. Nursing mothers should consult the doctor before using the LACOSAMIDE as it may pass into the breast milk and affect the baby. LACOSAMIDE causes drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. LACOSAMIDE should not be given to children unless prescribed. Avoid consuming alcohol with LACOSAMIDE as it could lead to increased dizziness and sleepiness. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal tendencies.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug interactions: LACOSAMIDE may interact with HIV medications (e.g. atazanavir, saquinavir), opioid medications (e.g. buprenorphine), anticancer medications (e.g. ceritinib), medicines used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancer chemotherapy (e.g. dolasetron), anaesthetic medications (e.g. ketamine), used to treat multiple sclerosis (e.g. ponesimod, siponimod), medicines used to treat episodes of muscle weakness (e.g. sodium oxybate).

Drug-Food interactions: Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking LACOSAMIDE as it might cause increased dizziness and sleepiness.

Drug-Disease interactions: LACOSAMIDE should be used with caution in patients with depression, renal or hepatic impairment and heart conditions.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:

  • ATAZANAVIR
  • SAQUINAVIR
  • BUPRENORPHINE
  • CERITINIB
  • DOLASETRON
  • KETAMINE
  • PONESIMOD
  • SIPONIMOD
  • SODIUM OXYBATE
  • Safety Advice

    • Safety Warning

      Alcohol

      caution

      It is used with caution in children above 4 years only when prescribed by a child specialist. It is not recommended for use in children below 4 years of age.

    • Safety Warning

      Pregnancy

      caution

      LACOSAMIDE should not be used when pregnancy unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing LACOSAMIDE.

    • Safety Warning

      Breast Feeding

      caution

      LACOSAMIDE should not be used in nursing mothers unless clearly necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are a nursing mother. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing LACOSAMIDE.

    • Safety Warning

      Driving

      unsafe

      Consuming alcohol along with LACOSAMIDE is not advisable as it may cause unpleasant side effects.

    • Safety Warning

      Liver

      caution

      Tell your doctor before receiving the LACOSAMIDE if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending upon your current kidney conditions.

    • Safety Warning

      Kidney

      caution

      Tell your doctor before receiving the LACOSAMIDE if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor may adjust your dose depending upon your current kidney conditions.

    • Safety Warning

      Children

      caution

      It is used with caution in children above 4 years only when prescribed by a child specialist. It is not recommended for use in children below 4 years of age.

    Habit Forming

    No

    Diet & Lifestyle Advise

    • A ketogenic diet (low in carbohydrates and high in fats) is recommended for children with epilepsy. This diet helps utilise fat instead of glucose for energy generation.
    • Atkins diet (high fat and controlled carbohydrates) is recommended for adolescents and adults.
    • Exercising regularly helps in maintaining weight and improving overall health. 
    • Rest well, and get plenty of sleep.
    • Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
    • Meditation and yoga can help lower stress, decrease pain sensitivity and improves coping skills.
    • Have a seizure response plan, and help those around you know what to do.
    • Prepare your living area; small changes may help reduce the risk of physical injury during a seizure.
    • Understand what triggers seizures are and try reducing or avoiding them.
    • Please pay attention to overall health, as it can help reduce seizure activity.
    • Install an alarm or emergency device to get assistance during a seizure attack.

    Patients Concern

    Disease/Condition Glossary

    Focal or partial-onset seizures are characterized by abnormal electrical activity in only one hemisphere of the brain. Common symptoms of focal seizures are involuntary muscle contractions, followed by relaxation on one side of the body, uncontrolled head or eye movements, a feeling of déjà vu, rapid heart rate, and a tingling sensation on the skin. The symptoms vary in each patient depending on the part of the brain affected.

    FAQs

    How does LACOSAMIDE work?

    LACOSAMIDE contains lacosamide, which treats seizures by decreasing disorganized electrical activity in the brain.

    Does LACOSAMIDE cause memory loss?

    LACOSAMIDE can cause memory loss and cognitive impairment in some cases. Consult a doctor right away if the condition worsens.

    Does LACOSAMIDE cause weight gain?

    LACOSAMIDE may not cause any weight gain. However, consult your doctor if you notice any abnormal signs while using LACOSAMIDE.

    How long do I need to continue with the LACOSAMIDE?

    LACOSAMIDE is typically recommended for long-term use. Keep taking the medication as advised by your doctor. However, if you have any unsettling side effects, speak to your doctor.

    How long does LACOSAMIDE take to start working?

    LACOSAMIDE may usually one week or longer to work depending on your condition.

    What should I avoid when taking LACOSAMIDE?

    LACOSAMIDE should also be taken with caution in patients who are taking drugs that influence cardiac conduction, such as sodium channel blockers, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, potassium channel blockers, and medications that lengthen the PR interval.

    Is it ideal to use LACOSAMIDE along with other medications?

    LACOSAMIDE can be given as monotherapy or in combination with other antiepileptic drugs. However, you are recommended not to take any other medications with the LACOSAMIDE on your own without a doctor's recommendation.

    Available Medicines for

    LACOSAMIDE