Lacosamide
About Lacosamide
Lacosamide belongs to the class of anticonvulsants used to treat partial onset seizures (seizures that affect only one portion of the brain) in adults and children one month or older who cannot take oral treatments. Lacosamide is also used in conjunction with other medications to manage primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (previously known as a grand mal seizure, a seizure affecting the entire body) in adults and children four years of age and older who are unable to take oral medications. 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.
Lacosamide is administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. In some cases, you may experience common side effects like coordination problems, double vision, headache, nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, and unsteady walking. Most of these side effects of Lacosamide do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Don’t stop taking Lacosamide even if your condition is controlled, as abrupt stopping may cause the recurrence of the seizures. Before taking the Lacosamide, inform your doctor if you are allergic to lacosamide or other ingredients. Inform your doctor if you are previously diagnosed with depression, kidney or liver impairment, and heart conditions. Before taking Lacosamide, inform your doctor about your medical history and other medications you are currently taking in order to rule out any potential negative effects.
Uses of Lacosamide
Medicinal Benefits
Lacosamide is an antiepileptic drug, also called anticonvulsants. It treats focal seizures in adults and children above one month 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 brain's electrical disturbance or abnormal activity. It can also be used with other medications to manage primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (Previously known as a grand mal seizure, a seizure affecting the entire body) in adults and children above 4 years of age who cannot take oral medications.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Lacosamide
- Coordination problems
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sleepiness
- Unsteady walking
Drug Warnings
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal tendencies. Lacosamide may cause a reduction in mental awareness; hence, do not drive, operate complex machinery, or engage in other hazardous activities. Do not take Lacosamide if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor before taking Lacosamide if you have depression, heart problems, kidney and liver problems, have low levels of sodium in your blood, or are taking medicines that could lower the levels of sodium in the blood. Lacosamide should not be used when pregnancy and lactation unless necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy or nursing mother. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Lacosamide. An ECG is recommended before and after titration to maintain steady-state maintenance in patients. To reduce the risk of increased seizure frequency, Lacosamide should be progressively discontinued.
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), 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:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeConsuming alcohol with Lacosamide is not advisable as it may cause unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionLacosamide should not be used when pregnancy unless necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Lacosamide.
Breast Feeding
cautionLacosamide should not be used in nursing mothers unless necessary. So, inform your doctor if you are a nursing mother. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing Lacosamide.
Driving
unsafeLacosamide may cause a reduction in mental awareness; thus, avoid operating machinery or driving.
Liver
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Lacosamide if you have a liver impairment or a history of liver disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionInform your doctor before receiving the Lacosamide if you have kidney impairment or a history of kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
safe if prescribedLacosamide can be used for children one month and older.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- A ketogenic diet (low in carbohydrates and high in fats) is recommended for children with epilepsy. This diet helps utilize 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 sleep well.
- 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 brain hemisphere. Common symptoms of focal seizures are involuntary muscle contractions, followed by relaxation on one side of the body, uncontrolled head or eye movements, 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
Lacosamide belongs to the class of anticonvulsants used to treat partial onset seizures (seizures that affect only one portion of the brain) in adults and children one month or older who cannot take oral treatments. Lacosamide is also used in conjunction with other medications to manage primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
Lacosamide contains lacosamide, which treats seizures by decreasing disorganized electrical activity in the brain.
Coordination and walking issues normally improve within a few weeks. Inform your service provider if the problems persist.
Lacosamide should be used 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.
Your doctor can identify a seizure after hearing about your experience or the signs noted by others. Your doctor may recommend testing based on your symptoms and medical history. Brain imaging scans, blood tests, or a spinal tap may be used to determine the cause of your seizures.
In people with cardiac rhythm and conduction abnormalities, use Lacosamide with caution. In patients with underlying proarrhythmic disorders or who are taking concomitant drugs that influence cardiac conduction, an ECG should be obtained before and after titration for steady-state maintenance; these patients should be regularly monitored.
