What is Lacosamide: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and More

Lacosamide is a prescription medication primarily used to control seizures in people with epilepsy. It belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants or anti-seizure medications, which work by stabilizing electrical activity in your brain to prevent seizures from occurring.

This medication has become an important treatment option for many people living with epilepsy since it received FDA approval. Understanding how it works, when it's prescribed, and what to expect can help you feel more confident about your treatment journey.

What is Lacosamide?

Lacosamide is an anti-seizure medication that helps prevent epileptic seizures by affecting sodium channels in your brain. Think of these channels as tiny gates that control electrical signals between brain cells.

When these electrical signals become chaotic or excessive, seizures can occur. Lacosamide works by gently slowing down these overactive electrical signals, helping to restore a more balanced pattern of brain activity. This makes it less likely for seizures to start or spread.

The medication is considered a newer generation anti-seizure drug, which often means it may have fewer interactions with other medications compared to older seizure medications. Your doctor will determine if this medication is right for your specific situation.

What is Lacosamide Used For?

Lacosamide is primarily prescribed to treat partial-onset seizures in adults and children 4 years and older. These are seizures that start in one area of the brain and may or may not spread to other areas.

Your doctor might prescribe lacosamide in two main ways. First, it can be used alongside other anti-seizure medications when your current treatment isn't fully controlling your seizures. Second, in some cases, it may be prescribed as a single medication for seizure control.

The medication is particularly helpful for people who experience focal seizures, also called partial seizures. These seizures might cause symptoms like unusual movements, sensations, or changes in awareness, depending on which part of your brain is affected.

How Does Lacosamide Work?

Lacosamide works by targeting specific sodium channels in your brain cells. These channels are like doorways that control when electrical signals can pass between brain cells.

When seizures occur, brain cells often fire electrical signals too rapidly or in abnormal patterns. Lacosamide helps slow down this excessive electrical activity by affecting how these sodium channels function. This creates a more stable electrical environment in your brain.

This medication is considered to have moderate strength among anti-seizure medications. It's effective enough to control seizures for many people, yet generally well-tolerated when used as directed by your healthcare provider.

How Should I Take Lacosamide?

Take lacosamide exactly as your doctor prescribes, typically twice daily with or without food. You can take it with water, milk, or juice based on your preference, as food doesn't significantly affect how your body absorbs the medication.

If you have a sensitive stomach, taking lacosamide with food or milk might help reduce any digestive discomfort. Try to take your doses at the same times each day to maintain steady levels of the medication in your system.

Swallow the tablets whole rather than crushing, chewing, or breaking them. If you're taking the liquid form, use the measuring device provided by your pharmacy to ensure accurate dosing. Never use household spoons, as they may not provide the correct dose.

How Long Should I Take Lacosamide For?

Lacosamide is typically a long-term treatment for epilepsy, and many people need to take it for years or even throughout their lives. The duration depends on your individual response to the medication and your seizure pattern.

Your doctor will regularly monitor your progress and may adjust your treatment plan over time. Some people achieve excellent seizure control and continue taking the medication indefinitely, while others might eventually transition to different treatments.

Never stop taking lacosamide suddenly, even if you feel well or haven't had seizures in a while. Stopping anti-seizure medications abruptly can trigger breakthrough seizures or even a dangerous condition called status epilepticus. Your doctor will guide you through any changes to your medication regimen.

What Are the Side Effects of Lacosamide?

Like all medications, lacosamide can cause side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Most side effects are mild to moderate and often improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

Common side effects that many people experience include dizziness, headache, nausea, and double vision. These symptoms are usually more noticeable when you first start taking the medication or when your dose is increased.

Here are the most frequently reported side effects you might experience:

• Dizziness or feeling unsteady
• Headache
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Double vision or blurred vision
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Coordination problems
• Tremor or shaking

These common side effects usually become less bothersome as your body adapts to the medication, typically within a few weeks of starting treatment or dose adjustments.

More serious side effects can occur, though they're less common. These require immediate medical attention and shouldn't be ignored.

Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of these concerning symptoms:

• Severe dizziness or fainting
• Irregular heartbeat or chest pain
• Severe mood changes or suicidal thoughts
• Severe skin reactions or rash
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Severe coordination problems or falls

Rare but serious side effects include heart rhythm problems and severe allergic reactions. While these are uncommon, it's important to be aware of them and seek immediate medical care if they occur.

Who Should Not Take Lacosamide?

Lacosamide isn't suitable for everyone, and certain medical conditions or circumstances may make it inappropriate for you. Your doctor will carefully review your medical history before prescribing this medication.

People with certain heart conditions should use lacosamide with extra caution. If you have heart rhythm problems, heart block, or severe heart disease, your doctor may need to monitor you more closely or consider alternative treatments.

You should inform your doctor if you have any of these conditions before starting lacosamide:

• Heart rhythm disorders or heart block
• Severe heart disease
• Kidney disease or reduced kidney function
• Liver disease
• History of depression or suicidal thoughts
• Allergy to lacosamide or similar medications

Special considerations apply to pregnant and breastfeeding women, as the safety of lacosamide during pregnancy isn't fully established. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and risks if you're planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant.

Lacosamide Brand Names

Lacosamide is available under the brand name Vimpat, which is manufactured by UCB Pharma. This is the most commonly prescribed brand version of the medication.

Generic versions of lacosamide are also available and contain the same active ingredient as the brand name version. Generic medications undergo strict testing to ensure they work the same way as brand name drugs.

Your pharmacy may substitute generic lacosamide for the brand name version unless your doctor specifically requires the brand name. Both versions are equally effective for treating seizures when used as prescribed.

Lacosamide Alternatives

Several other anti-seizure medications can be used as alternatives to lacosamide, depending on your specific type of seizures and medical situation. Your doctor will help determine the best option for you.

Common alternatives include levetiracetam, lamotrigine, and oxcarbazepine. Each of these medications works slightly differently and may have different side effect profiles, which your doctor will consider when making treatment decisions.

The choice of alternative depends on factors like your seizure type, other medications you're taking, potential side effects, and your individual response to treatment. Sometimes, combinations of medications work better than single drugs for seizure control.

Is Lacosamide Better Than Levetiracetam?

Both lacosamide and levetiracetam are effective anti-seizure medications, but neither is universally "better" than the other. The best choice depends on your individual circumstances, seizure type, and how you respond to each medication.

Lacosamide may cause less mood-related side effects compared to levetiracetam, which can sometimes cause irritability or mood changes in some people. However, lacosamide may be more likely to cause dizziness or coordination problems.

Your doctor will consider factors like your seizure pattern, other health conditions, current medications, and potential side effects when choosing between these options. Some people do better with one medication, while others achieve better results with the alternative.