Lacosamide
Description
Lacosamide is an anticonvulsant used either alone or in a combination with other medicines for the treatment of seizures. The oral forms of this medicine are not recommended for use in patients less than 4 years of age. The injectable form of this medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 17 years of age.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Lacosamide
- Dizziness
- Shaking and trembling of arms and feet
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble with sleeping
- Loss of balance control
- Tiredness
- Mood or mental changes
- Itching skin
Uses of Lacosamide
What is it prescribed for?
- Partial onset seizures
- Epilepsy
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time required for this medicine to show its action is not clinically established.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which this medicine remains active in the body is not clinically established.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?Habit forming tendency has been reported in a few cases.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue the drug or to discontinue breastfeeding based on your clinical condition.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to lacosamide or any other inactive ingredients present along with it.
Severe Hepatic impairment
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from severe impairment of liver function due to the increased risk of serious adverse effects.
Second or third-degree atrioventricular block
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients suffering from a second or third-degree atrioventricular block due to the increased risk of serious adverse effects.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking/receiving this medicine. Your doctor may advise you to discontinue the drug or to discontinue breastfeeding based on your clinical condition.
General warnings
Suicidal thoughts
This medicine should be used with extreme caution due to an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. This risk is especially higher in patients suffering from psychiatric disorders such as depression. Patients should be monitored closely for any changes in mood and behavior and any unusual symptoms should be reported to the doctor on priority. Appropriate caregiver and patient counseling, dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Withdrawal symptoms
Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor. Abrupt discontinuation of therapy may cause withdrawal seizures. Gradual dose reduction and then discontinuation of therapy should be done under the supervision of your doctor.
Driving or Operating machinery
Use of this medicine may cause symptoms such as blurred vision, sleepiness, dizziness, etc. in some patients. It is advised that you do not perform any activities such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you experience any of these symptoms during treatment with this medicine.
Use in Pediatrics
This oral form of this medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 4 years of age. The injectable form of this medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 17 years of age.
Syncope
This medicine should be used with extreme caution due to the increased risk of syncope (fainting or sudden loss of consciousness or passing out). This risk is especially higher in patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases and diabetic complications. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Close monitoring of clinical condition, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Missed Dose
Oral forms: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed one.
Injections: Since this medicine is administered in the hospital/clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of a missed dose is very low. If you miss a scheduled appointment for a dose of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately for further instructions.
Overdose
Oral forms: Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
Injections: Since this medicine is administered in the hospital/clinical setting by a qualified healthcare professional, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by the doctor if an overdose is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Atazanavir
Lidocaine
Sodium oxybate
Saquinavir
Dolasetron
Amlodipine
Digoxin
Disease interactions
Depression
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from depression due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of these patients for any changes in mood or behavior is recommended. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to the doctor on priority. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Hepatic impairment
This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver diseases due to the increased risk of severe adverse effects. Close monitoring of liver function tests, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Renal impairment
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from kidney diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of kidney function tests, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Cardiovascular disorders
This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from cardiovascular disorders due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor on priority. Close monitoring of heart function and vital signs, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Oral forms: Take this medicine with or without food. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts than advised/prescribed. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the treatment course is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Injections: This medicine is usually administered by a qualified healthcare professional in the clinical/hospital setting. Inform the doctor if you have a known history of allergy to this medicine. Report to the doctor all your current medicines as well as your medical conditions before receiving this medicine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It decreases abnormal electrical activity in the brain to prevent and treat seizures.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Miscellaneous anticonvulsants
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. Vimpat.com. 2018 [cited 1 August 2018]. Available from:
Lacosamide - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2018 [cited 1 August 2018]. Available from:
Lacosamide Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2018 [cited 1 August 2018]. Available from:
Lacosamide: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2018 [cited 1 August 2018]. Available from:
Vimpat 10 mg/ml solution for infusion - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (eMC) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 1 August 2018]. Available from:
Vimpat 100 mg film-coated tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (eMC) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 1 August 2018]. Available from:
Vimpat 10mg/ml syrup - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (eMC) [Internet]. Medicines.org.uk. 2018 [cited 1 August 2018]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 3 Aug 2018
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.