Lacosamide: The Antiepileptic Drug for Seizure Control
What is Lacosamide?
Lacosamide is an antiepileptic drug (AED) used to treat partial-onset seizures in people with epilepsy. It works by stabilizing the electrical activity in the brain, preventing the abnormal firing of neurons that leads to seizures.
How Lacosamide Works
Lacosamide works by selectively enhancing the slow inactivation of sodium channels in neurons, which helps to reduce excessive electrical activity in the brain that can trigger seizures.
When to Use Lacosamide
● Partial-Onset Seizures: Lacosamide is used for adults and children aged 4 years and older to treat partial-onset seizures, which are localized seizures that begin in one part of the brain.
● Adjunct Therapy: It is often used in combination with other seizure medications to improve seizure control.
Dosage
● Adult Dose for Seizures: Starting dose is 50 mg twice daily, with gradual increases based on tolerance and seizure control. Typical maintenance dose is 200-400 mg/day.
● Pediatric Dose: Starting dose for children over 4 years is typically 2-5 mg/kg/day, adjusted as necessary.
Side Effects
● Common Effects: Dizziness, headache, fatigue, and nausea.
● Serious Adverse Effects: Suicidal thoughts, heart arrhythmias, and severe allergic reactions.
Common brands: Lacoset, Lacosam.