Lacosamide
Commercial names and formulations:
Brand name: Vimpat
Formulations: Tablet, oral and injectable solutions
Years on the market:
In the US since 2008
How to store it?
Store at room temperature
What does the body do to the medication?
Can I take it with food?
Yes
How long does it take to get to the blood after I take it?
1-4 hours
How long does it take to start having a steady effect?
3 days
Can this medication be started at a high dose or it has to be started gradually?
Gradually
How long does it stay in the body?
About ½ day
How is it eliminated?
Kidneys
What does the medication do to the body?
Type of epilepsy that helps:
Partial Epilepsy
FDA approved for:
Add-on treatment for partial onset seizure in adults (>17 years)
Common side effects:
• Skin: itching
• Bones: none
• Blood: none
• Liver: none
• Kidneys: none
• Stomach and intestines: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Heart: none
• Brain: dizziness, headache, difficulty with coordination, drowsiness, tremor, abnormal eye movements, balance problems, memory impairment
• Mood: depression
• Others: blurry vision, fatigue
Serious side effects:
Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior
What happens if I get too much of it (intoxication)?
An overdose of lacosamide can cause coma and require hospitalization.
What happens if I stop it suddenly (withdrawal)?
Suddenly stopping treatment with lacosamide can potentially cause an increase in seizure frequency or severity.
Who should not take this medication?
There are no specific restrictions.
What is the average dose and how many times a day should be given?
Initial 50mg (divided twice a day), recommended maintenance dose 200-400 mg/day (in divided doses), but higher doses are sometimes used
Does the body get used to the medication?
Yes
Medications to be careful with:
Other AEDs that can increase the blood level of lacosamide:
None anticipated
Other AEDs that can decrease the blood level of lacosamide:
None anticipated
Other drug interactions:
None anticipated
Blood work required?
CBC and CPM?
No
Are medication levels in blood useful?
No
Women’s health
Affects contraceptives?
No
Affect fertility?
No
Are safe in pregnancy?
Discuss this with your doctor. Currently this is unknown.
Category
Pregnancy Category C
Can breastfeed?
Since it is not know if lacosamide is excreted in breast milk, it is not recommended to use with caution while breast-feeding
Affect bones (osteoporosis)?
No
Men’s health
Affects sexual performance?
No
Affects fertility?
No
Use other than epilepsy:
None