LACOSAM 100MG

LACOSAM 100mg is a medication used to treat epilepsy, a neurological condition characterized by recurrent seizures. The active ingredient is Lacosamide.

Drug Class and Mechanism of Action: Lacosamide belongs to a class of medications called antiepileptics or anticonvulsants. Its precise mechanism of action is not fully understood, but it is believed to work by:

• Selectively enhancing the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels: This action stabilizes the hyperexcitable neuronal membranes in the brain, reducing the abnormal and excessive electrical activity of nerve cells that cause seizures.
• It may also affect collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP-2), a protein involved in neuronal differentiation and axonal growth.

Uses: LACOSAM 100mg is primarily used:

• As monotherapy (used alone) for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults and adolescents aged 16 years and older.
• As adjunctive therapy (used in combination with other anti-epileptic medicines) for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults and children aged 4 years and older.
• It is also used with other medicines to treat primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Dosage: The dosage of LACOSAM 100mg is highly individualized and determined by a doctor based on the patient’s age, weight, and response to treatment. It is typically taken orally, usually twice a day. The dose is slowly increased over time until the seizures are controlled. It can be taken with or without food.

Side Effects: Common side effects of Lacosamide may include:

• Central Nervous System (CNS) effects: Dizziness (very common, especially at the start of treatment or with higher doses), headache, sleepiness/drowsiness, difficulty with coordination (ataxia), unsteadiness, trembling, blurred vision, double vision (diplopia), nystagmus (uncontrolled eye movements).
• Gastrointestinal effects: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth.
• Other: Fatigue, skin rash, itching.

More serious but less common side effects can include:

• Changes in heart rhythms (e.g., PR prolongation, bradycardia, atrial fibrillation/flutter).
• Mood or behavioral changes, including depression, aggression, agitation, suicidal thoughts or attempts.
• Severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis).
• Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS).

It’s crucial to report any severe or persistent side effects to your doctor. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly, as this can worsen seizures.

Precautions and Warnings:

• Prescription Only: LACOSAM 100mg is a prescription medication and should only be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
• Cardiac Issues: Use with caution in patients with known cardiac conduction problems (e.g., severe heart disease, first-degree AV block, or other heart rhythm abnormalities), especially if they are also taking other medications that affect heart conduction. An ECG may be recommended before and during treatment.
• Suicidal Thoughts: Patients should be monitored for new or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in mood or behavior.
• Liver and Kidney Impairment: Dosage adjustments may be necessary for patients with impaired liver or kidney function.
• Dizziness/Drowsiness: May impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. Patients should avoid such activities until they know how the medication affects them.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The risks and benefits should be discussed with a doctor. It may cause the baby to be more sleepy if used during breastfeeding.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as Lacosamide can interact with certain drugs (e.g., other antiepileptics, certain heart medications, strong CYP3A4 or CYP2C9 inhibitors).