What Is Lacosam Used For?

Lacosam is an antiepileptic medication used to control seizures in people with epilepsy. It can be used alone in patients over 16 years or combined with other seizure medications.

Primary Uses

Lacosam is used to control epilepsy, a condition where you have repeated seizures. There are many different types of seizures, ranging from mild to severe. It’s not recommended for children under 4 years as safety and effectiveness haven’t been established in this age group.

How It Works

This medicine belongs to a group called antiepileptics. These medicines work by controlling brain chemicals that send signals to nerves, preventing seizures from happening.

How to Take Lacosam

Your doctor will determine the right dose for you based on your condition, body weight, and other medications you’re taking. Always follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.

Dosage Instructions

Your doctor may start you on a low dose of 50 mg twice a day. The dose may slowly be increased up to a maximum of 300 mg twice a day until your seizures are controlled. Take Lacosam twice daily – once in the morning and once at night, at about the same time each day. Swallow tablets whole with a glass of water. It doesn’t matter if you take it before or after food.

What If You Miss a Dose?

Contact your doctor if you have missed one or more doses. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose, as this may increase your chance of side effects. If you have trouble remembering doses, ask your pharmacist for helpful hints.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• dizziness or problems with balance or coordination
• headache
• nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting
• feeling tired, drowsy or sleepy
• forgetfulness
• tremors
• itching

Important Warnings

There are important safety considerations before starting Lacosam. Make sure to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor.

Who Should Not Take Lacosam

Do not take Lacosam if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or if you have or have had a heart condition causing an uneven heartbeat. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or skin rash and hives.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have or have had heart problems, kidney problems, or liver problems. Also inform them about any allergies to foods, preservatives, or dyes, and all medications you’re taking, especially other antiepileptic medicines or heart medications.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Lacosam may affect your developing baby, but controlling seizures during pregnancy is very important. Your doctor will weigh the risks and benefits. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Drug Interactions

Lacosam can interact with certain medications, particularly those affecting the heart. Always tell your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.

• medicines to treat heart problems
• carbamazepine (may affect heart beat)
• lamotrigine (may affect heart beat)
• pregabalin (may affect heart beat)
• barbiturates such as phenobarbitone
• other antiepileptic medicines such as levetiracetam

Alcohol & Driving

Lacosam can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact dangerously with alcohol. Take proper precautions to ensure your safety and that of others.

Alcohol

As a safety precaution, do not take Lacosam with alcohol.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Lacosam affects you. Like other antiepileptic medicines, Lacosam may cause dizziness or drowsiness, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a dose increase. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that could be dangerous.

Storage

Keep tablets in their original pack until it’s time to take them – they won’t keep well if removed early. Store in a cool, dry place where temperature stays below 25°C. Don’t store in the bathroom, near a sink, on window sills, or in cars on hot days, as heat and dampness can destroy the medicine. Keep out of reach of children – a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground is ideal.

Overdose Information

If you think you or someone else has taken too much Lacosam, immediately call your doctor, Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), or go to your nearest hospital emergency department, even if there are no symptoms. You may need urgent medical attention. Overdose symptoms may include feeling dizzy, drowsy, or having an upset stomach.

Frequently Asked Questions