What is Lacosamide Tablets ?
Lacosamide is a medication that is available in tablet form and is used to treat certain types of seizures in people with epilepsy. It is an antiepileptic drug (AED) that works by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and reducing the occurrence of seizures.
Lacosamide is typically prescribed for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults and children who are at least 4 years old. Partial-onset seizures are a type of seizure that begins in a specific area of the brain and can involve various symptoms, such as altered consciousness, abnormal movements, or sensory changes.
Lacosamide Tablets Uses
- Partial-Onset Seizures: Lacosamide is commonly prescribed to manage partial-onset seizures in adults and children who are at least 4 years old. Partial-onset seizures originate in a specific area of the brain and can cause various symptoms, such as altered consciousness, abnormal movements, or sensory changes. Lacosamide helps to reduce the frequency and severity of these seizures.
- Adjunctive Therapy: Lacosamide is often used as an adjunctive therapy, meaning it is prescribed in addition to other antiepileptic medications. It is not typically used as a standalone treatment for epilepsy but is added to an existing treatment regimen to enhance seizure control.
- Other Seizure Disorders: In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe lacosamide for the treatment of other types of seizures or seizure disorders, although this use may be less common and typically based on individual patient needs.
Lacosamide Tablets – Mechanism of Action and Pharmacology
- Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Modulation: Lacosamide’s primary mechanism of action involves modulating voltage-gated sodium channels in the brain. Neurons communicate through electrical signals, and sodium channels play a crucial role in this process. Lacosamide selectively enhances the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels, particularly the Nav1.7 channel subtype. By promoting slow inactivation, it helps stabilize the electrical activity of neurons and decreases their excitability, making it more challenging for seizures to occur.
- Decreased Neuronal Hyperexcitability: Seizures result from excessive and abnormal neuronal firing in the brain. Lacosamide’s ability to decrease neuronal hyperexcitability by affecting sodium channels helps to prevent the rapid, uncontrolled firing of neurons, which is characteristic of a seizure.
Lacosamide Tablets – Side-effects
- Dizziness: Dizziness is one of the most common side effects of lacosamide. It may be mild to moderate and can affect balance and coordination.
- Headache: Some individuals may experience headaches while taking lacosamide.
- Nausea: Nausea and, less commonly, vomiting may occur.
- Double Vision: Lacosamide can cause double vision or blurred vision in some individuals.
- Fatigue: Some people may experience increased fatigue or drowsiness while taking this medication.
