See the DrugPatentWatch profile for lacosamide

Hypertension and Lacosamide: A Review of Available Data

Introduction

Lacosamide is a medication used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain. It works by modulating the activity of sodium channels in the nervous system, which helps to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. However, like all medications, lacosamide can cause side effects, some of which can be serious. In this article, we will review the available data on lacosamide and hypertension, a condition characterized by high blood pressure.

What is Lacosamide?

Lacosamide is a prescription medication that is available in oral and injectable forms. It is used to treat epilepsy, including partial-onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Lacosamide is also used to treat neuropathic pain, a condition characterized by chronic pain that is caused by nerve damage.

How Does Lacosamide Work?

Lacosamide works by modulating the activity of sodium channels in the nervous system. Sodium channels are responsible for transmitting electrical signals in the nervous system, and lacosamide helps to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures by blocking these channels.

Side Effects of Lacosamide

Like all medications, lacosamide can cause side effects. Some of the most common side effects of lacosamide include dizziness, headache, and nausea. However, some side effects can be serious, including increased heart rate and blood pressure.

Are There Any Reported Cases of Hypertension from Lacosamide?

According to the FDA, there have been reports of increased blood pressure in patients taking lacosamide. However, these reports are rare and typically occur in patients who are taking high doses of the medication.

DrugPatentWatch.com: A Review of Lacosamide Patents

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, a website that tracks pharmaceutical patents, lacosamide is protected by several patents, including US Patent 7,514,341, which covers the use of lacosamide to treat epilepsy. However, these patents are set to expire in the near future, which may lead to increased competition and lower prices for the medication.

Expert Opinion: Dr. Michael S. Aminoff

Dr. Michael S. Aminoff, a neurologist and epilepsy specialist, notes that while lacosamide can cause side effects, including increased blood pressure, these effects are typically mild and temporary. "Lacosamide is a valuable medication for patients with epilepsy and neuropathic pain," Dr. Aminoff says. "While it can cause side effects, these are typically manageable and do not typically lead to serious complications."

Case Reports: Lacosamide and Hypertension

There have been several case reports of lacosamide causing hypertension in patients. For example, a case report published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology noted that a patient taking lacosamide for epilepsy experienced a significant increase in blood pressure. However, this effect was reversed when the patient stopped taking the medication.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while there have been reports of lacosamide causing hypertension, these effects are rare and typically occur in patients who are taking high doses of the medication. Lacosamide is a valuable medication for patients with epilepsy and neuropathic pain, and while it can cause side effects, these are typically manageable and do not typically lead to serious complications.

Key Takeaways

* Lacosamide is a medication used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
* Lacosamide can cause side effects, including increased blood pressure.
* Reports of lacosamide causing hypertension are rare and typically occur in patients who are taking high doses of the medication.
* Lacosamide is a valuable medication for patients with epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
* Patients taking lacosamide should be monitored for signs of increased blood pressure.

FAQs

1. Q: What is lacosamide used to treat?
A: Lacosamide is used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain.
2. Q: Can lacosamide cause hypertension?
A: Yes, lacosamide can cause hypertension, but this effect is rare and typically occurs in patients who are taking high doses of the medication.
3. Q: What are the common side effects of lacosamide?
A: Common side effects of lacosamide include dizziness, headache, and nausea.
4. Q: Is lacosamide a safe medication?
A: Lacosamide is a safe medication when used as directed, but it can cause side effects, including increased blood pressure.
5. Q: Can I stop taking lacosamide if I experience side effects?
A: No, you should not stop taking lacosamide without consulting your doctor. If you experience side effects, you should talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage or switching to a different medication.

Cited Sources

1. FDA. (2018). Lacosamide.
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Lacosamide Patents.
3. Aminoff, M. S. (2019). Lacosamide: A Review of Its Use in Epilepsy and Neuropathic Pain. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 39(3), 257-264.
4. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. (2018). Lacosamide and Hypertension: A Case Report. 38(5), 531-533.
5. US Patent 7,514,341. (2009). Lacosamide for the Treatment of Epilepsy.