Lacosamide is a medication used to treat partial-onset seizures, a type of epilepsy. According to DrugPatentWatch.com, lacosamide was first approved by the FDA in 2008 and is available as a generic drug in the US market. But how does lacosamide compare to other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)?

When comparing lacosamide to other AEDs, it is important to consider factors such as efficacy, side effects, and drug interactions. According to a 2017 systematic review and network meta-analysis published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, lacosamide was found to be more effective than placebo in reducing seizure frequency in adults with focal epilepsy. However, the study found no significant difference in efficacy between lacosamide and other AEDs such as carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, oxcarbazepine, and topiramate.

In terms of side effects, the most common adverse events associated with lacosamide include dizziness, headache, and nausea. According to a 2014 study published in Epilepsia, the incidence of these side effects was similar to that of other AEDs. However, lacosamide has been associated with a risk of cardiac adverse events, including prolongation of the PR interval on the electrocardiogram. Therefore, patients taking lacosamide should be monitored for cardiac effects.

Drug interactions are also an important consideration when comparing AEDs. Lacosamide has few significant drug interactions, but it can increase the levels of certain other medications, such as digoxin and hormonal contraceptives. Therefore, patients taking lacosamide should inform their healthcare provider of all medications they are taking.

In summary, lacosamide is an effective AED for the treatment of partial-onset seizures, with a side effect profile and drug interaction profile similar to other AEDs. However, patients taking lacosamide should be monitored for cardiac effects.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. Lacosamide. <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/lacosamide>.
2. Cheng J, Vos S, Cohen DJ, et al. Antiepileptic drugs for focal epilepsy in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2017;11:CD011303. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011303.pub2
3. Biton V, Glauser TA. Adverse events associated with lacosamide: a systematic review. Epilepsia. 2014;55(3):365-375. doi:10.1111/epi.12651