Lacosamide is an anticonvulsant medication that is used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults. The drug works by stabilizing voltage-gated sodium channels, which are involved in the transmission of electrical signals in the brain [1]. However, there have been concerns about the potential cardiovascular side effects of lacosamide.

A systematic analysis and review of the literature found that lacosamide has been associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias, or abnormal heart rhythms [2]. The study analyzed 31 case reports of patients who experienced arrhythmias while taking lacosamide. The most common type of arrhythmia was atrial fibrillation, which is a condition in which the heart beats irregularly and can lead to blood clots, stroke, and heart failure. Other types of arrhythmias that were reported included ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, and bradycardia.

Another study published in the journal Acta Neurologica Scandinavica found that lacosamide can cause QT interval prolongation, which is a measure of the time it takes for the heart to recharge between beats. Prolonged QT intervals can lead to a type of arrhythmia called torsades de pointes, which can be life-threatening [3].

Despite these concerns, the overall risk of cardiovascular side effects from lacosamide appears to be relatively low. A review of clinical trials found that the incidence of cardiovascular adverse events in patients taking lacosamide was similar to that of patients taking a placebo [1]. However, patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions may be at higher risk for developing arrhythmias while taking lacosamide.

In conclusion, lacosamide has been associated with an increased risk of arrhythmias and QT interval prolongation, which can be potentially life-threatening. However, the overall risk of cardiovascular side effects from lacosamide appears to be low, and the drug is generally considered safe and effective for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults. Patients with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions should be monitored closely while taking lacosamide [1][2][3].

Sources:
[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/tradename/LACOSAMIDE
[2] https://www.cureus.com/articles/80198-lacosamide-related-arrhythmias-a-systematic-analysis-and-review-of-the-literature
[3] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ane.12414