Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Lacosamide?
Lacosamide is used to treat partial onset seizures in adults and children who are at least 4 years old.
Lacosamide is also used to treat primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in people who are at least 4 years old.
Lacosamide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use lacosamide if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- heart problems;
- kidney disease;
- liver disease;
- depression, a mood disorder, suicidal thoughts or actions;
- drug or alcohol addiction; or
- nerve problems caused by diabetes.
Lacosamide oral solution may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Some people have thoughts about suicide while using lacosamide. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Do not start or stop using seizure medication during pregnancy without your doctor's advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of lacosamide on the baby.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.
Lacosamide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 4 years old.
How should I use Lacosamide
Use Lacosamide (Oral/Injection)(Intravenous,Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Lacosamide oral is taken by mouth. Lacosamide injection is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.
Lacosamide doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.
Lacosamide may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Lacosamide tablets or oral solution can be taken with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Measure oral solution carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Call your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while using lacosamide.
Do not stop using lacosamide suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
In case of emergency, wear or carry medical identification to let others know you use seizure medication.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze the liquid form of lacosamide. Throw away any oral solution not used within 7 weeks after opening the bottle.
Keep track of your medicine. You should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.
Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
Lacosamide side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include: skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- severe dizziness;
- problems with balance or muscle movement;
- chest pain, shortness of breath;
- fast or pounding heartbeats;
- very slow heartbeats; or
- dark urine.
Common side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness;
- drowsiness;
- double vision; or
- nausea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1 800 FDA 1088.
What other drugs will affect Lacosamide?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.