Abstract
Lacosamide is a newer approved antiepileptic drug (AED) characterized by its novel
pharmacodynamic profile. It is now approved by United States Food and Drug Administration
for use as monotherapy in adults (aged>17 years) with focal seizures based on historical
controlled trial by Wechsler RT et al in 2014. Randomized controlled trials on lacosamide
monotherapy have demonstrated significant reduction in median seizure frequency. In
addition, 50% responder rates for lacosamide was noted in half of the patients, with
retention rate in two third of patients in 1 year follow up period. Adverse events
reported in clinical trials were mostly mild to moderate in intensity. The most common
adverse events were dizziness, headache, convulsion, nausea and fatigue while convulsion
and dizziness were commonly responsible for drug discontinuation. Overall, lacosamide
monotherapy can be a good treatment option in patients with focal seizure.
Key words
Lacosamide - Monotherapy - Historical controlled trial - Focal seizure