Efficacy and safety of oral lacosamide as adjunctive therapy in children under 16 years with partial-onset seizures

Introduction: Lacosamide is a novel agent, which has been licenced for adjunktive therapy of partial or secondary generalized seizures in patients over 16 years. We report about our experiences with children and juveniles under 16 years with local-onset seizures, showing resistance in therapy against most other possible antiepileptic drugs.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of patient records. The effect was considered as positive, when seizures decreased more than 50% over at least one month, or the severity of the seizures improved dramatically. The patient records were examined about effects of cognition and habit. Side -effects were noticed.

Results: 20% of our patients got profit of the therapy with Lacosamide. Heavy side-effects we saw in less than 10%.

For pediatric use Lacosamide is conveniet because of the dosage forms.

Conclusions: Oral Lacosamide is approved for additional treatment of partial epilepsy in childhood while other drugs fail. Side effects are rare and most of the families were content with the therapy.

The results of controlled clinical studies are to be expected.