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Why Blood Pressure Monitoring is Crucial During Lacosamide Use

Lacosamide: A Medication for Seizure Control

Lacosamide is a medication used to treat epilepsy, a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. It works by stabilizing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain, reducing the frequency and severity of seizures. However, like any medication, lacosamide can have side effects, and blood pressure monitoring is crucial during its use.

What is Lacosamide Used For?

Lacosamide is used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults and children aged 4 years and older. It is often prescribed in combination with other antiepileptic medications. Lacosamide is available in oral and injectable forms, and it is usually taken once or twice a day.

Common Side Effects of Lacosamide

Lacosamide can cause a range of side effects, including:

* Dizziness
* Headache
* Fatigue
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Increased heart rate
* Increased blood pressure

Why Blood Pressure Monitoring is Crucial

Blood pressure monitoring is crucial during lacosamide use because the medication can cause an increase in blood pressure. According to the manufacturer's prescribing information, lacosamide can cause a dose-dependent increase in blood pressure, which can be significant in some patients.

The Risks of Unmonitored Blood Pressure

Unmonitored blood pressure during lacosamide use can lead to serious complications, including:

* Hypertensive crisis: A sudden and severe increase in blood pressure that can cause damage to organs such as the brain, kidneys, and eyes.
* Cardiovascular events: High blood pressure can increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and cardiac arrhythmias.
* Kidney damage: High blood pressure can damage the kidneys and lead to chronic kidney disease.

How to Monitor Blood Pressure During Lacosamide Use

Monitoring blood pressure during lacosamide use is crucial to detect any changes or abnormalities. Here are some tips on how to monitor blood pressure:

* Take your blood pressure regularly: Take your blood pressure at the same time every day, such as in the morning and evening.
* Use a blood pressure monitor: Use a blood pressure monitor that is accurate and reliable.
* Monitor blood pressure for at least 2 hours after taking lacosamide: This is because the medication can cause a peak effect on blood pressure within 2 hours of administration.
* Report any changes to your doctor: If you notice any changes in your blood pressure, report them to your doctor immediately.

Expert Insights

According to Dr. Michael A. Rogawski, a neurologist and epilepsy specialist, "Monitoring blood pressure during lacosamide use is crucial to detect any changes or abnormalities. Patients should be educated on how to monitor their blood pressure and report any changes to their doctor."

Conclusion

In conclusion, blood pressure monitoring is crucial during lacosamide use because the medication can cause an increase in blood pressure. Unmonitored blood pressure can lead to serious complications, including hypertensive crisis, cardiovascular events, and kidney damage. By monitoring blood pressure regularly and reporting any changes to your doctor, you can minimize the risks associated with lacosamide use.

Key Takeaways

* Lacosamide can cause an increase in blood pressure.
* Blood pressure monitoring is crucial during lacosamide use.
* Unmonitored blood pressure can lead to serious complications.
* Patients should take their blood pressure regularly and report any changes to their doctor.
* Monitoring blood pressure for at least 2 hours after taking lacosamide is recommended.

FAQs

Q: What is lacosamide used for?

A: Lacosamide is used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults and children aged 4 years and older.

Q: What are the common side effects of lacosamide?

A: Common side effects of lacosamide include dizziness, headache, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure.

Q: Why is blood pressure monitoring crucial during lacosamide use?

A: Blood pressure monitoring is crucial during lacosamide use because the medication can cause an increase in blood pressure, which can lead to serious complications if left unmonitored.

Q: How often should I take my blood pressure during lacosamide use?

A: Take your blood pressure regularly, such as in the morning and evening, and monitor it for at least 2 hours after taking lacosamide.

Q: What should I do if I notice any changes in my blood pressure during lacosamide use?

A: Report any changes in your blood pressure to your doctor immediately.

Sources

1. Lacosamide Prescribing Information. (2022). VIMPAT (lacosamide) tablets and oral solution. Retrieved from <https://www.vimpat.com/pdf/vimpat-prescribing-information.pdf>
2. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Lacosamide Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-date/lacosamide>
3. Rogawski, M. A. (2019). Lacosamide: A Review of Its Use in the Treatment of Epilepsy. Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 56, 1-8. doi: 10.1016/j.jocn.2018.11.016