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Special Precautions for Lacosamide Administration: What You Need to Know

Lacosamide is a medication commonly used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain. While it is generally well-tolerated, there are certain precautions that patients and healthcare providers should take when administering the drug. In this article, we will explore the special precautions for lacosamide administration and what you need to know to ensure safe and effective treatment.

What is Lacosamide?

Lacosamide is a prescription medication used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults and children aged 4 years and older. It is also used to treat diabetic neuropathic pain and postherpetic neuralgia. Lacosamide works by stabilizing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures.

Special Precautions for Lacosamide Administration

Before administering lacosamide, patients should be aware of the following special precautions:

Contraindications

Lacosamide is contraindicated in patients with a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Patients with a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors should not take lacosamide without consulting their healthcare provider.

Warnings

Lacosamide may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

Interactions

Lacosamide may interact with other medications, including:

* Anticonvulsants: Lacosamide may increase the levels of other anticonvulsants in the blood, which can increase the risk of side effects.
* Antidepressants: Lacosamide may increase the levels of antidepressants in the blood, which can increase the risk of side effects.
* Blood thinners: Lacosamide may increase the levels of blood thinners in the blood, which can increase the risk of bleeding.

Dosage and Administration

Lacosamide should be taken orally, with or without food. The recommended starting dose is 50 mg twice daily, which may be increased to a maximum dose of 200 mg twice daily.

Monitoring

Patients taking lacosamide should be monitored for:

* Suicidal thoughts or behaviors: Patients should be monitored for suicidal thoughts or behaviors, especially during the initial treatment period.
* Seizure control: Patients should be monitored for seizure control, as lacosamide may not control all types of seizures.
* Side effects: Patients should be monitored for side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Lacosamide is classified as a category C medication, which means it may not be safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider before taking lacosamide.

What to Do in Case of an Overdose

In case of an overdose, patients should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include:

* Dizziness
* Drowsiness
* Blurred vision
* Seizures

Conclusion

Lacosamide is a medication that can be effective in treating epilepsy and neuropathic pain. However, it is important to take special precautions when administering the drug, including monitoring for side effects, interactions, and contraindications. By following these precautions, patients can ensure safe and effective treatment with lacosamide.

FAQs

1. What is lacosamide used to treat?

Lacosamide is used to treat partial-onset seizures in adults and children aged 4 years and older, as well as diabetic neuropathic pain and postherpetic neuralgia.

2. What are the contraindications for lacosamide?

Lacosamide is contraindicated in patients with a history of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

3. What are the warnings for lacosamide?

Lacosamide may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Patients should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

4. Can lacosamide be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Lacosamide is classified as a category C medication, which means it may not be safe for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider before taking lacosamide.

5. What should I do in case of an overdose?

In case of an overdose, patients should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may include dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, and seizures.

Cited Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Lacosamide Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-date/lacosamide>
2. FDA. (2018). Lacosamide Tablets Label. Retrieved from <https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/022364s013lbl.pdf>
3. Epilepsy Foundation. (n.d.). Lacosamide. Retrieved from <https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-medications/lacosamide>
4. MedlinePlus. (n.d.). Lacosamide. Retrieved from <https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a694026.html>
5. WebMD. (n.d.). Lacosamide. Retrieved from <https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-142444/lacosamide-oral/details>