Lacosamide (vimpat) is a new agent that was approved in 2009 for use for refractory seizures in the United States. The agent has been quite successful in its initial launch and has helped many individuals. In the most recent issue of epilepsy and behavior, volume 20, issue 1, January 2011, pages 20-23, Drs. Novy and colleagues from the UCL Institute of Neurology Queen’s Square, London, reports that individuals who are placed on Lacosamide and are treated in combination with other sodium channel blocking drugs (such as oxcarbazepine, phenytoin, or carbamazepine) may be at risk for neurotoxic adverse affects. These effects can include symptoms such as double-vision, a feeling of persistent dizziness and dowsiness. Reduction of the other medication can help eliminate the symptoms. The authors in this very small study found that up to 17% of people that are placed on a combination of Lacosamide with another sodium channel agent may find this drug interaction and the symptoms can be lessened by a simple change in dosage.

This is helpful study elucidates how to better overcome obstacles related to seizure therapy agents. Given that Lacosamide has been on the world market for a brief period of time, new information is helpful and useful to convey to clinicians who care for patients with epilepsy to help identify the problems that can occur with the use of seizure drugs. This is a prime example of a simple solution to a problem that may, if not reported, could lead to a preventable early termination of a drug.

Joseph Sirven, M.D.
Editor-in-Chief, epilepsy.com 
Last Reviewed: 2/15/11