The Effect of Lacosamide Polytherapy on Seizure Prognosis in Focal Epilepsies

• Published in: Archives of Epilepsy Vol. 27; no. 3; pp. 150 - 154
• Main Author: Peköz, Mehmet Taylan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Galenos Yayinevi 01.01.2021
• Subjects: focal epilepsy; lacosamide; prognosis
• DOI: 10.14744/epilepsi.2021.77699
• ISSN: 1300-7157

Objectives:What is expected from anti-epileptic treatment is low side effects and drug-drug interactions as well as high efficacy. In this study, the efficacy of lacosamide in polytherapy and its effect on prognosis were evaluated.Methods:Seventy-seven patients with focal epilepsy who were followed up for at least 1 year and using lacosamide were included in the study. The antiepileptic drugs they use, the side effects of the drugs, neuroimaging and electrophysiological examinations were evaluated.Results:A total of 77 patients, including 35 women (44.9%) and 42 men (55.1%), were included in the study. The mean age was 33.9±10.6 (min: 19 max: 67). Average age of seizure onset was 12.6±10.7, and none of the patients were using Lacosamide (LKS) as monotherapy. Although only 3 patients were receiving dual therapy, the remaining 74 patients were receiving 3 or more antiepileptic treatments. While 33 of the patients (42.9%) had a decrease in the frequency of seizures after LKS treatment.Conclusion:Although the percentage of efficacy was obtained as low according to literature information, lacosamide is effective in resistant focal epilepsies with an efficiency of 42.9%. Especially in patients who use drugs other than antiepileptic drugs due to comorbid diseases, the absence of drug-drug interaction and the absence of serious side effects that require termination of treatment may be an indication that it can be used safely.