Let's learn about Lacosamide Solution - What you need to know about this medicine for epilepsy

Has your doctor prescribed Lacosamide for you or someone in your family for epilepsy? If so, it is very important to be fully informed about this medicine. Because, like any medicine, to get the most out of it, you need to have a good understanding of how to use it, its possible side effects, and the precautions you need to take. So today, let's talk about this very simply, in a way that you can understand.

What is this medicine called Lacosamide?

Simply put, Lacosamide is a medicine that is used to prevent and control seizures in people with epilepsy. We know that seizures are caused by sudden, uncontrolled, and unwanted activity of nerve cells in our brain. So what this medicine does is calm down the nerves that are activated in such unwanted ways. Through this, the likelihood of a seizure occurring is reduced. Since it is in the form of a solution, it is especially easy to give to people who have difficulty swallowing pills and to small children.

Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication

Your doctor will need to know your complete health history before prescribing this medicine to you. This is because people with certain medical conditions need to be very careful when giving this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor without hiding it.

How should I use the medicine?

Remember these things well.

• Follow your doctor's instructions: Take the medicine exactly as your doctor prescribes, in the right dose, at the right time. Usually, it's said to take it twice a day. It's a good idea to get into the habit of taking it at the same time every day.
• Measure accurately: Since this is a liquid, you need to measure the dose accurately. Use only the oral syringe, cup, or dropper that comes with the medicine.Don't use the teaspoons or tablespoons you have at home, as they are not accurate measurements.
• Before or after food?: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly: Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. This may cause your seizures to worsen. If you do stop taking the medicine, do so gradually, reducing the dose and under the supervision of your doctor.
• When given to children: This medicine is sometimes given to babies as young as one month old, but it is done with great caution and under medical supervision.

What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)

If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't take it lightly. Go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

We all forget things. If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, it is within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.

Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)

When you take Lacosamide, it may interact with other medications you are taking. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements. Be especially careful about the following:

• Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol can greatly increase side effects such as dizziness and drowsiness.
• Other medicines: Some medicines can affect the way Lacosamide works, and Lacosamide can affect the way those medicines work.

Things to be careful about when taking medication

• Medical check-ups: Visit the clinic on scheduled days and see your doctor to check on your condition. If your symptoms are worsening or not, let them know.
• Driving and operating machinery: This medicine may affect your coordination, reaction time, and alertness. You may feel sleepy or dizzy. Therefore , do not do dangerous activities such as driving or operating machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
• Dizziness and Fainting: To reduce the occurrence of dizziness and fainting, stand up straight when getting up from a sitting position or out of bed.
• Severe skin reactions: This is very important. Some serious skin reactions can occur even weeks after starting this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a rash along with symptoms such as fever and chills. These rashes may turn red or purple and then blister and peel. Also, seek medical advice immediately if you notice swelling of the face, lips, or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits.
• Medical ID: Carrying a card or bracelet that states that you are taking medication for epilepsy, as well as the types and doses of medication you are taking, can be very useful in an emergency.
• Pregnancy: If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, or if you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor right away. He or she will advise you on what is best for you and your unborn baby.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medicine, Lacosamide can cause side effects. Although not everybody gets them, some are minor, while others need immediate attention.

How do you store and dispose of the medicine?

• Storage: Keep the medicine bottle in a safe place out of reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature (between 20°C - 25°C). Do not refrigerate.
• Misuse: This is a drug that can be misused, so keep it in a safe place to protect it from theft.
• Expiration: Discard any remaining medicine 6 months after opening the bottle or after the expiration date stated on the bottle.
• Disposal: It is very important to dispose of expired or unwanted medications. If possible, ask the hospital pharmacy where you are getting your medication if they will accept these. If not, remove the liquid medicine from the bottle, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and place it in a tightly sealed bag and dispose of it in the trash. Never flush it down the toilet.