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.

Keywords: Focal epilepsy, lacosamide, prognosis