ABSTRACT

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.

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.

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.

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