Lusam 50mg Tablets

Lacosamide is an anti-seizure (anticonvulsant) medicine. It calms abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is used:

• on its own or with other medicines for partial-onset seizures (seizures that start in one part of the brain)
• with other medicines for primary generalised tonic-clonic seizures

It helps control seizures but does not cure epilepsy, and it may take a few weeks to see the full benefit.

Take lacosamide exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, at about the same times each day.

• You can take it with or without food.
• Swallow tablets whole. Do not chew, split or crush them.
• For the liquid, use the measuring syringe or spoon provided, not a kitchen spoon.
• Your doctor will usually start with a low dose and raise it slowly.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless your next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• Do not stop suddenly, as seizures may come back or get worse. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly if needed.

Common side effects include:

• dizziness, headache, drowsiness
• blurred or double vision
• feeling or being sick, diarrhoea
• shaking, or problems with balance and coordination
• itching

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• a fast, slow or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, or fainting
• shortness of breath
• swelling of the face, lips, tongue, eyes or throat
• fever with a rash
• yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or unusual tiredness
• thoughts of harming yourself, or new or worse low mood, anxiety, agitation or aggression

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have heart problems, such as an irregular heartbeat, heart failure, a past heart attack or a pacemaker
• have kidney or liver problems
• have had depression, mood problems or suicidal thoughts
• drink a lot of alcohol or have misused drugs
• are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding (it can pass into breast milk; watch your baby for unusual sleepiness)
• have phenylketonuria (some liquids contain aspartame)
• take any other medicines, vitamins or herbal products

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), in the original tightly closed container and out of the reach of children. Do not freeze the liquid, and throw away any liquid left 6 months after first opening.

Dizziness and fainting: lacosamide can cause dizziness or an irregular heartbeat, especially when standing up quickly. If you feel faint, lie down with your legs raised and contact your doctor.

Driving: do not drive or use machines until you know how it affects you.

Mood: family members should also watch for mood changes or talk of self-harm.