From the Guidelines
Yes, Vimpat (lacosamide) can cause paresthesias, which are abnormal sensations like tingling, burning, or prickling, as reported in the study published in 2022 1.
Paresthesias Associated with Vimpat
Paresthesias are a known side effect of Vimpat, and they can occur in various parts of the body, including the upper limbs and face. These sensations are usually mild to moderate in severity and may manifest as dizziness or a feeling of unsteadiness.
- The exact mechanism behind paresthesias is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the way Vimpat works, which is by enhancing slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels in the nervous system 1.
- Paresthesias typically develop shortly after starting treatment or increasing the dose, and they tend to diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
Management of Paresthesias
If paresthesias become bothersome, patients should not stop taking Vimpat abruptly but should consult their healthcare provider, who might recommend a slower titration schedule or dose adjustment.
- Most patients find these sensations tolerable and not a reason to discontinue this effective anti-seizure medication.
- It is essential to weigh the benefits and risks of Vimpat treatment and to monitor patients closely for any adverse effects, including paresthesias.
Conclusion Not Applicable - Direct Answer Only
Vimpat can cause paresthesias, and patients should be closely monitored for this side effect, as reported in the study published in 2022 1.
From the Research
Adverse Effects of Vimpat
- The most common adverse events associated with Vimpat (lacosamide) include dizziness, nausea, and vomiting 2
- Other very common adverse reactions following adjunctive therapy with oral lacosamide included diplopia, headache, and nausea 3
- Paresthesias is not explicitly mentioned as a common adverse event in the provided studies
- However, it is worth noting that the studies do mention other neurological adverse events such as dizziness and diplopia, which could be related to paresthesias 3, 2, 4
Mechanism of Action and Pharmacokinetics
- Lacosamide is believed to exert its antiepileptic effect by selectively enhancing the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels 3, 2, 4
- It also possibly interacts with collapsin response mediator protein-2 2, 4
- Lacosamide has a low potential for drug interactions and exhibits linear, dose-proportional pharmacokinetics with low intra- and interpatient variability 4
Efficacy and Safety
- Clinical trials have shown that lacosamide is well tolerated and effective in reducing partial-onset seizure frequency 3, 2, 4
- The efficacy and safety results from completed clinical trials suggest that lacosamide may represent a significant advance in antiepileptic drug therapy 4
- However, there is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest that Vimpat causes paresthesias 3, 5, 6, 2, 4