Efficacy and safety of intravenous lacosamide in refractory nonconvulsive status epilepticus

Koubeissi MZ, Mayor CL, Estephan B, Rashid S, Azar NJ. Efficacy and safety of intravenous lacosamide in refractory nonconvulsive status epilepticus.Acta Neurol Scand: 2011: 123: 142–146.© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Background – Lacosamide (LCM) is a novel antiepileptic drug (AED) recently approved as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures in adults. LCM is available in oral and intravenous formulations, has linear pharmacokinetics and a unique mechanism of action. The aim of this study – To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intravenous LCM in the treatment of nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) after failure of conventional therapy. Methods – We retrospectively reviewed all patients with NCSE treated with LCM. We reviewed the clinical and electrographic changes before and after LCM administration. We also noted any reported side effects including electrocardiographic changes. Results – We report four cases of NCSE that were refractory to conventional treatment, but readily responsive to LCM. No side effects attributable to LCM were identified. Conclusions – Intravenous LCM may be safe and efficacious as an add-on AED for the treatment of NCSE when standard therapy fails.