Motpoly XR (lacosamide) is used to treat partial-onset seizures (also known as focal onset aware seizures). This medication can be used in adults and children weighing at least 110 lbs. It's an extended-release capsule that you take by mouth once per day. Some common side effects include dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Motpoly XR (lacosamide) is currently available as a brand-name medication only.
Partial-onset seizures in adults and children weighing at least 110 lbs
Motpoly XR (lacosamide) is an antiepileptic (another name for anti-seizure medication). While it's not exactly clear how the medication works to treat seizures, it's thought to slow the activity of certain sodium channels in the brain. This helps to calm your brain activity to control seizures.
Motpoly XR (lacosamide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Risk factors: Taking other anti-seizure medications
Motpoly XR (lacosamide) raises your risk of having thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. This risk can appear as early as 1 week after you start taking Motpoly XR (lacosamide) and can continue throughout treatment. If you or anyone around you notices that you have suicidal thoughts or unusual behavior (e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feeling angry or irritated, restlessness) while taking Motpoly XR (lacosamide), get medical help right away.
Risk factors: Taking high doses of Motpoly XR (lacosamide) | Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that can cause sleepiness or dizziness
Because Motpoly XR (lacosamide) works in the brain, it's possible to have side effects like difficulty concentrating, speech or language problems, and problems with coordination and balance. Motpoly XR (lacosamide) can also cause dizziness and sleepiness, which can lower your ability to think, react, and focus. Your risk for these side effects might be higher if you're taking other medications that can make you sleepy or dizzy (e.g., benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, sleep medications). Make sure you know how Motpoly XR (lacosamide) affects you before driving a car or doing activities that require your concentration. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if these side effects affect your daily life while you're taking Motpoly XR (lacosamide).
Risk factors: History of heart rate or heart rhythm problems | Heart problems | Taking other medications that affect the heart
Rare cases of heart rhythm problems have been reported in people who took Motpoly XR (lacosamide). Examples of these problems include atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. Let your provider know if you have a history of an irregular heartbeat before starting Motpoly XR (lacosamide). If you experience chest pain, dizziness, weakness, or shortness of breath while taking Motpoly XR (lacosamide), contact your provider.
Although rare, Motpoly XR (lacosamide) can cause a serious reaction called Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), which can sometimes be life-threatening. This reaction can include changes in your skin (e.g., rash, blisters, skin reddening or peeling, swollen lymph nodes), a fever, dark urine, swelling in your face, or trouble breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms at any time while taking Motpoly XR (lacosamide), stop using the medication and get medical attention right away.
Antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medications like Motpoly XR (lacosamide) shouldn't be stopped suddenly because it can cause your seizures to come back. Don't stop taking Motpoly XR (lacosamide) without talking to your provider first. They'll instruct you on how to lower your dose slowly over time until you can completely stop taking it.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Works well to treat partial-onset seizures
Taken by mouth once per day
Can take with or without food
Is a controlled substance because of its risk of misuse and dependence
Must swallow the capsule whole
Can't be used in children weighing less than 110 lbs
You can take Motpoly XR (lacosamide) with or without food. But if it upsets your stomach, try taking the medication with food to help. Make sure to swallow the capsule whole with some liquid.
Most side effects from Motpoly XR (lacosamide) typically get better or go away after you've been taking it for a few weeks. They're more likely to happen with higher doses of this medication. These side effects might return if your dose changes.
Motpoly XR (lacosamide) can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts. Contact your provider right away if you or your loved ones notice any new or worsening changes in your behavior or mood while taking the medication.
Motpoly XR (lacosamide) commonly causes sleepiness, tiredness, and dizziness. Don't drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how this medication affects you. Also, avoid drinking alcohol because it can worsen these effects. These side effects can also be worse if you're also taking medications like phenobarbital, opioid pain medications, or antihistamines.
Motpoly XR (lacosamide) can interact with many medications, including medications that are used for heart rhythm problems (antiarrhythmics). Make sure to tell your provider and pharmacist about all of the medications you're taking or planning to take before starting Motpoly XR (lacosamide).
Don't change your dose or stop taking Motpoly XR (lacosamide) suddenly without talking to your provider first. Doing so can cause your seizures to come back. If you want to take a lower dose or stop the medication, follow your provider's instructions to do so safely and slowly over a period of time.
The typical starting dose is 100 mg or 200 mg by mouth once per day. The typical maintenance dose is 200 mg to 400 mg by mouth once per day. The maintenance dose helps control your seizures over a long period of time.
Your dose is based on several factors, such as your age and whether you're taking Motpoly XR (lacosamide) alone or with other anti-seizure medications. It might also differ if you have kidney or liver problems.
Your provider will adjust your dose based on whether you're taking another medication that interacts with Motpoly XR (lacosamide), how well Motpoly XR (lacosamide) is working to control your seizures, and whether you're having side effects.
Partial-onset seizures in adults and children weighing at least 110 lbs
Focal aware (partial-onset) seizures in people ages 1 month and older
Add-on treatment for myoclonic seizures from juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in people ages 12 years and older
Add-on treatment for generalized tonic-clonic seizures in people ages 6 years and older
Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures)
Seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome - immediate-release only
Bipolar disorder - immediate-release only
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American Heart Association. (2022). What is an arrhythmia?
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Kiriakopoulos, E, et al. (2022). Tonic-clonic seizures. Epilepsy Foundation.
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