Lacosamide

Lacosamide in vitro affects voltage-gated sodium channels, resulting in stabilization of hyperexcitable neuronal membranes and inhibition of repetitive neuronal firing. Lacosamide binds to collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP-2), a phosphoprotein mainly expressed in the nervous system and involved in neuronal differentiation and control of axonal outgrowth. The role of CRMP-2 binding in seizure control is unknown. Lacosamide is approved for adjunctive treatment of partial seizures. In clinical trials, the drug caused euphoria similar to that produced by alprazolam and is labeled as a controlled substance (Schedule V).