Brief CommunicationEffects of adjunctive lacosamide on mood and quality of life in patients with epilepsy

- We examined the effects of adjunctive lacosamide on mood and quality of life (QOL).
- The lacosamide group had a significant decrease in negative mood states.
- No effect of lacosamide on quality of life was noted.
- Electronically measured adherence (MEMS cap) was 70.7%.

We examined the effects of adjunctive lacosamide (LCM) on mood and quality of life (QOL) in adult patients with partial-onset seizures in a prospective, controlled, single-blind study. Patients in whom LCM was added to their AED regimen for clinical indications comprised the LCM group (n = 18), while the control group (n = 32) comprised patients on ≥ 2 AEDs with anticipated stable dosing for the duration of the study. Profile of Mood States (POMS) and QOLIE-89 were used to assess mood and QOL at enrollment and 12-16 weeks later. Adherence to LCM was measured electronically with the Medication Event Monitoring System (MEMS) and using a self-report measure. There were no significant between-group differences in age, AED load, side-effects (A-B Neurotoxicity Scale), MoCA mental status, or seizure-related factors. LCM adherence (measured by MEMS) was 70.7%. There was a significant decrease in negative mood states in the LCM group (estimated marginal mean at baseline = 49.4, at follow-up = 29.7; p = 0.02), after controlling for seizure freedom. Based on previously reported benchmarks, clinically significant change on the POMS occurred in 7 (38%) LCM patients. The effect of LCM on the overall QOL was not significant (p = 0.078). Correlation between POMS Total Mood Distress and Emotional-Wellbeing on the QOLIE-89 was significant (r = − 0.783; p = 0.01). These results suggest that LCM may have a favorable impact on mood.