Does Lacosamide Interact with Phenobarbital?
Lacosamide and Phenobarbital have a minor drug interaction according to U.S. FDA drug labeling data. Steady-state plasma concentrations of phenobarbital were not affected by concomitant lacosamide at any dose in clinical studies. The mechanism involves no clinically significant interaction. Patients taking both medications should consult their healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing the dosage of either drug. This information is based on official FDA drug labeling sourced from OpenFDA and the NIH National Library of Medicine.
- Severity
- Minor
- Management
- Generally manageable
- Data Source
- U.S. FDA via OpenFDA
How This Interaction Works
The interaction between Lacosamide and Phenobarbital occurs because no clinically significant interaction. Clinically, this means steady-state plasma concentrations of phenobarbital were not affected by concomitant lacosamide at any dose in clinical studies. This is classified as a minor interaction with generally low clinical significance, though your healthcare provider should still be informed that you are taking both medications.
What To Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist
If you are taking Lacosamide and your doctor is considering prescribing Phenobarbital (or vice versa), make sure to:
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
- Ask whether the benefits of combining these medications outweigh the risks for your specific situation
- Ask what symptoms to watch for that would indicate the interaction is causing problems
- Never stop or change either medication without first consulting your healthcare provider