Clinical efficacy of lacosamide in neuropathic pain: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Abstract

Introduction: Neuropathic pain is considered the most difficult to manage, with many patients getting inadequate relief from the current pharmacotherapy. While many drugs have been added to the regimen, Lacosamide has emerged as a promising therapeutic option. This systematic review focuses on the efficacy and safety of lacosamide in adult patients with neuropathic pain.

Methods: Databases such as PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched thoroughly for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) published in English through November 2025. The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included studies.

Results: Eight RCTs involving 976 participants with different neuropathic pain conditions met the inclusion criteria. Across the included studies, Lacosamide (200-600 mg/day) provided a modest reduction in their pain scores. However, it didn't have much of a positive impact on quality of life, limited function, adverse effects were common, and a high dropout rate was observed in several trials.

Conclusion: Lacosamide might provide a modest analgesic benefit across multiple neuropathic conditions. But its extensive, long-term use requires more research to confirm its benefits, particularly the optimum dosing protocols.