Lacosamide, carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine are known to block special proteins in the covering of cells which allow sodium into the cells when they are turned on by a change in the electricity that a cell may feel (voltage-gated sodium channel, NaV1.7). Lacosamide was chosen over carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine because it causes fewer side effects. Currently, lacosamide is being tested in patients with painful diabetic nerve pain. Further trials to identify lacosamide's potential in pain control and for other indications have been started.