Vimpat (lacosamide) is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant.
Vimpat is used together with other medications to treat partial-onset seizures in people with epilepsy who are at least 17 years old.
Vimpat may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important information
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Vimpat if you are allergic to lacosamide.
To make sure Vimpat is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
-
kidney disease;
-
liver disease;
-
a history of depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or drug or alcohol abuse;
-
nerve problems caused by diabetes; or
-
a serious heart condition such as "sick sinus syndrome" or "AV block" (unless you have a pacemaker), heart failure, or other severe heart disorder.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Vimpat. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Call your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.
FDA pregnancy category C. Do not start or stop taking Vimpat during pregnancy without your doctor"s advice. Having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking this medicine for seizures.
See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of Vimpat on the baby.
It is not known whether lacosamide passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.
The liquid form may contain phenylalanine. Talk to your doctor before using this form of Vimpat if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).
Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 17 years old.
How should I take Vimpat?
Take Vimpat exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Vimpat can be taken with or without food.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Do not stop using Vimpat suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures. Follow your doctor"s instructions about tapering your dose.
Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking Vimpat.
Wear a medical alert tag or carry an ID card stating that you take Vimpat. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.
Use Vimpat regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze the liquid form of this medicine.
Keep track of the amount of medicine used from each new bottle. Vimpat is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Vimpat may cause blurred vision or impair your balance, thinking, or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.
Vimpat side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Vimpat: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Stop using Vimpat and call your doctor at once if you have:
-
double vision, hallucinations;
-
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
-
fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;
-
shortness of breath;
-
fever, skin rash, swollen glands, flu symptoms;
-
bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
-
nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
-
lower back pain, cloudy or bloody urine, swelling, rapid weight gain, urinating less than usual.
Common Vimpat side effects may include:
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1 800 FDA 1088.
See also: Side effects (in more detail)
What other drugs will affect Vimpat?
Other drugs may interact with Vimpat, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.
