Lacosamide
LACOSAMIDE – ORAL
(la-KOE-sa-mide)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Vimpat
Lacosamide Online
Lacosamide Tablet (CS) | 100mg | VimpatĀ® | up to 90 tablets | Epilepsy | |
Lacosamide Tablet (CS) | 150mg | VimpatĀ® | up to 90 tablets | Epilepsy | |
Lacosamide Tablet (CS) | 200mg | VimpatĀ® | up to 90 tablets | Epilepsy | |
Lacosamide Tablet (CS) | 50mg | VimpatĀ® | up to 90 tablets | Epilepsy |
IMPORTANT: UTILIZING THIS PRODUCT INFORMATION: The following summary contains essential details but does not encompass all aspects of this product. It does not guarantee that this product is safe, efficient, or suitable for your specific needs. This information should not replace personalized medical guidance from your healthcare provider. Always consult your healthcare professional for comprehensive information about this product and your unique health requirements.
USES: Lacosamide is used to prevent and control seizures. It is an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug. It works by reducing the spread of seizure activity in the brain.
OTHER USES: This section contains uses of this drug which are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug, which may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your medical professional.
Your health care provider may prescribe this medication to be used for nerve pain.
HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking lacosamide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day.
The manufacturer directs to swallow this medication whole. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be split/crushed. Follow your doctor’s directions on how to take this medication.
If you are using the liquid form of this medication, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children’s dosage is also based on weight. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
This medication works best when the amount of drug in your body is kept at a constant level. Take this drug at evenly spaced intervals. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Seizures may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Though it helps many people, this medication can sometimes cause addiction. This risk can be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for a longer time than prescribed by your medical professional. Properly stop the medication when directed by your health care professional.
Tell your doctor right away if your seizure control worsens (such as the number of seizures increases).
ADVERSE REACTIONS (side effects): Experiencing dizziness, sleepiness, blurry or double vision, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, balance issues, trouble walking, trembling, or memory issues might occur. These side effects are more prevalent when initially taking the medication and typically diminish as your body becomes accustomed to the drug. Should any of these reactions persist or worsen, promptly inform your physician or pharmacist.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of known side effects. Many people use this medication without having serious side effects.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: fast/slow/irregular/pounding heartbeat, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe dizziness, fainting.
A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizure, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor right away if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US –
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking lacosamide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as propylene glycol), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems (such as chest pain, sick sinus syndrome, heart failure, AV block, irregular heartbeat), liver problems, kidney problems (including dialysis treatment), mental/mood problems (such as depression, psychosis), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
The liquid form of this medication may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid aspartame (or phenylalanine) in your diet, ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this medication safely.
Before having surgery, tell your doctors or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Interactions between drugs may alter the way your medications function or heighten the likelihood of severe side effects. This resource does not encompass every potential drug interaction. Maintain a record of all items you use (such as prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal supplements) and provide it to your healthcare professional and pharmacist. Refrain from initiating, discontinuing, or modifying the dosage of any medication without your doctor’s consent.
A known product that may interact with this drug is: orlistat.
Inform your healthcare professional or pharmacist if you are using other substances that induce drowsiness, such as alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (e.g., cetirizine, diphenhydramine), medications for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and opioid analgesics (e.g., codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
OVERDOSE: In case of an overdose resulting in severe symptoms like unconsciousness or difficulty breathing, dial 911 immediately. For other situations, promptly contact a poison control center. US residents may reach their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222, while Canadian residents can call a provincial poison control center. Overdose symptoms may encompass extreme nausea/vomiting, challenges in waking up, disorientation, irregular heart rhythm, and significantly slow respiration.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Sharing it is against the law.
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as liver/kidney tests, EKG) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.
MISSED DOSE: In case you forget a dose, administer it as soon as you remember. If the time for the next dose is approaching, omit the missed dose. Proceed with your following dose at its scheduled time. Do not double the dosage to compensate for the missed one.
STORAGE: Maintain this product at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Freezing is not advised. Avoid storing it in the bathroom. The liquid version should be utilized or disposed of within six months of opening. Ensure all medications are kept out of reach of children and animals.
Avoid disposing of medications by flushing them down the toilet or pouring them into a drain, unless explicitly advised to do so. Appropriately discard this product once it has expired or is no longer required. Seek guidance from your pharmacist or the local waste disposal authority.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised February 2022. Copyright(c) 2022 First Databank, Inc.