Drug Notes

Lacosamide (By mouth)

Lacosamide (la-KOE-sa-mide)

Treats partial seizures.

Brand Name(s):

Vimpat

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid . Throw away any unused medicine 7 weeks after you open the bottle.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how lacosamide works. Tell your doctor if you are using blood pressure medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetic neuropathy, or any heart problems.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Changes in heart rhythm, such as a condition called PR prolongation
  • Serious allergic reactions that may involve multiple organs, such as your liver or kidneys
• This medicine may cause depression or thoughts of suicide. Tell your doctor if you have a history of depression or mental illness.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, or cause double vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• The oral liquid contains aspartame (a source of phenylalanine). If you have phenylketonuria (PKU), talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely. Your seizures may return or occur more often if you stop this medicine suddenly.
• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Depression, unusual behavior, or thoughts of hurting yourself
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Problems with walking or balance, sleepiness, blurred or double vision
• Trouble breathing, fainting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
• Tiredness or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017