Type of medicine: antiseizure
Generic and brand names: lacosamide, oral; lacosamide, injection; Vimpat
This medicine is taken by mouth or given by injection to treat partial seizures. It is usually taken with other seizure medicines. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Read the Medication Guide that comes in the medicine package when you start taking this medicine and each time you get a refill.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Usually you will start with a low dosage and your provider will increase it gradually to reach the dosage needed to prevent your seizures. Be sure you understand how much medicine to take. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to reduce your dosage gradually.
You can take the tablets or liquid with or without meals. If you have the liquid form of this medicine, use the measuring device given to you by the pharmacist (not a common kitchen spoon) to make sure you get the right dose. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.
This medicine may be given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein). Infusions are given by your healthcare provider, usually when you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: fast heartbeat, dizziness, headache, restlessness, confusion, lightheadedness, fainting, slow shallow breathing.
Antiseizure medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some people. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or new or increased thoughts of suicide.
Your healthcare provider will want to see you regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments. Contact your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it gets worse.
This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision, or cause lack of coordination. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and can see clearly.
This medicine may cause a heart problem resulting in an irregular heartbeat or severe dizziness or fainting. If you experience sudden dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, lay down with your legs raised until you recover and contact your healthcare provider. You may be at an increased risk for this problem if you have a history of heart problems or are taking other medicines that can affect your heart. Talk with your healthcare provider about this. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you are taking.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.
This medicine may increase the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down your nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your healthcare provider approves.
This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions that can affect body organs such as the liver or kidney. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have a fever or rash, yellowing of the skins or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, or trouble urinating.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Carry some form of ID stating that you have seizures and are taking an antiseizure medicine.
This medicine is a controlled substance. It is illegal for you to give it to anyone else.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Worse seizures; sudden back or abdominal pain; severe nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; blood in your urine; dark urine; yellowing of skin or eyes; severe or unusual tiredness; trouble urinating; depression or thoughts of suicide; trouble concentrating; trouble speaking; fever; cough; sore throat; mouth sores; unusual paleness or weakness; problems with balance or walking; severe muscle or joint pain; memory problems; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; trouble breathing; severe dizziness or fainting; vision problems.
Other: Drowsiness, dizziness, lack of coordination, headache, tiredness, restlessness, confusion, diarrhea, nausea, constipation; injection site pain, redness, or swelling.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
