What is Vimpat?
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.
Slideshow: 12 Things You Need to Know About Lyrica
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.