Vimpat (lacosamide Tablet and Injection) Drug Information: Medication Guide and Patient Information

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May 27, 2012

Vimpat

Seizures Symptoms and Types »

Generalized seizures

There are six types of generalized seizures. The most common and dramatic, and therefore the most well known, is the generalized convulsion, also called the grand-mal seizure. In this type of seizure, the patient loses consciousness and usually collapses. The loss of consciousness is followed by generalized body stiffening (called the "tonic" phase of the seizure) for 30 to 60 seconds, then by violent jerking (the "clonic" phase) for 30 to 60 seconds, after which the patient goes into a deep sleep (the "postictal" or after-seizure phase). During grand-mal seizures, injuries and accidents may occur, such as tongue biting and urinary incontinence.

Absence seizures cause a short loss of consciousness (just a few seconds) with few or no symptoms. The patient, most often a child, typically interrupts an activity and stares blankly. These seizures begin and end abruptly and may occur several times a day. Patients are usu...

Read the Seizures Symptoms and Types article »

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PATIENT INFORMATION

Medication Guide

VIMPAT
( VIM-pat.)
lacosamide

VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions

Read this Medication Guide before you start taking VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment. This Medication Guide is only about the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions with VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) .

What is the most important information I should know about VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) ?

VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500.
Call a healthcare provider right away if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:
- thoughts about suicide or dying
- attempt to commit suicide
- new or worse depression
- new or worse anxiety
- feeling agitated or restless
- panic attacks
- trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- new or worse irritability
- acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
- acting on dangerous impulses
- an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
- other unusual changes in behavior or mood
Do not stop VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) without first talking to a healthcare provider.
- Stopping VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) suddenly can cause serious problems.
- Suicidal thoughts or actions can be caused by things other than medicines. If you have suicidal thoughts or actions, your healthcare provider may check for other causes.
How can I watch for early symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions?
- Pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.
- Keep all follow-up visits with your healthcare provider as scheduled.
- Call your healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you are worried about symptoms.

What else should I know about VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) ?

VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) has other side effects. For more information ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) can interact with other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Using Vimpat (lacosamide tablet and injection) with certain other medicines can affect each other causing side effects.
Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist each time you get a new medicine. Do not start a new medicine without first talking with your healthcare provider.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use Vimpat (lacosamide tablet and injection) for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Vimpat (lacosamide tablet and injection) to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.

This Medication Guide summarizes the most important information about VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) . If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your pharmacist or doctor for information about VIMPAT (lacosamide tablet and injection) that is written for health professionals.

For more information, go to www.vimpat (lacosamide tablet and injection) .com or call 1-800-477-7877. Issued 01/2009. This Medication Guide has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/8/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.