Vimpat (lacosamide Tablet and Injection) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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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...

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Vimpat Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Vimpat

Generic Name: lacosamide (Pronunciation: la KOE sa mide)

What is lacosamide (Vimpat)?

Lacosamide is an antiepileptic drug.

Lacosamide is used together with other medications to treat partial-onset seizures in people with epilepsy who are at least 17 years old.

Lacosamide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of lacosamide (Vimpat)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, panic, or if you feel hyperactive, talkative, restless, agitated, aggressive, angry, impulsive, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop using lacosamide and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

confusion, thoughts of hurting yourself;
double vision;
feeling like you might pass out;
fast or pounding heartbeats;
feeling short of breath;
fever, swollen glands, easy bruising or bleeding;
nausea, pain in your upper stomach, jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes);
skin rash, bruising, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness; or
lower back pain, cloudy or bloody urine, swelling, rapid weight gain, urinating less than usual.

Less serious side effects may include:

headache, ringing in your ears;
tremors, muscle spasms, numbness or tingly feeling;
drowsiness, trouble concentrating;
dizziness, spinning sensation;
loss of balance or coordination;
constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting; or
blurred vision.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

What is the most important information I should know about lacosamide (Vimpat)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to lacosamide.

Before you take lacosamide, tell your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, or a serious heart condition such as "AV block," heart failure, or sick sinus syndrome (unless you have a pacemaker).

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

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