Vimpat

Vimpat is used to treat certain cases of seizures. Doctors prescribe Vimpat as an additional medication (adjunctive therapy) to treat partial-onset seizures.

Partial-onset seizures are the most common type of seizures in patients with epilepsy. It is usually caused by an abnormality on one area of the brain, though the exact cause in many patients is not known.

Vimpat is an anticonvulsant drug. It works by controlling electrical activity in the brain and slowing abnormal nerve impulses that cause seizures.

Vimpat is approved for use only in patients older than 17 years old. Vimpat requires a prescription.

Vimpat must be used only according to doctor’s instructions. Like many medications for epilepsy, Vimpat may cause suicidal behavior in patients.

Vimpat is also known to cause dizziness, loss of coordination and loss of balance. Vimpat has some potential for abuse, though this risk is low compared to drugs like Buprenorphine, Thiopental, and Ketamine.

Your doctor will inform you of what you need to know before using Vimpat. For treating seizures, Vimpat must be used along with other medications.

Vimpat does not work for seizures when used alone. You cannot use Lacosamide if you are allergic to it. If you experienced allergies to Vimpat injection or tablets before, tell them to your doctor.

Vimpat is not for patients with the severe liver disease. Tell the doctor all your health conditions before taking Vimpat.

The doctor needs to know if you have conditions such as:

• Diabetes, or have nerve problems caused by diabetes
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease, or if you are on a dialysis
• Have conditions in the heart or blood vessels, such as heart block, heart failure, sick sinus syndrome or irregular heartbeat
• History of mood or mental disorders, such as depression
• History of suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Abuse of alcohol or other substances
• If you are taking medicines that affect heart rate or for treatment of arrhythmia

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, tell it to your doctor before receiving Lacosamide. Lacosamide is a pregnancy category C drug so it may not be safe for the unborn baby when given to pregnant patients. Do not breastfeed when receiving Lacosamide because it may be expressed in breast milk.

Do not use Lacosamide on patients less than 17 years of age. The safety and effectiveness of Lacosamide to children and babies is not fully known.

Lacosamide is known to interact with other drugs and cause undesirable effects. Avoid this by telling to the doctor all the medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products, before receiving Lacosamide.

Tell the doctor if you are using the following medicines:

• Atanazir
• Dolasetron
• Saquinavir
• Sodium Oxybate
• Amlodipine
• Atenolol
• Alectinib
• Betaxolol
• Digoxin
• Diltiazem
• Esmolol
• Felodipine
• Galantamine
• Hydrochlorothiazide
• Lidocaine
• Meperidine
• Mefloquine
• Nadolol
• Nifedipine
• Nicardipine
• Penbutolol
• Propanolol
• Thalidomide
• Timolol
• Verapamil

Proper usage of Vimpat requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. This form of Vimpat is administered by injecting it into the veins (intravenous route).

Vimpat comes with an extra information guide. Make sure to understand all the information in this guide before receiving Vimpat. If you have questions, ask them to your doctor.

Vimpat is injected into the veins by a doctor or other health professionals. Usually, Vimpat is infused twice a day. You can only have Vimpat in a hospital or doctor’s clinic.

It is unlikely to overdose on Vimpat because it is given by health professionals. It is important not to miss clinic appointments for infusion of Vimpat because it increases the risk of seizures. If you miss a dose of Vimpat, call your doctor right away.

Before using Vimpat, there are some precautions you must take. Inspect Vimpat vial before infusion. Do not use the vial if it is cracked or the liquid inside is cloudy, discolored or has particles in it.

Do not stop using Vimpat without doctor’s permission. Stopping use increases the likelihood of occurrence of seizures. Vimpat is discontinued by gradually reducing or tapering the dose.

Make sure to dispose of used syringes, vials, and other sharps. Follow local laws in disposing of sharps and other hazardous waste.

Note that Vimpat can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or perform unsafe tasks right after taking Vimpat. Taking alcohol may enhance drowsiness caused by Lacosamide.

Vimpat may cause lightheadedness or fainting, which is more likely to occur when you have a fever, during hot weather, after taking alcohol or exercise. If you began to feel lightheaded, lie or sit down right away.

Lacosamide is linked to self-harm or suicidal behavior, especially in patients with prior history of such behaviors.

Call the doctor right away if you experience:

• depression
• anxiety
• restlessness
• irritability or have panic attacks
• unusual change in mood or behavior

Anti-seizure medications such as Lacosamide may cause a serious and life-threatening reaction that affect the skin or other organs in the body.

Call the doctor right away if you experience:

• a rash
• reduced urine output
• hives, red, swollen or blistered skin
• swelling of lymph nodes
• liver problem symptoms
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual muscle pain
• fever
• chills
• a sore throat

The doctor will order regular lab and clinic tests while you receive Vimpat to determine your condition and detect signs of side effects. Always keep up with doctor’s appointments while receiving Vimpat.

The elderly are more prone to the side effects of Vimpat so they need more monitoring. If you became pregnant or did breastfeeding while receiving Lacosamide, call your doctor right away.

Make sure you meet with your doctor in using Vimpat to avoid unwanted potential side effects.

Vimpat may cause serious side effects that require medical attention:

• Severe allergic reaction symptoms such as itching, skin rash, hives, swelling of the mouth, lips, tongue or throat
• Symptoms of liver problems such as upper right stomach pain, passing out dark urine or pale stools and jaundice
• Behavioral changes such as aggression, agitation, anxiety, irritability or hostility
• Mood changes such as depression, panic attacks, restlessness and quick mood swings
• Changes in urine output
• Chest pain
• Confusion
• Reduced control over body coordination and balance
• Fainting
• Too slow, too fast or irregular heartbeat
• New or worsening seizures
• Severe and persistent drowsiness, weakness or tiredness
• Shortness of breath
• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Swelling of the legs
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Tremors
• Insomnia
• Vision changes

Vimpat may cause minor side effects such as:

• Blurred vision or double vision
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Headache
• Mild itching, pain or redness at the injection site
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Weakness