Vimpat
(lacosamide)
Controls partial seizures.
Our bottom line
Vimpat (lacosamide) is considered a first choice medicine to control partial seizures, but it can be expensive since it's brand name.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Upsides
- Vimpat (lacosamide) is part of the first choice medicines to control partial seizures.
- Available in pills or liquid to use at home, and as an injectable in the hospital.
- Can be used by itself or with other medicines to control seizures.
- There are programs available through the manufacturer that can lower your copay.
What to expect from Vimpat, on one page
Downsides
- Only available as a brand name, so it can have a higher copay.
- There are other medicines similar to Vimpat (lacosamide) that are available as generic and are much cheaper.
- Vimpat (lacosamide) only works for partial seizures. It can't be used to treat other types of seizures.
- Vimpat (lacosamide) Is a controlled medicine, so you can only get a limited amount per month.
What to expect from Vimpat, on one page
Vimpat (lacosamide) is an amino acid. While it's not clear exactly how Vimpat (lacosamide) controls seizures, it helps to stabilize nerve cells. Seizures are caused by nerves that are too active.
- Drug class: Neuro/psych
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: No lower cost generic available
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Liquid
- Injection
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$954.29Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- CostcoGet free coupon$927.32
- Kroger PharmacyGet free coupon$961.04
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$966.90
What to expect when you take Vimpat (lacosamide) for Partial seizures
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dizziness
- Difficulty controlling movement
- Suicidal behavior
- Headache
- Nausea
- Double vision
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Vimpat (lacosamide)
- Dizziness43%43%
- Sleepiness26%26%
- Nausea14%14%
- Headache13%13%9%9%
- Fatigue12%12%
- Double vision11%11%2%2%
- Nausea11%11%4%4%
- Vomiting9%9%3%3%
- Fatigue9%9%6%6%
- Double vision9%9%
- Blurry vision8%8%3%3%
- Difficulty controlling movement8%8%2%2%
- Headache8%8%
- Sleepiness7%7%5%5%
- Tremor7%7%4%4%
- Dry mouth6%6%
- Prickling and tingling sensation6%6%
- Difficulty controlling eye movements5%5%4%4%
- Blurry vision5%5%
- Vomiting5%5%
- Prickling and tingling in the mouth5%5%
- Numbness in the mouth5%5%
- Loss of balance4%4%1%1%
- Diarrhea4%4%3%3%
- Problems with balance4%4%
- Diarrhea4%4%
- Tremor4%4%
- Itching4%4%
- Bruising3%3%3%3%
- Skin lacerations3%3%2%2%
- Problems with walking3%3%
- Chest pain3%3%
- Problems with coordination3%3%
- Problems with walking2%2%
- Weakness2%2%1%1%
- Memory problems2%2%2%2%
- Depression2%2%1%1%
- Itching2%2%1%1%
- Excessive sweating2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Vimpat.
People taking Vimpat felt side effect more
People taking Vimpat felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Vimpat (lacosamide)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking other medicines to control seizures
Vimpat (lacosamide), like other medicines used to control seizures, can increase the risk of suicide. If your mood worsens and you want to hurt yourself after you start taking Vimpat (lacosamide), talk to your doctor right away.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats partial-onset seizures in adults aged 17 years and older.Common concerns from people taking Vimpat (lacosamide)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Not worth itLow hassleReviewed Vimpaton 7/20/2020come down on prices you can afford44ManTwo years or morePartial seizures
- You can take Vimpat (lacosamide) with or without food.