Vimpat (VIM-pat) is the brand name used in the United States and some other countries for the seizure medicine lacosamide (la-COS-a-mide). In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lacosamide in 2008 to be used together with other seizure medicines (called add-on or adjunctive seizure medicine) in adults with partial-onset epilepsy. (Partial onset epilepsy means that seizures start in a part of the brain and may stay in that area, or spread to other areas.)

Forms
Vimpat is marketed in the United States by UCB Pharma, Inc. The name or look of the medicine may be different in other countries. The dose (measured in milligrams, abbreviated "mg") will usually be the same. These descriptions apply to the U.S. versions of lacosamide:

Tablets

	50-mg (pink)
	100-mg (dark yellow)
	150-mg (salmon)
	200-mg (blue) film-coated tablets

Injectable
200-mg in each-20 mL single-use vial for intravenous use

How to take and store Vimpat
Follow your doctor's directions. Call if you have any questions. Usually, the drug is started by taking 50 mg twice a day, for a total of 100 mg daily (100 mg/day). The dose may be increased each week by 100 mg each day and given in two doses each day. Usually the total daily dose is between 200 to 400 mg each day. The amount a person needs depends on how well it works and how well they tolerate it. The drug may be swallowed whole or crushed and mixed with food. Swallowing the drug whole with a glass of water helps avoid a bitter taste. Vimpat is well-absorbed from the stomach and can be taken with or without food. It's a good idea to be consistent about how you take it and take it the same way each day.

Be careful if the doctor writes a new prescription using a different kind of pill. For example, if you've been using 50-mg tablets and the new prescription is for 100-mg tablets, be careful to use the correct number. Don't automatically continue to use the same number of pills as before.

Be sure to use only the amount that the doctor prescribes. If you think you've used one or two extra tablets, call your doctor for advice. If an overdose of the medicine has been taken, call your local poison control center or emergency room right away, unless you have special instructions from the doctor.

Don't stop taking Vimpat or change the amount you use without talking to the doctor first. Stopping any seizure medicine all at once can cause a serious problem called status epilepticus.

All forms of Vimpat should be stored at room temperature, away from light and moisture. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. The manufacturer recommends storing Vimpat at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). You may take it with you on excursions of temperatures between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F). The drug may be stable at greater extremes of temperature, but information is lacking.

What if I forget?
If you forget a dose of Vimpat, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, delay that dose for a few hours instead of taking two doses very close together. Then go back to the regular schedule. Do your best to follow the doctor's directions. If you forget doses often, it may be a good idea to get a special pillbox or watch with an alarm to remind you. Write down any missed doses on a seizure calendar too. Share this with the doctor so they can help you with this.

Taking the right amount of seizure medicine on time every single day is the most important step in preventing seizures!