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 as an add-on (adjunctive) seizure medicine in adults with partial-onset epilepsy.

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

Tablets

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

Injectable
200-mg/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, your doctor will tell you to start by taking 50 mg twice daily (100 mg/day). The dose may be increased at weekly intervals by 100 mg/day given as two divided doses to a daily dose of 200 to 400 mg/day, based on how well it works and how well you tolerate it. Most people prefer to swallow the tablets whole to avoid their bitter taste. But people who are unable to swallow whole tablets can crush the tablet and mix it with food. Vimpat is well-absorbed whether you take it with food or without food, but it's a good idea to be consistent about how you take it.

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. For a larger overdose, 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 humidity and 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.

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