Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 28, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Vimpat
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Anticonvulsant
Uses for lacosamide
Lacosamide is used to treat partial-onset seizures. It is also used with other medicines to treat primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. It acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce the number and severity of seizures. However, lacosamide cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to control seizures for as long as you continue to take it.
Lacosamide is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using lacosamide
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For lacosamide, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to lacosamide or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of lacosamide in children younger than 4 years of age to treat primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures and in children younger than 1 month of age to treat partial-onset seizures. Safety and efficacy have not been established.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of lacosamide in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have age-related liver, kidney, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving lacosamide.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain med...
