Lacosamide (la-KOE-sa-mide)

Treats seizures, including partial or tonic-clonic seizures.

Brand Name(s):

Motpoly XR, Vimpat

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Long Acting Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
• Swallow the tablet or the extended-release capsule whole with liquid. Do not open, crush, break, or chew it.
• Oral liquid: Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
• The oral liquid may also be given using a feeding tube.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze the oral liquid. Throw away any unused medicine 6 months after you open the bottle.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how lacosamide works. Tell your doctor if you are using blood pressure medicine.
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, nerve problem caused by diabetes, heart or blood vessel disease, or heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or a history of depression or mental health problems or drug or alcohol abuse.
• Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. This medicine may cause your baby to be more sleepy. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Changes in mood or behavior, including thoughts of suicide
  • Heart rhythm problems (including PR prolongation)
  • Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), which may involve multiple organs, including your liver or kidneys
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, or cause double vision. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely. Your seizures may return or occur more often if you stop this medicine suddenly.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Bloody or cloudy urine, rapid weight gain, swelling of your face, feet, or lower legs
• Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
• Depression, unusual changes in mood or behavior, thoughts of hurting yourself
• Fast, slow, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in your neck, armpit, or groin
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
• Problems with walking or balance, sleepiness, blurred or double vision
• Trouble breathing, fainting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache
• Tiredness or weakness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088