Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Vimpat (Lacosamide). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Vimpat (Lacosamide) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Vimpat (Lacosamide). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• Diarrhea
• dizziness
• falls
• fatigue
• feeling of motion or spinning (Vertigo)
• headache
• nausea
• poor muscle coordination
• ringing in the ears
• tremor or shaking
• vomiting

Although most of these side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• shortness of breath
• signs of  liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• slow or rapid pulse
• vision changes, such as blurred vision, double vision

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• suicidal thoughts or behaviour
• symptoms of an allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of the face, tongue, mouth, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; itching; rash)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Vimpat (Lacosamide).

50 mg
Each pink, oval, film-coated tablet engraved with "SP" on one side and "50" on the other, contains 50 mg of Vimpat (Lacosamide). Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, lecithin, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, red iron oxide, black iron oxide, and FD&C Blue No. 2/Indigo Carmine Aluminum Lake.

100 mg
Each dark yellow, oval, film-coated tablet, engraved with "SP" on one side and "100" on the other, contains 100 mg of Vimpat (Lacosamide). Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, lecithin, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, and yellow iron oxide.

150 mg
Each salmon, oval, film-coated tablet, engraved with "SP" on one side and "150" on the other, contains 150 mg of Vimpat (Lacosamide). Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, lecithin, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide, red iron oxide, and black iron oxide.

200 mg
Each blue, oval, film-coated tablet engraved with "SP" on one side and "200" on the other, contains 200 mg of Vimpat (Lacosamide). Nonmedicinal ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, crospovidone, hydroxypropylcellulose, hypromellose, lecithin, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide, and FD&C Blue No. 2/Indigo Carmine Aluminum Lake.

Vimpat (Lacosamide) should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to Vimpat (Lacosamide) or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• has or has had second- or third-degree AV block (types of heart rhythm disorder)

There may be an interaction between Vimpat (Lacosamide) and any of the following:

• Amiodarone
• "azole" antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole, Voriconazole)
• beta-adrenergic blockers (e.g., Atenolol, propranolol, Sotalol)
• Capecitabine
• carbamazepine
• Ceritinib
• clarithromycin
• Clonidine
• Cobicistat
• conivaptan
• delavirdine
• Digoxin
• Diltiazem
• Donepezil
• Dronedarone
• Fingolimod
• Fluorouracil
• Galantamine
• Gemfibrozil
• Guanfacine
• HIV protease inhibitors (atazanavir, darunavir, lopinavir, ritonavir)
• lamotrigine
• Lanreotide
• Mefloquine
• methyldopa
• nefazodone
• nelfinavir
• Octreotide
• Orlistat
• Pasireotide
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• pregabalin
• Propafenone
• Rivastigmine
• sulfadiazine
• sulfisoxazole
• Tizanidine
• Tolbutamide
• Verapamil

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Vimpat (Lacosamide). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Vimpat (Lacosamide).

Behaviour changes and suicidal thoughts: Some people taking medications to treat epilepsy and seizure have experienced Depression, including thoughts of suicide. If you experience any behaviour changes or symptoms such as sad mood, hopelessness, feelings of guilt, loss of pleasure or interest in activities, changes in sleep pattern, irritability, or restlessness while taking Vimpat (Lacosamide), contact your doctor immediately. Family members or caregivers of people who are taking Vimpat (Lacosamide) should contact the person's doctor immediately if they notice unusual behaviour changes.

Heart problems: People with heart disease, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, or heart block, or people who are taking medications that may cause abnormal ECG (electrocardiogram) such as Propranolol, Metoprolol, Carbamazepine, Pregabalin, or Lamotrigine, should discuss with their doctor how Vimpat (Lacosamide) may affect their medical condition, how their medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Vimpat (Lacosamide), and whether any special monitoring is need. Your doctor may advise you to get an ECG done before starting Vimpat (Lacosamide) and after starting Vimpat (Lacosamide). Vimpat (Lacosamide) is not recommended for people with second- or third-degree AV block.

Hypersensitivity syndrome: A Anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) called hypersensitivity syndrome has occurred for some people who take Vimpat (Lacosamide). Stop taking the medication and get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including Fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.

Injury or falls: Vimpat (Lacosamide) may cause dizziness and a decrease in muscle coordination, which can lead to accidental injury or falls. While taking Vimpat (Lacosamide), do not drive a car, operate a complex machine, or perform hazardous tasks until you know how much Vimpat (Lacosamide) affects your ability to perform these tasks.

Kidney function: If you have decreased kidney function discuss with your doctor how Vimpat (Lacosamide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Vimpat (Lacosamide), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Vimpat (Lacosamide) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Vimpat (Lacosamide) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Vimpat (Lacosamide), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Vimpat (Lacosamide).

Vimpat (Lacosamide) may rarely cause decreased liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Stopping treatment: Vimpat (Lacosamide) should be stopped gradually over a period of at least 1 week, as directed by your doctor. Do not suddenly stop taking Vimpat (Lacosamide) as this can increase the risk of seizures. Do not stop Vimpat (Lacosamide) without talking to your doctor.

Vision changes: People taking Vimpat (Lacosamide) should immediately report blurred vision or double vision to their doctor.

Pregnancy: Vimpat (Lacosamide) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Vimpat (Lacosamide), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Vimpat (Lacosamide) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Vimpat (Lacosamide), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Vimpat (Lacosamide) have not been established for children.

Seniors: People over the age of 65 may be more at risk of developing side effects from Vimpat (Lacosamide), particularly falls.