Vimpat Side Effects

Generic name: lacosamide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 3, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Vimpat Side Effects associated with lacosamide. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Vimpat.

Applies to lacosamide: oral capsule extended release, oral solution, oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

• intravenous solution

Serious side effects of Vimpat

Along with its needed effects, lacosamide (the active ingredient contained in Vimpat) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking lacosamide:

More common side effects

• dizziness
• false or unusual sense of well-being
• shakiness and unsteady walk
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• trembling or shaking of the hands or feet
• unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination

Less common side effects

• being forgetful
• discouragement
• feeling sad or empty
• irritability
• itching skin
• lack of appetite
• loss of balance control
• loss of interest or pleasure
• mood or mental changes
• tearing of the skin
• tiredness
• trouble concentrating
• trouble with sleeping
• trouble with walking

Incidence not known

• abnormal or decreased touch sensation
• black, tarry stools
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• changes in patterns and rhythms of speech
• chills
• continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears
• cough
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• feeling drunk
• fever
• hearing loss
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• slurred speech
• sore throat
• trouble breathing
• trouble performing routine tasks
• trouble with balance
• trouble with speaking
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects of Vimpat

Some side effects of lacosamide may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common side effects

• blurred vision
• double vision
• headache
• nausea
• vomiting

Less common side effects

• diarrhea
• feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings
• lack or loss of strength
• sensation of spinning
• uncontrolled eye movements

Incidence not known

• acid or sour stomach
• belching
• blistering, peeling, loosening of the skin
• constipation
• difficulty having a bowel movement
• dry mouth
• heartburn
• increased sweating
• indigestion
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
• muscle spasms
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

For healthcare professionals

Applies to lacosamide: intravenous solution, oral capsule extended release, oral solution, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported adverse reactions have included diplopia, headache, dizziness, and nausea.

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Dizziness (up to 60%), headache (up to 13%), ataxia (up to 15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence, tremor, balance disorder, nystagmus, memory impairment, coordination abnormal, cognitive disorder, somnolence, tremor, dysarthria, disturbance in attention, paresthesia
• Frequency not reported: Oral hypoesthesia, pyrexia
• Postmarketing reports: Hypoesthesia, cerebellar syndrome, new or worsening seizures, dyskinesia^[Ref]

Dizziness was reported in 25% of patients randomized to the recommended doses (200 to 400 mg/day) of this drug compared with 8% of placebo patients in studies in adult patients with partial-onset seizures taking 1 to 3 concomitant AEDs. It was the event most frequently leading to discontinuation (3%). Ataxia was reported by 6% of patients randomized to the recommended doses (200 to 400 mg/day) compared to 2% in placebo patients. Dizziness and ataxia were also observed in pediatric clinical trials.^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 24%), vomiting (up to 16%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, dyspepsia, dry mouth^[Ref]

Ocular

• Very common (10% or more): Diplopia (up to 16%), blurred vision (up to 16%)^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypersensitivity
• Frequency not reported: Multiorgan hypersensitivity reactions (also known as Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms, or DRESS)^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (up to 15%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, vertigo, gait disturbance
• Frequency not reported: Tinnitus, fall^[Ref]

Local

• Common (1% to 10%): Injection site pain or discomfort
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Irritation, erythema^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Depression, confusional state, insomnia
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Aggression, agitation, euphoric mood, suicide attempt, suicidal ideation, hallucination
• Frequency not reported: Irritability, feeling drunk
• Postmarketing reports: Psychotic disorder^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus, rash
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Angioedema, urticaria
• Frequency not reported: Neutropenia, anemia
• Postmarketing reports: Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Very common (10% or more): Chest pain (up to 12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Syncope
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Atrioventricular block, bradycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter
• Frequency not reported: Palpitations
• Postmarketing reports: Cardiac arrhythmias including bradycardia, AV block, and ventricular tachyarrhythmia, which have rarely resulted in asystole, cardiac arrest, and death^[Ref]

During clinical trials in adult patients with partial-onset seizures, asymptomatic first-degree atrioventricular (AV) block was observed in 0.4% (4/944) of patients randomized to this drug and 0% (0/364) of placebo patients. One case of profound bradycardia was observed in a patient during a 15-minute 150 mg IV infusion.

In short-term trials in adult patients with diabetic neuropathy, atrial fibrillation occurred in 0.5% of patients (placebo=0%). Syncope occurred in 1.2% of patients (placebo=0%).

A clinical pharmacology study in healthy subjects (n=247) did not shown any QTc interval prolongation or dose-related or clinically important effects on QRS duration. This drug did produce a dose-related increase in mean PR interval; the maximum mean PR interval increase corresponded with Tmax. The placebo-subtracted maximum increase in PR interval was 7.3 ms for the 400 mg/day group and 11.9 ms for the 800 mg/day group. In clinical trials, the placebo-subtracted mean maximum increase in PR interval for a 400 mg/day dose was 3.1 ms in patients with partial-onset seizures and 9.4 ms for patients with diabetic neuropathy.^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Muscle spasms
• Frequency not reported: Connective tissue disorders^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Neutropenia, anemia
• Postmarketing reports: Agranulocytosis^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Liver function test abnormal
• Frequency not reported: Hepatitis^[Ref]

Further information

Vimpat side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer