Sign inBefore taking lacosamide
Before taking lacosamide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have heart problems.
- If you have liver problems.
- If you have kidney problems.
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
How to take lacosamide
- Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. It is taken twice a day - one dose in the morning and one in the evening.
- Try to take lacosamide at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Keep your regular doctor's appointment so that your progress can be monitored.
- Lacosamide is taken long-term. Do not stop taking it without speaking to your doctor first, as stopping suddenly may cause your symptoms to return.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with lacosamide.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Can lacosamide cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Dizziness, drowsiness, double vision | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol as it will increase these feelings of drowsiness |
| Headache | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache continues speak with your doctor |
| Feeling or being sick, wind | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day |
| Difficulties with balance, co-ordination and thinking, depression, shaking, unusual eye movements, fatigue and itching | If these become troublesome, speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store lacosamide
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
- Only use the syrup for 4 weeks once the bottle has been opened.
Important information about all medicines
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References
- British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
- Manufacturer's PIL, Vimpat® 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg & 200 mg film-coated tablets, UCB Pharma Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2011.