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Compare Keppra vs. Vimpat

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Levetiracetam (Keppra) and lacosamide (Vimpat) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they have some key differences. Levetiracetam is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, while lacosamide is available in immediate-release and extended-release capsules. Levetiracetam is not a controlled substance, whereas lacosamide is a Schedule V controlled substance, meaning it has a potential for misuse and dependence. Levetiracetam can be used for partial-onset seizures, myoclonic seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures, while lacosamide is used for partial-onset seizures and as an add-on for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Common side effects of levetiracetam include sleepiness, weakness, and headaches, while lacosamide often causes dizziness, headaches, and nausea. Additionally, levetiracetam is known to cause mood changes and behavioral issues, especially in children, whereas lacosamide can cause abnormal heartbeats and fainting. Both medications require careful monitoring and should not be stopped abruptly to avoid withdrawal seizures.

Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Vimpat (lacosamide)
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Vimpat (lacosamide)
Summary of Keppra vs. Vimpat
Summary for Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Immediate-release levetiracetam is a seizure medication for adults and children. It's known as the brand names Keppra and Roweepra, and it also has a generic version. This medication comes as a tablet and liquid that's taken twice each day. The dosage depends on your age, weight, and the type of seizure you have. Levetiracetam (Keppra) doesn't have any known interactions with food or medications. Common side effects include weakness, sleepiness, and headache.
Summary for Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Vimpat (lacosamide) is an antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medication. It can be taken on its own or with other antiepileptics to treat partial-onset seizures (also known as focal seizures). It's also an add-on therapy to treat primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures (also known as grand mal seizures). The dosage is adjusted based on how well it works and whether you're having any side effects. Vimpat (lacosamide) is available in both brand-name and generic versions. It's classified as a schedule V controlled substance.
Indications of Keppra vs. Vimpat
Indications for

•Focal aware (partial-onset) seizures in people ages 1 month and older

•Add-on treatment for myoclonic seizures from juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in people ages 12 years and older

•Add-on treatment for generalized tonic-clonic seizures in people ages 6 years and older

Indications for

•Treatment for partial-onset seizures - for people at least 1 month of age (Vimpat brand) or at least 4 years old (generic)

•Add-on treatment for primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures - for people at least 4 years old (Vimpat brand only)
Pros and Cons of Keppra vs. Vimpat
Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
Pros

•Available as tablets and a liquid (liquid recommended for children weighing 44 lbs or less)

•Taken by mouth with or without food

•Usually tolerated well

Cons

•Need to take twice per day

•Might cause changes in behavior or mood

•Might not be the best option if you have a history of mental health problems (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)

Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
Pros

•Can take the medication on its own for partial-onset seizures (also called focal seizures)

•Can take with other seizure medications

•Available as a tablet and oral solution (and an injection form if you're in the hospital)

•Can give to children 1 month of age and older

Cons

•Shouldn't be the only medication you take for primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures

•Is a controlled medication, so you can only get a limited amount per month

•Interacts with many medications, such as beta blockers

•Can cause side effects like dizziness, headache, and nausea
Common Side Effects of Keppra vs. Vimpat
Common Side Effects for
Side effects were reported by people with focal aware seizures taking levetiracetam (Keppra) with other seizure medications. Side effects might differ for other seizure types. <br> Adults:

•Weakness (15%)

•Sleepiness (15%)

•Headache (14%)

•Infection (13%)

•Dizziness (9%)

Children:

•Headache (19%)

•Common cold symptoms (15%)

•Vomiting (15%)

•Sleepiness (13%)

•Tiredness (11%)

•Being aggressive (10%)

•Cough (9%)

•Stuffy nose (9%)

•Upper stomach pain (9%)

•Lower appetite (8%)

Common Side Effects for

•Dizziness (up to 31%)

•Headache (up to 13%)

•Nausea (up to 11%)

•Double vision (up to 11%)

•Vomiting (up to 9%)

•Fatigue (up to 9%)

•Blurred vision (up to 8%)

•Difficulty with movement or coordination (up to 8%)

•Sleepiness (up to 7%)
Warnings of Keppra vs. Vimpat
Common Side Effects for

•Abnormal mood, thoughts, or behavior

•Suicidal thoughts or behavior

•Difficulty with speech, movement, and concentration

•Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions

•Withdrawal seizures

•Low blood cell counts

•Higher blood pressure in young children

•Seizure control during pregnancy

Common Side Effects for

•Suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Dizziness and difficulty controlling movements

•Abnormal heartbeat

•Fainting

•Withdrawal seizures

•Allergic reactions

•Caution if you have PKU (oral solution form only)
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Key takeaways

Summary of Keppra vs. Vimpat

Indications of Keppra vs. Vimpat

Pros and Cons of Keppra vs. Vimpat

Common Side Effects of Keppra vs. Vimpat

Warnings of Keppra vs. Vimpat

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