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Compare Vimpat vs. Aptiom

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

Key takeaways

Vimpat (lacosamide) and Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) are both oral prescription antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they have some key differences. Vimpat can be taken twice daily for partial-onset seizures and as add-on treatment for primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures, whereas Aptiom is taken once a day and is only approved for partial-onset seizures. Both medications are available as low-cost generics which can be used in children as young as 4 years old. However, brand-name Vimpat can be used in children as young as 1 month for the treatment of partial-onset seizures. Vimpat is available as a tablet and oral solution, whereas Aptiom is only available in tablet form, but can be crushed if you have difficulty swallowing. Both medications can cause dizziness and other side effects, but Aptiom has a higher risk of causing low sodium levels in your blood. Unlike Aptiom, Vimpat is a Schedule V controlled substance, meaning it has a potential for misuse and dependence.

  • Vimpat (lacosamide)
    Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)
  • Vimpat (lacosamide)
    Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)

  • Summary of Vimpat vs. Aptiom

    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.

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) helps control seizures if you have partial-onset epilepsy. It can be used in people aged 4 years and older, but it interacts with some other medications and can be expensive if not covered by insurance.

  • Indications of Vimpat vs. Aptiom

    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)
    Indications for
    •Partial-onset seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Vimpat vs. Aptiom

    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
    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Can be used on its own, or with other seizure medications for better seizure control
    •Convenient, taken once daily
    •Tablets can be crushed (doesn't come in liquid form)
    Cons
    •Causes dizziness, headache, and vision problems quite often
    •Can't take if you're allergic to oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
    •Brand name only, so it can be more expensive than other alternatives

  • Common Side Effects of Vimpat vs. Aptiom

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (20-28%)
    •Sleepiness (11-18%)
    •Headache (13-15%)
    •Nausea (10-16%)
    •Double vision (9-11%)
    •Vomiting (6-10%)
    •Tiredness (4-7%)
    •Blurry vision (5-6%)
    •Difficulty with movement or coordination (4-6%)
    •Feeling like the room is spinning (2-6%)
    •Shakiness (tremor, 2-4%)

  • Warnings of Vimpat vs. Aptiom

    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)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Low sodium levels
    •Difficulty with movement, concentration, and vision
    •Withdrawal seizures
    •Liver injury

  • Prices with our coupons for Vimpat vs. Aptiom

    Learn more about Vimpat
    Learn more about Aptiom

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