Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

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.

  • Lacosamide (Vimpat)
    Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)
  • Lacosamide (Vimpat)
    Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)

  • Summary of Vimpat vs. Aptiom

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Lacosamide (Vimpat) is an antiepileptic. People 1 month and older can take it on its own or with other antiepileptics for partial-onset seizures (also called focal aware seizures). It's also an add-on medication for people 4 years and older who have primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures (or grand mal seizures). Lacosamide (Vimpat) comes as tablets and an oral solution that's taken by mouth twice a day. It's also available as an injection that's used in the hospital. Side effects include dizziness, headache, and nausea. Lacosamide (Vimpat) comes as both brand-name and generic versions, but it's a 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
    •Partial-onset seizures (or focal aware seizures) - for people at least 1 month of age
    •Primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures - for people at least 4 years old
    Indications for
    •Partial-onset seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Vimpat vs. Aptiom

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Can take with other seizure medications
    •Available as a tablet and oral solution
    •Okay for children 1 month of age and older with partial-onset seizures and children 4 years and older with PGTC seizures
    Cons
    •Is a controlled substance, so you can only get a limited amount per month
    •Can cause side effects like dizziness, headache, and double vision
    •Interacts with many medications, like beta blockers
    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 (31%)
    •Headache (13%)
    •Nausea (11%)
    •Double vision (11%)
    •Vomiting (9%)
    •Tiredness (9%)
    •Blurred vision (8%)
    •Problems with movement or coordination (8%)
    •Sleepiness (7%)
    •Tremor (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
    •Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Dizziness and problems with controlling movements
    •Abnormal heartbeat
    •Withdrawal seizures
    •Allergic reactions
    •Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - oral solution 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 Lacosamide
    Learn more about Aptiom

Compare other Epilepsy drugs

Keppra vs VimpatLamictal vs VimpatTegretol vs VimpatTrileptal vs VimpatVimpat vs AptiomDilantin vs LamictalElavil vs LamictalElavil vs TegretolLamictal vs AbilifyLamictal vs AptiomLamictal vs BanzelLamictal vs DepakoteLamictal vs DesipramineLamictal vs ImitrexLamictal vs KeppraLamictal vs LatudaLamictal vs LidocaineLamictal vs LithiumLamictal vs NeurontinLamictal vs PropranololLamictal vs SeroquelLamictal vs TrileptalLamictal vs ZonegranLamictal vs ZyprexaLidocaine vs TegretolTegretol vs LamictalTopamax vs LamictalValproic Acid vs LamictalVraylar vs LamictalZarontin vs Lamictal
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.