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.
