Vimpat Dosages: Your GoodRx Guide

Vimpat (lacosamide) is a prescription medication that treats certain types of seizures. It’s approved for both children and adults and can be taken alone or along with other anti-seizure medications.

The recommended Vimpat dosage depends on your age and why you’re taking it. We’ll look at the recommended dosages below. But your healthcare provider may have you take a different Vimpat dosage than described here. It’s best to follow their instructions and reach out with any questions.

What dosage forms does Vimpat come in?

Vimpat comes in two oral forms: tablets and a liquid solution. You can take Vimpat with or without food. But taking it with a meal or snack may help prevent nausea, a known Vimpat side effect.

Vimpat oral tablets come in four doses:

• 50 mg

• 100 mg

• 150 mg

• 200 mg

Vimpat also comes as a strawberry-flavored oral solution that contains 10 mg per 1 mL. The solution may be a better option for young children or adults who have trouble swallowing tablets. Be sure to measure the oral solution with a syringe or measuring device from your pharmacy. A household spoon won’t measure Vimpat accurately. 

You can keep the oral solution at room temperature, but you shouldn’t use it more than 6 months after the bottle is opened.

Good to know: Vimpat also comes in an injectable form. But it’s typically given in a hospital setting.

What’s the typical Vimpat dosage for adults?

The typical Vimpat dosage for adults (17 years and older) depends on why you’re taking it. It also depends on whether you’re taking it alone (monotherapy) or with another anti-seizure medication (adjunctive therapy).

Monotherapy for partial-onset seizures

The recommended Vimpat dosage as a solo treatment for partial-onset seizures in adults starts at 100 mg twice daily. You’ll then slowly increase your dose to the recommended amount of 150 mg to 200 mg twice daily. Doses over 400 mg daily aren’t recommended.

There should be at least 1 week between each increase in dosage. And it’s not recommended to raise the dose by more than 50 mg per dose (100 mg per day) at a time.

In some cases, you’ll start with a single 200 mg dose of Vimpat, called a loading dose. You’ll then start the above dosage schedule 12 hours later. This helps Vimpat start working faster, but it can also raise your risk of side effects, such as headache, dizziness, and drowsiness. Your healthcare provider will help decide if a loading dose is needed.

Adjunctive therapy for partial-onset or tonic-clonic seizures

If you’re taking Vimpat with other anti-seizure medication (adjunctive therapy), your recommended daily dose is lower than if you’re taking it alone. You’ll start with 50 mg twice daily, then slowly increase to the recommended amount of 100 mg to 200 mg twice daily.

There should be at least 1 week between each dosage increase. And it’s not recommended to raise the dose by more than 50 mg per dose (100 mg per day) at a time.

In some cases, your provider may recommend a 200 mg loading dose of Vimpat. Then, 12 hours later, you’ll start taking 100 mg twice daily. This can help Vimpat start working faster. If needed, your dose can be increased up to a maximum of 200 mg twice daily as described above.

What’s the typical Vimpat dosage for children?

The typical Vimpat dosage for children under the age of 17 is based on their body weight. It may also depend on whether Vimpat is the only anti-seizure medication they’re taking or if it’s being combined with others. 

Vimpat is approved as monotherapy and adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in children ages 1 month and older. But adjunctive therapy for tonic-clonic seizures is only approved for children ages 4 and older.

*Partial-onset seizures only

The Vimpat dosage for children should be slowly increased by no more than 1 mg/kg per dose (2 mg/kg per day) each week.

If a loading dose is given, your child will start their twice daily dosage 12 hours afterward. Your child’s healthcare provider will help decide whether a loading dose is needed. 

Are there any dosage adjustments for medical conditions?

If you have other medical conditions, like kidney or liver problems, your recommended Vimpat dosage may change.

Dosage for people with kidney problems

If you have kidney problems, it may be harder for your body to clear Vimpat. This can increase Vimpat levels and make side effects more likely. If you have severe kidney problems, your healthcare provider may lower your Vimpat dosage by 25%. They can help decide if you need a lower dose of Vimpat based on your kidney function.

Dosage for people with liver problems

A 25% lower dosage of Vimpat is also recommended if you have mild or moderate liver problems. But if your liver problems are severe, Vimpat isn’t recommended. Your provider will help determine if you need a lower Vimpat dosage based on your liver function.

What happens if you miss a dose of Vimpat?

If you realize you've missed a dose of Vimpat, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as scheduled. Don’t try to make up for the missed dose by taking two doses at once.

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to Vimpat. Taking your doses at the same time each day helps maintain a steady level of the medication in your body. This helps it work effectively.

If you're having trouble remembering to take your medication, try setting a reminder on your phone or using a pillbox. You can also talk to your pharmacist or healthcare provider. They may be able to suggest strategies to help you remember.

What should you do if you take too much Vimpat?

If you take an extra dose of Vimpat by mistake, it’s not likely to cause a problem. You may have more side effects than usual, such as dizziness or blurry vision. They should go away as your dose wears off.

But taking a large amount of Vimpat can be dangerous and even life-threatening in some cases. Symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, and seizures. Confusion, heart problems, or a coma are also possible. In severe cases, a Vimpat overdose can be fatal.

If you or your child takes too much Vimpat, seek medical attention immediately or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Do not wait for symptoms to appear.

How to save on Vimpat

Vimpat is available as both a brand-name and generic medication. GoodRx can help you save over 90% off the average retail price of the generic version. Generic Vimpat’s price at certain pharmacies is as low as $28.47 with a free GoodRx discount.

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Written by:

Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA

Alex Evans, PharmD, MBA, has been a pharmacist for 12 years. His first job was floating in a community chain pharmacy.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

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