Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
Powered By
Real members of MyEpilepsyTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Weston, MA

As I get older, I find that carbamazepine has had an effect of many none-epilepsy meds of mine, decreasing their efficacy. I'd like to switch to a different med, and my doctor has recommended Vimpat. I've been reading many comments regarding side effects.

Have any of you who take it had a good experience?

September 16, 2023
 · 
Reactions
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

First, glad to hear you will drop carbamazepine. It can cause allergic reactions to your skin as it did when i took it as a kid. Second, there is a generic brand (Lacosamide), and there is a brand name (Vimpat). If you and your neurologist decide on Vimpat, there are challenges. Because it is expensive, refills take time to do because Vimpat is a controlled substance. Meaning, it is controlled by the government. Getting refills is a task because your pharmacy can't refill your order of Vimpat until they receive an authorization from your neurologist to refill it. Next, comes your insurance to agree to the cost of brand name Vimpat. If they don't, you have to choose generic Lacosamide. For me, Lacosamide was not strong enough for my seizures and Vimpat worked better. So, my neurologist had to write a letter to my insurance indicating why Lacosamide couldn't work. Lastly, because of the cost of brand name Vimpat, pharmacies never have the drug in stock. Other than the hassle with refills, Vimpat worked fine for me tolerating the side effects. Until i could not get it refilled from 2 pharmacies because it is expensive.

September 16, 2023
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

I have had good luck with Vimpat. No side effects

March 11, 2024
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Hi Kara, I’m sorry, but I don’t know. It’s more highly regulated than most other meds in the US, so it’s possible that it’s not available there.

October 1, 2023
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

What a great outcome for you! Congratulations!

September 27, 2023
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Pray about it. Than weigh the good ( stopping the seizures ) and the bad ( side effects ).

September 20, 2023

Related Questions

View All
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Newbury, UK

A MyEpilepsyTeam Member asked a question 💭
Kenosha, WI