Keppra vs. Vimpat

Keppra (levetiracetam) and Vimpat (lacosamide) are anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) (anticonvulsants) often used in conjunction with other drugs to treat types of seizures in people with epilepsy.

Common side effects of Keppra include:

• drowsiness,
• weakness,
• infection,
• loss of appetite,
• stuffy nose,
• tiredness, and
• dizziness.

Side effects of Keppra in children include

• sleepiness,
• accidental injury,
• hostility, nervousness, and
• weakness.

Common side effects of Vimpat include:

• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• drowsiness,
• blurred/double vision,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• tiredness,
• loss of balance or coordination,
• difficulty walking,
• shakiness (tremor),
• headache, or
• memory problems.

Keppra (levetiracetam) is an anti-epileptic drug (AED) (antoconvulsant) often used in conjunction with other drugs to treat types of seizures in people with epilepsy.

Vimpat (lacosamide) is an antiepileptic drug used together with other medications to treat partial-onset seizures in people with epilepsy who are at least 17 years old.

Keppra may interact with alcohol.

Vimpat may interact with other drugs.

Keppra (levetiracetam) is available in pills in the following dosages and colors: 250 mg (blue), 500 mg (yellow), 750 mg (orange), and 1,000 mg (white). Keppra (levetiracetam) is also available as a clear, colorless grape-flavored liquid at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. Drug interactions include phenytoin, valproate, oral contraceptives, digoxin, warfarin, and probenecid. Keppra (levetiracetam) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Keppra (levetiracetam) is excreted in breast milk. Women must talk to their doctors to decide whether to discontinue nursing or the drug.

Dosage of Vimpat is based on the patient's medical condition and response to treatment.

• Take Vimpat exactly as your healthcare provider tells you.
• Your healthcare provider will tell you how much Vimpat to take and when to take it.
• Your healthcare provider may change your dose if needed.
• Do not stop Vimpat without first talking to a healthcare provider. Stopping Vimpat suddenly in a patient who has epilepsy can cause seizures that will not stop (status epilepticus).
• Vimpat may be taken with or without food.
• If your healthcare provider has prescribed Vimpat oral solution, be sure to ask your pharmacist for a medicine dropper or medicine cup to help you measure the correct amount of Vimpat oral solution. Do not use a household teaspoon. Ask your pharmacist for instructions on how to use the measuring device the right way.
• If you take too much Vimpat, call your healthcare provider or local Poison Control Center right away.

What should I avoid while taking Vimpat?

Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how Vimpat affects you. Vimpat may cause you to feel dizzy, have double vision, feel sleepy, or have problems with coordination and walking.

What are the possible side effects of Vimpat?