When it comes to epilepsy and its treatment, everyone deserves to expect maximum seizure control—the best control for them, the best control that they can get. But there are several factors to consider.
- Seizure type
- Epilepsy type
- Other health conditions and medicines
- Lifestyle and preferences, including those of the family and caregivers
Learning how to help your loved one
Understanding the do's and don'ts for helping during a seizure
Understanding how to better deal with the emotional side of epilepsy
Learning how to help your loved one
You are important in this process. Although epilepsy treatment decisions are often made by a neurologist, you and your loved one should share in the process of deciding. Ask about the benefits and possible side effects of epilepsy medicines or other treatments. Think about what works best for everyone.
Less than half of all people with epilepsy respond to the first medicine they try, and a third of those with epilepsy still don't find control after three medicines. It can be frustrating. There are many treatments and combinations to try. Medicines like Vimpat are specifically designed to work with other epilepsy medicines. In fact, Vimpat can be used with any of the common epilepsy treatments.
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Understanding the do's and don'ts for helping during a seizure
When a friend or family member has a seizure, knowing what to do—and what not to do—can make a difference. Here are a few tips:
Caregiver Dos |
Caregiver Don'ts |
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Do make the person as comfortable as possible. Loosen neckties, scarves, or anything around the neck. Place something flat and soft, such as a towel or jacket, under the person's head.
Do reassure anyone close at hand and discourage onlookers from intruding. Remember, if you stay calm, others will too.
Do time the length of the seizure. The person's neurologist may want this information.
Do stay with the person until the seizure ends naturally. Then place the person on his or her left side. Post-seizure vomiting can occur before the person is fully conscious; turn his or her head so the vomit can drain without being inhaled.
Do be as gentle and supportive as possible as consciousness returns.
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Don't restrain the person or hold him or her down. Make sure there is nothing hard or sharp nearby that could cause harm.
Don't stick your finger or any other object in the person's mouth. It is not true that a person experiencing a seizure can swallow his or her tongue. Avoid artificial respiration (such as CPR) except in the rare event that the person is not breathing once the seizure subsides.
Don't wait to call 911 if this is the person's first seizure or if the seizure lasts more than five minutes.
Don't offer water, food, or pills until the person is fully alert.
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Understanding how to better deal with the emotional side of epilepsy
Depression affects from 20% to 50% of people with seizure disorders. While depression does not cause epilepsy, and epilepsy does not cause depression, it appears they have some common biological links. In fact, scientists have discovered substantial connections between the two conditions. Having epilepsy increases the risk for depression, and several studies have shown that people with a history of depression have a higher risk of developing epilepsy than people who do not suffer from depression.
More than just causing someone to feel down, depression can change a person's entire approach to life and his or her ability to be an active participant in it. This is why it is so important for those with epilepsy-related depression to seek treatment.
The caregiver connection. Caregivers can often provide neurologists with unique insight into their loved one's emotional health. You may be the first to notice signs of depression, which include loss of interest in daily activities or moodiness in social situations. If you do see evidence of depression, be sure to discuss concerns with your loved one and encourage him or her to talk with the neurologist about screening and treatment options.
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Indication
Vimpat® (lacosamide) is a prescription medicine that is used with other medicines to treat partial-onset seizures in people 17 years of age and older with epilepsy.
Important Safety Information
Vimpat is generally well-tolerated, but may not be for everyone. Ask your healthcare provider if Vimpat is right for you.
Warnings and Precautions
Antiepileptic drugs, including Vimpat, may cause suicidal thoughts or actions in a very small number of people, about 1 in 500. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or worsening symptoms of depression, any unusual changes in mood or behavior, or suicidal thoughts, behavior, or thoughts about self harm that you have never had before or may be worse than before. Do not stop taking Vimpat without first talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping Vimpat suddenly can cause serious problems.
Vimpat may also cause you to feel dizzy, have double vision, feel sleepy, or have problems with coordination and walking. You should not drive, operate machinery or do other dangerous activities until you know how Vimpat affects you.
Vimpat may cause you to have an irregular heartbeat or may cause you to feel faint. Call your healthcare provider if you have a fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat, shortness of breath, feel lightheaded, or if you fainted or feel like you are going to faint.
Vimpat is classified as a federally controlled substance (C-V) due to a low potential for abuse. Keep your Vimpat in a safe place and do not give it to anyone else.
In rare cases, Vimpat may cause a serious allergic reaction that may affect your skin or other parts of your body such as your liver or blood cells. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have a skin rash or hives, fever or swollen glands that do not go away, shortness of breath, swelling of the legs, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, or dark urine.
Vimpat oral solution contains aspartame, a source of phenylalanine.
Common Adverse Reactions
The most common side effects with Vimpat are dizziness, headache, nausea, and double vision. To report Suspected Adverse Reactions, contact UCB, Inc. at 866-822-0068 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Please see additional patient information in the Patient Medication Guide. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your condition or your treatment.
