Living with epilepsy over the years may present unique challenges, but making the commitment to being an active supporter of your own care will help you reduce your partial-onset seizures as you age. To do this, you will need to make sure your neurologist understands any changes you are experiencing, so that you can get the adjustment to your medications you need.
Besides having open communication with your neurologist, you should consider making an effort to engage with people who understand epilepsy. This is particularly important if you live alone. Many local Epilepsy Foundation affiliates provide outreach programs designed to meet the unique needs of older members. To find an affiliate near you, call 1-800-332-1000. For those who may not be able to get out and about, www.epilepsyfoundation.org hosts an online discussion group for seniors.
Treating epilepsy in older adults may require adjustments
Growing older also means you may be taking a variety of medications for various conditions other than epilepsy. For this reason, your neurologist must be careful to avoid unintended drug interactions when prescribing a new medication for epilepsy. He or she will want to choose medications that have no known interactions with the typical medications that you may be taking for such common conditions as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and arthritis, among others.
Sometimes the dose of a medication may be reduced for you because the elderly tend to be more sensitive to dose-related side effects, such as drowsiness and loss of concentration. And you may not need high doses of such medication because your seizures may be easier to control than when you were younger.
Special points to consider when talking with your neurologist |
- Seniors may react to medicines differently than younger people
- Seniors may need to take different doses than other patients
- Seniors may not easily detect side effects
- Some medicines may cause seizures in seniors with epilepsy
- Kidney problems may complicate treatment in some seniors
- Bone density may be an additional concern in treatment planning
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Remembering to take your medications
- Use a daily pillbox to keep your medicines conveniently available, and always keep an extra week's supply of medications
- Take Vimpat at the same time each day as part of your everyday routine. For example, it may help to take Vimpat when you wake up or before brushing your teeth
- Set the alarm on your watch or cell phone to alert you when it's time to take your medicines
Safety tips for seniors with epilepsy |
For medications
- Don't take over-the-counter or herbal medications without first consulting your neurologist
- Notify your primary care doctor if a specialist adds or discontinues any medications
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For friends and family
- Have a friend call you every day to make sure you are OK
- Give your neurologist's and pharmacist's phone numbers to friends and neighbors
- Instruct friends on proper first aid for seizures and when to call for an ambulance
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At home
- Keep your neurologist's and pharmacist's contact numbers by the phone
- Avoid burns in the kitchen by cooking with a microwave when possible, using oven mitts, and, when using the stove top, cooking only on the rear burners
- Use a cart to wheel hot food from the stove to the table
- Use plastic rather than glass containers
- Carpet all floors
- Do not lock the bathroom door; instead, put up a sign that reads "Occupied"
- Install antiscald faucets in the kitchen and bathroom
- Take a bath in only a few inches of water
- Sit when showering, and use a handheld showerhead
- Use an iron that shuts off automatically
- Install a home-security device with a panic button
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Source: Epilepsy: 199 Answers
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.
