Many people with epilepsy work steady jobs and have successful careers. Having epilepsy should not prevent you from getting a job.* However, you may want to talk to your neurologist about whether to disclose your epilepsy to potential employers.
Talking about epilepsy at work
Talking about your health is a personal matter and a personal choice. But disclosing that you have epilepsy may help dispel misconceptions. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) was designed to protect people with disabilities from discrimination so they would be hired for their skills and not be prevented from working.
Talking about your epilepsy is a personal decision. Sometimes talking about your epilepsy is a matter of safety. If your seizures are not under control, you may decide to disclose your condition to your boss and a few co-workers for your own well-being. Let them know that you have epilepsy. Point out that, although it will not affect your work, you may occasionally have a seizure. Describe for them what happens during a seizure and how they should respond. Knowing there are some people in your workplace who are in the know and ready to help, if need be, may make you feel more at ease at work.
Tips for making your workplace safer |
- Use carpeting or rubber matting on the floor of your workspace
- If you use a desk chair, choose one with armrests to prevent falls
- Have a buddy at work who knows how to help you if you have a seizure
- Take breaks when you need them
- Use the elevator instead of the stairs
- Avoid shift work or get plenty of rest. Lack of sleep can cause seizures
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If you feel you've experienced discrimination at work or just want to learn about your rights under the ADA, visit www.eeoc.gov/facts/epilepsy.html or call 1-800-514-0301.
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.
