Need a New Prescription for Lacosamide? Here's How to Find a Doctor

Whether you've recently been diagnosed with epilepsy, you're moving to a new city, or your current provider is no longer available, finding a doctor who can prescribe Lacosamide (brand name Vimpat) doesn't have to be stressful. This guide walks you through the types of doctors who prescribe Lacosamide, how to find one near you, and what to bring to your first appointment.

Because Lacosamide is a Schedule V controlled substance, it does require a prescription from a licensed provider. But unlike some tightly controlled medications, most physicians and advanced practice providers can write you a prescription if it's appropriate for your condition.

What Type of Doctor Prescribes Lacosamide?

Lacosamide is most commonly prescribed by the following types of healthcare providers:

• Neurologists — These are the primary specialists for epilepsy and seizure disorders. If you're starting Lacosamide for the first time, a neurologist is typically who initiates the prescription.
• Epileptologists — A subspecialty of neurology focused specifically on epilepsy. If your seizures have been difficult to manage, an epileptologist may be the best fit.
• Pediatric neurologists — For children and adolescents with focal seizures. Lacosamide is approved for patients as young as 1 month old (adjunctive therapy) or 4 years old (monotherapy).
• Primary care physicians — Your family doctor or internist can often continue or refill a Lacosamide prescription once it's been started by a specialist. Some primary care doctors are comfortable initiating seizure medications as well.
• Nurse practitioners and physician assistants — In many states, NPs and PAs can prescribe Schedule V medications independently or under a collaborative agreement.

In general, if you're brand new to Lacosamide, a neurologist is the best starting point. They can perform the necessary diagnostic workup (EEG, MRI) and determine whether Lacosamide is right for you.

How to Find a Provider Near You

Here are several practical ways to find a doctor who can prescribe Lacosamide in your area:

1. Ask Your Primary Care Doctor for a Referral

If you already have a primary care physician, ask them to refer you to a neurologist. They'll know which specialists in your network accept your insurance and have availability.

2. Use Your Insurance Provider Directory

Log in to your health insurance website and search for "neurologist" in your area. This ensures you find an in-network provider, keeping your out-of-pocket costs lower.

3. Search Online Directories

Websites like the American Academy of Neurology (aan.com) and Epilepsy Foundation (epilepsy.com) maintain provider directories you can search by zip code.

4. Try Telehealth

Telehealth has made it much easier to see a neurologist without traveling long distances. Many neurology practices now offer virtual visits. This is especially helpful if you live in a rural area or have limited transportation. Since Lacosamide is a Schedule V controlled substance, most telehealth providers can prescribe it across state lines where permitted.

5. Check With Your Pharmacy

Your pharmacist may be able to recommend local prescribers who frequently write prescriptions for Lacosamide or other antiepileptic medications.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

If you're seeing a new doctor about Lacosamide, here's what you should prepare:

• Bring your medical records — Seizure history, previous EEG or MRI results, and a list of medications you've tried.
• Know your current medications — This is critical because Lacosamide can interact with other sodium channel-blocking medications and drugs that affect heart rhythm.
• Be ready to discuss side effects — If you've taken Lacosamide before, let the doctor know about any side effects you experienced.
• Ask about an EKG — Because Lacosamide can affect heart rhythm (PR interval prolongation), your doctor may want a baseline EKG, especially if you have a history of cardiac issues.
• Discuss cost — Ask your provider about generic Lacosamide, which can cost as little as $24 to $45 per month with a discount coupon, compared to over $1,000 per month for brand-name Vimpat. Read our guide to saving money on Lacosamide for more details.

Your doctor will typically start you at a low dose (50 mg twice daily) and increase it gradually over several weeks to minimize side effects like dizziness and nausea.

After You Get Your Prescription

Once your doctor writes the prescription, the next step is filling it at a pharmacy. Here are a few tips:

• Request the generic — Generic Lacosamide has been available since 2022 and is significantly cheaper than brand-name Vimpat. Unless your doctor specifies "Dispense As Written," your pharmacy will usually substitute the generic automatically.
• Check stock before you go — While Lacosamide doesn't have a major nationwide shortage, some pharmacies may not keep it in stock at all times. Use Medfinder to check availability at pharmacies near you before making the trip.
• Use a discount coupon — If you're paying out of pocket or have a high copay, free coupon programs from SingleCare or GoodRx can bring the price of generic Lacosamide down significantly.
• Set up auto-refills — Because Lacosamide is taken daily for seizure control, missing doses can be dangerous. Set up automatic refills with your pharmacy to avoid gaps.

Final Thoughts

Finding a doctor who can prescribe Lacosamide is usually straightforward. Start with a neurologist if you need a new prescription, or ask your primary care doctor if they can continue your current regimen. Telehealth has made specialist access easier than ever, and generic Lacosamide keeps costs manageable for most patients.

If you're having trouble finding a pharmacy that has Lacosamide in stock, Medfinder can help you locate availability near you in seconds.