Can't Find Lacosamide? Here's How to Track It Down

If your pharmacist just told you Lacosamide is out of stock — or backordered with no estimated date — take a breath. You have more options than you might think.

Lacosamide (brand name Vimpat) is a widely prescribed antiepileptic medication used to control focal seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. While it's not on the FDA's official shortage list, many patients still run into availability problems at their local pharmacy. Generic supply from individual manufacturers can be inconsistent, and the fact that Lacosamide is a Schedule V controlled substance adds extra steps to the reorder process.

The good news? With the right approach, most people can find Lacosamide within a day or two. Here are three proven strategies.

Tip 1: Use Medfinder to Check Pharmacy Stock Online

Instead of spending your afternoon calling pharmacy after pharmacy, use Medfinder to search for Lacosamide availability near your zip code. Medfinder shows you which pharmacies currently have your medication in stock, saving you time and frustration.

Here's how to use it:

1. Go to medfinder.com
2. Search for "Lacosamide" or "Vimpat"
3. Enter your zip code
4. See which nearby pharmacies have it available

This is especially useful if you live in a rural area or if your usual chain pharmacy is out. You might discover an independent pharmacy just a few miles away that has exactly what you need.

For a step-by-step walkthrough, see our guide on how to check if a pharmacy has Lacosamide in stock.

Tip 2: Try Independent Pharmacies

When a drug is hard to find, independent pharmacies are often your best bet. Here's why:

• Flexible suppliers: Independent pharmacies can often order from multiple wholesalers and distributors, giving them access to stock that chain pharmacies might not have.
• Personal service: An independent pharmacist is more likely to spend time tracking down your medication, calling distributors on your behalf, or suggesting creative solutions.
• Faster restocking: Without the corporate red tape of a large chain, independent pharmacies can sometimes get medications restocked within 24 hours.

Don't know where to find an independent pharmacy? Medfinder's search results include both chain and independent locations, so you can compare options side by side.

Tip 3: Time Your Refills Strategically

Pharmacy ordering patterns can affect whether your medication is on the shelf when you need it. Here are a few timing tips:

• Call early in the week: Most pharmacies receive their main shipments on Monday through Wednesday. Calling or visiting on Thursday or Friday means shelves may already be picked over.
• Refill early: Don't wait until you're down to your last pill. Most insurance plans allow you to refill a 30-day prescription when you have about a week's supply left. For controlled substances like Lacosamide, some states allow refills 2-3 days before you run out.
• Morning visits: Pharmacies that receive overnight or early morning deliveries are more likely to have fresh stock first thing in the morning.

What If You Still Can't Find Lacosamide?

If you've tried the tips above and still can't locate your medication, here are additional steps:

Talk to Your Doctor

Your prescriber may be able to:

• Call in the prescription to a different pharmacy that has stock
• Write a prescription for a different strength or formulation (tablets vs. oral solution)
• Temporarily switch you to an alternative medication like Oxcarbazepine or Levetiracetam

Try the Vimpat Direct-to-Patient Program

UCB, the maker of Vimpat, offers a program where you can purchase brand-name Vimpat directly for $79.99 to $84.99 for 60 tablets. This can be a lifesaver when generics are temporarily unavailable. Visit our savings guide for details.

Ask About Mail-Order Pharmacy

If your insurance plan offers a mail-order pharmacy benefit, this can be a more reliable way to get Lacosamide. Mail-order pharmacies typically work with larger distribution networks and may have better access to stock.

Final Thoughts

Finding Lacosamide shouldn't be this hard — but when it is, being proactive makes all the difference. Start with Medfinder, branch out to independent pharmacies, and time your refills wisely. And if you're curious about why Lacosamide can be hard to find in the first place, read our explainer on why Lacosamide is so hard to find in 2026.

Your health depends on having access to your medication. Don't settle for "we don't have it" — take control and find it.