Lacosamide Is an Antiepileptic Medication Used to Treat Seizures in Adults and Children

Lacosamide (brand name Vimpat) is a prescription antiepileptic drug (AED) manufactured by UCB Pharma. It was first approved by the FDA in 2008 and has become a widely used treatment for seizure disorders. Generic versions have been available since 2022, making it more accessible and affordable for many patients.

Here's everything you need to know about Lacosamide in 2026 — from what it treats to how much it costs.

What Is Lacosamide?

Lacosamide belongs to a class of medications called functionalized amino acid antiepileptic drugs. It's chemically distinct from older seizure medications and works through a unique mechanism — it selectively enhances the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels in the brain. For a detailed explanation, read how Lacosamide works.

Key facts about Lacosamide:

• Brand name: Vimpat
• Generic name: Lacosamide
• Manufacturer: UCB Pharma (brand); multiple manufacturers (generic)
• Drug class: Antiepileptic drug (sodium channel blocker)
• Controlled substance: Yes — Schedule V (lowest level of DEA scheduling)
• Generic available: Yes, since 2022

What Is Lacosamide Used For?

Lacosamide is FDA-approved for the following uses:

Focal (Partial-Onset) Seizures

• Adjunctive therapy (used with other seizure medications): For patients 1 month of age and older
• Monotherapy (used alone): For patients 4 years of age and older

Primary Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures

• Adjunctive therapy: For patients 4 years of age and older

Off-Label Uses

Some doctors prescribe Lacosamide for conditions not on the FDA label, including:

• Neuropathic pain (especially diabetic neuropathy)
• Status epilepticus (emergency seizure treatment, using the IV formulation)
• Trigeminal neuralgia

How Is Lacosamide Taken?

Lacosamide is available in three formulations:

• Oral tablets: 50 mg, 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg
• Oral solution: 10 mg/mL (for patients who can't swallow tablets)
• Intravenous injection: 10 mg/mL (for hospital use when oral dosing isn't possible)

Typical Dosing

For adults with focal seizures:

1. Starting dose: 50 mg twice daily (100 mg/day)
2. Titration: Increase by 50 mg twice daily each week
3. Maintenance dose: 150-200 mg twice daily (300-400 mg/day)

Lacosamide is taken twice daily, approximately 12 hours apart. It can be taken with or without food. Tablets should be swallowed whole.

Your doctor will increase your dose gradually to reduce the chance of side effects like dizziness and nausea.

Who Should Not Take Lacosamide?

Lacosamide is not appropriate for everyone. You should not take Lacosamide if you have:

• Second- or third-degree AV block (a type of heart conduction problem) — unless you have a pacemaker
• Known allergy to Lacosamide or any of its inactive ingredients

Use caution and tell your doctor if you have:

• Any heart condition, especially problems with your heart rhythm
• Severe kidney disease (CrCl ≤30 mL/min) or are on dialysis
• Severe liver disease
• A history of depression or suicidal thoughts
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

For information about medications that can interact with Lacosamide, see our guide on Lacosamide drug interactions.

How Much Does Lacosamide Cost?

The cost of Lacosamide varies significantly depending on whether you use the brand-name or generic version:

• Brand-name Vimpat: $1,000 to $1,100 per month (60 tablets)
• Generic Lacosamide (retail): $300 to $500 per month without a coupon
• Generic Lacosamide (with coupon): As low as $22 to $45 per month

Free discount coupons from services like GoodRx and SingleCare can dramatically reduce your cost. UCB also offers a Direct-to-Patient Program for brand-name Vimpat at $84.99 for 60 tablets, and a Patient Assistance Program for qualifying uninsured patients.

For the full breakdown, read our guide on how to save money on Lacosamide.

Final Thoughts

Lacosamide is an effective and well-tolerated seizure medication with a unique mechanism of action. Since generics became available in 2022, it's become much more affordable — especially with discount coupons. If you're having trouble finding it at your pharmacy, use Medfinder to check stock near you.

Talk to your neurologist about whether Lacosamide is right for your seizure type, and don't hesitate to ask about cost-saving options.