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Compare Elavil vs. Tegretol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Amitriptyline (formerly branded as Elavil) and carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Amitriptyline, available as a generic, is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) primarily used to treat depression, though it is also used off-label for nerve pain and migraine prevention. It works by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Common side effects include sleepiness, weight gain, and dizziness. On the other hand, carbamazepine, also available in generic form, is an antiepileptic medication used to treat various types of seizures, trigeminal neuralgia (a type of facial nerve pain), and bipolar I disorder (Equetro brand only). It works by blocking sodium channels in the brain. Common side effects of carbamazepine include dizziness, sleepiness, and stomach upset. Unlike amitriptyline, carbamazepine requires routine blood tests to monitor its effects on your body. Additionally, carbamazepine can interfere with hormonal birth control, making them less effective. Both medications can cause serious side effects, including suicidal thoughts, but carbamazepine also carries risks of severe skin reactions and low blood cell counts.

Amitriptyline
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Amitriptyline
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Summary of Elavil vs. Tegretol
Summary for Tricyclic antidepressant
Prescription only
Amitriptyline is FDA approved to treat depression. But it isn't as commonly used today as other antidepressants because it can cause a lot of side effects, such as sleepiness and weight gain. In addition, amitriptyline has many interactions with other medications, including other antidepressants, sedatives, and antihistamines. But despite the side effects and interactions, amitriptyline is often used off label for nerve pain due to diabetes and migraine prevention. While its brand name Elavil is no longer available, amitriptyline is available as a generic medication.
Summary for Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is an antiseizure medication used to treat different kinds of seizures. It can also help with trigeminal neuralgia, a type of facial nerve pain. Brand name Equetro is the only formulation that's approved to treat bipolar I disorder. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) available as pills and a liquid. Depending on formulation you take and what medical condition you have, carbamazepine (Tegretol) is taken by mouth 1 to 4 times per day. Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and stomach upset.
Indications of Elavil vs. Tegretol
Indications for

•Depression

Indications for

•Partial-onset seizures

•Generalized tonic-clonic seizures

•Mixed seizure patterns

•Trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain)

•Bipolar I disorder - Equetro brand only
Pros and Cons of Elavil vs. Tegretol
Pros and Const for Tricyclic antidepressant
Pros

•Available in many different strengths

•Available as a lower-cost, generic form

•Can take with or without food

Cons

•Has many unpleasant side effects compared to other antidepressants

•Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it after long-term use

•Not the best choice for people with heart problems, glaucoma, or seizures or people age 65 years and older

Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
Pros

•Works well for different types of seizures and trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain)

•Helps stabilize mood in people with bipolar disorder (Equetro brand only)

•Available as a lower-cost generic

•Comes in many dosage forms (e.g., chewable tablets, oral pills, liquid form) for people who have difficulty swallowing pills

Cons

•Might need to take the immediate-release form of the medication up to 4 times a day

•Can cause a lot of side effects

•Might require routine blood testing while taking the medication to see how it's affecting your body

•Can make hormonal birth control not work as well
Common Side Effects of Elavil vs. Tegretol
Common Side Effects for

•Sleepiness

•Dizziness

•Weakness

•Fatigue

•Headache

•Dry mouth

•Nausea

•Vomiting

•Constipation

•Weight gain

Common Side Effects for

•Dizziness (44%)

•Sleepiness (32%)

•Nausea (29%)

•Vomiting (18%)

•Difficulty walking or keeping balance (15%)

•Constipation (10%)

•Itching (8%)

•Dry mouth (8%)

•Weakness (8%)

•Rash (7%)

•Blurry vision (6%)

•Speech problems (6%)
Warnings of Elavil vs. Tegretol
Common Side Effects for

•Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and unusual behavior

•Not for use alone in bipolar disorder

•Risk of heart problems, heart attack, or stroke

•Seizures

•Glaucoma

•Higher risk of falls

Common Side Effects for

•Severe skin reactions

•Low blood cell counts

•Severe allergic reactions

•Suicidal thoughts or behavior

•Harm to unborn babies

•Withdrawal

•Difficulty with speech, concentration, and movement

•Liver problems

•Low sodium levels

•High eye pressure

•Heart block (heart rhythm problems)
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Learn more about Amitriptyline
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Compare Elavil vs. Tegretol

Key takeaways

Summary of Elavil vs. Tegretol

Indications of Elavil vs. Tegretol

Pros and Cons of Elavil vs. Tegretol

Common Side Effects of Elavil vs. Tegretol

Warnings of Elavil vs. Tegretol

Prices with our coupons for Elavil vs. Tegretol

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