Key takeaways
Felbamate (Felbatol) and Lamotrigine (Lamictal) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they have some key differences. Felbamate is typically used for partial seizures in adults and seizures linked to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in children, while Lamotrigine can treat a broader range of seizures, including partial, tonic-clonic, and LGS seizures, and is also used for bipolar disorder. Felbamate is not a first-choice medication due to its risk of serious side effects like liver and blood problems, whereas Lamotrigine is often preferred and can be used alone or with other medications. Felbamate is taken 3 to 4 times a day, while Lamotrigine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, allowing for more flexible dosing, typically taken once or twice a day. Both medications are available in generic forms, but Lamotrigine offers more variety in formulations, including chewable and quick-dissolving tablets. Common side effects of Felbamate include vomiting and trouble sleeping, while Lamotrigine can cause dizziness and double vision.
