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Compare Lamictal vs. Aptiom

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

Key takeaways

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and eslicarbazepine (Aptiom) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they have some key differences. Lamotrigine is available in both generic and brand forms and can treat a wider range of conditions, including various types of seizures and bipolar disorder. In contrast, eslicarbazepine is only available as a brand-name medication and is specifically used for partial-onset seizures. Lamotrigine comes in multiple formulations, such as immediate-release and extended-release tablets, and is taken 1-2 times a day, while eslicarbazepine is taken once daily and can be crushed if needed. Both medications can cause dizziness and other side effects, but lamotrigine has a higher risk of severe skin reactions and requires a slow dose increase to minimize this risk. Eslicarbazepine can cause low sodium levels and liver injury, and it interacts with many other medications, including hormonal birth control. Both medications require careful monitoring and should not be stopped suddenly to avoid withdrawal seizures.

  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
    Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)
  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
    Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)

  • Summary of Lamictal vs. Aptiom

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Lamotrigine (Lamictal) can be used alone or together with other medications to treat seizures. It's available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations. The immediate-release formulation can also be used for bipolar disorder. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) can cause serious skin reactions like rash.

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) helps control seizures if you have partial-onset epilepsy. It can be used in people aged 4 years and older, but it interacts with some other medications and can be expensive if not covered by insurance.

  • Indications of Lamictal vs. Aptiom

    Indications for
    •Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures)
    •Seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome - immediate-release only
    •Bipolar disorder - immediate-release only
    Indications for
    •Partial-onset seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Lamictal vs. Aptiom

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Starter kits are available to help with dosing when you first start the medication.
    •Dose can be adjusted based on your response
    •Available in various forms: chewable tablets, quick-dissolving tablets, and extended-release tablets
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause dizziness
    •Dose has to be slowly raised due to risk of serious rash
    •Interacts with many medications such as birth control pills, divalproex (Depakote), and dofetilide (Tikosyn)
    •Unknown if safe or works well in children under 2 years old (immediate release) or children under 13 years old (extended release)
    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Can be used on its own, or with other seizure medications for better seizure control
    •Convenient, taken once daily
    •Tablets can be crushed (doesn't come in liquid form)
    Cons
    •Causes dizziness, headache, and vision problems quite often
    •Can't take if you're allergic to oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
    •Brand name only, so it can be more expensive than other alternatives

  • Common Side Effects of Lamictal vs. Aptiom

    Common Side Effects for

    Below are common side effects reported by adults who took this medication along with other treatments. Percentages can differ depending on your condition (e.g., bipolar) and your age.

    Immediate release

    •Dizziness (38%)
    •Headache (29%)
    •Double vision (28%)
    •Loss of coordination (22%)
    •Nausea (19%)
    •Blurry vision (16%)
    •Sleepiness (14%)
    •Stuffy nose (14%)
    •Sore throat (10%)
    •Rash (10%)

    Extended release

    •Dizziness (14%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Vomiting (6%)
    •Tremor (6%)
    •Feeling tired (6%)
    •Double vision (5%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (20-28%)
    •Sleepiness (11-18%)
    •Headache (13-15%)
    •Nausea (10-16%)
    •Double vision (9-11%)
    •Vomiting (6-10%)
    •Tiredness (4-7%)
    •Blurry vision (5-6%)
    •Difficulty with movement or coordination (4-6%)
    •Feeling like the room is spinning (2-6%)
    •Shakiness (tremor, 2-4%)

  • Warnings of Lamictal vs. Aptiom

    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe skin reactions and allergic reactions
    •Overactive immune system
    •Irregular heartbeat
    •Suicidal behavior and thoughts
    •Meningitis (brain inflammation)
    •Withdrawal seizures
    •Possible eye problems
    •Interaction with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Low sodium levels
    •Difficulty with movement, concentration, and vision
    •Withdrawal seizures
    •Liver injury

  • Prices with our coupons for Lamictal vs. Aptiom

    Learn more about Lamotrigine
    Learn more about Aptiom

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