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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) is an antiepileptic medication. The immediate-release version can treat different types of seizures as well as bipolar 1 disorder. But the extended-release version is only for seizures. Your dose depends on your age, the other medications you take, and what problem you're treating. Side effects can include dizziness, headache, and serious skin reactions. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms like seizures if you stop taking it suddenly.

    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
    •Partial-onset seizures
    •Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures
    •Seizures from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome - immediate-release only
    •Bipolar 1 disorder - immediate-release only
    Indications for
    •Partial-onset seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Lamictal vs. Aptiom

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Available in different formulations (regular immediate-release tablets, chewable tablets, quick-dissolving tablets, and extended-release tablets)
    •Can use a starter kit to help with dosing when you first start the medication
    •Approved for children of certain ages with seizures (age depends on formulation)
    Cons
    •Can cause dizziness and headaches
    •Must start at a low dose and have the dose slowly raised to lower the risk of serious rash
    •Interacts with many medications, like birth control pills, divalproex (Depakote), and dofetilide (Tikosyn)
    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

    Immediate release:

    •Dizziness (38%)
    •Headache (29%)
    •Double vision (28%)
    •Problems with coordination (22%)
    •Nausea (19%)
    •Blurry vision (16%)
    •Sleepiness (14%)
    •Runny or 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
    •Serious skin rashes
    •Serious allergic reaction
    •Overactive immune response to the medication
    •Irregular heartbeat
    •Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
    •Meningitis (inflammation in the brain)
    •Withdrawal seizures
    •Possible eye problems
    •Interactions 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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