Key takeaways
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and Rufinamide (Banzel) are both antiepileptic medications, but they have some key differences. Lamotrigine is used to treat various types of seizures and bipolar disorder, while Rufinamide is specifically for seizures linked to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and must be taken with other seizure medications. Lamotrigine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, whereas Rufinamide comes in tablets and a liquid form. Lamotrigine can cause serious skin reactions and interacts with many medications, while Rufinamide can cause heart rhythm problems and must be taken with food for full absorption. Additionally, Lamotrigine is available as a lower-cost generic, but Rufinamide can be expensive if not covered by insurance, even though it is available as a generic. Both medications can cause dizziness and drowsiness, but they have different side effect profiles and specific warnings.
