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Compare Lamictal vs. Imitrex

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

Key takeaways

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and Sumatriptan (Imitrex) are both prescription medications, but they treat different conditions. Lamotrigine is an antiepileptic used to manage seizures and bipolar disorder, while Sumatriptan is a triptan used to treat migraines. Lamotrigine is available in various forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets, and it requires a gradual dose increase to avoid serious side effects like severe skin reactions. On the other hand, Sumatriptan is typically taken as a single dose at the onset of a migraine, with the option to take a second dose if needed, but not more than 200 mg in 24 hours. Sumatriptan works by tightening blood vessels and reducing inflammation in the brain, whereas the exact mechanism of Lamotrigine is not fully understood. Both medications have generic versions available, but they come with different side effects and risks. Lamotrigine can cause dizziness, double vision, and serious skin reactions, while Sumatriptan can lead to heart problems, serotonin syndrome, and extreme narrowing of blood vessels.

  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
    Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
    Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

  • Summary of Lamictal vs. Imitrex

    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 Triptan
    Prescription only

    Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. The medication is typically taken as a single dose for your migraine. But, it's possible that you can take it again 2 hours after the first dose if your migraine doesn't go away. Side effects of sumatriptan (Imitrex) include tingling or numbness of fingers or toes, feeling too warm or too cold, and fatigue. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

  • Indications of Lamictal vs. Imitrex

    Indications for
    •Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures)
    •Seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome - immediate-release only
    •Bipolar disorder - immediate-release only
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Lamictal vs. Imitrex

    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 Triptan
    Pros
    •First-choice option for treating migraines
    •Can take with commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol)
    •Can start relieving migraine headaches within 30 minutes to 2 hours
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can't use to prevent migraines
    •Must wait at least 2 hours after the first dose to take a second dose, if needed
    •Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.
    •Unknown if it's safe or if it works well in children

  • Common Side Effects of Lamictal vs. Imitrex

    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
    •Tingling or numbness of fingers or toes (3-5%)
    •Feeling too warm or too cold (2-3%)
    •Fatigue (2-3%)

  • Warnings of Lamictal vs. Imitrex

    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
    •Heart problems and high blood pressure
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Allergic reactions
    •Seizures

  • Prices with our coupons for Lamictal vs. Imitrex

    Learn more about Lamotrigine
    Learn more about Sumatriptan

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