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

    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
    •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
    •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
    •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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