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Compare Lamictal vs. Keppra

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

Key takeaways

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and Levetiracetam (Keppra) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they have some key differences. Lamotrigine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms and can also be used to treat bipolar disorder, while Levetiracetam is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms but is not used for bipolar disorder. Lamotrigine can cause serious skin reactions like rash, and its dose needs to be increased slowly to avoid these side effects. On the other hand, Levetiracetam is known for causing mood changes and behavioral issues, especially in children, and does not interact with food or other medications. Both medications are available in generic forms, but Lamotrigine has more interactions with other medications, such as birth control pills and valproic acid.

Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Levetiracetam (Keppra)
Summary of Lamictal vs. Keppra
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
Immediate-release levetiracetam is a seizure medication for adults and children. It's known as the brand names Keppra and Roweepra, and it also has a generic version. This medication comes as a tablet and liquid that's taken twice each day. The dosage depends on your age, weight, and the type of seizure you have. Levetiracetam (Keppra) doesn't have any known interactions with food or medications. Common side effects include weakness, sleepiness, and headache.
Indications of Lamictal vs. Keppra
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

•Focal aware (partial-onset) seizures in people ages 1 month and older

•Add-on treatment for myoclonic seizures from juvenile myoclonic epilepsy in people ages 12 years and older

•Add-on treatment for generalized tonic-clonic seizures in people ages 6 years and older
Pros and Cons of Lamictal vs. Keppra
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

•Available as tablets and a liquid (liquid recommended for children weighing 44 lbs or less)

•Taken by mouth with or without food

•Usually tolerated well

Cons

•Need to take twice per day

•Might cause changes in behavior or mood

•Might not be the best option if you have a history of mental health problems (e.g., depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
Common Side Effects of Lamictal vs. Keppra
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
Side effects were reported by people with focal aware seizures taking levetiracetam (Keppra) with other seizure medications. Side effects might differ for other seizure types. <br> Adults:

•Weakness (15%)

•Sleepiness (15%)

•Headache (14%)

•Infection (13%)

•Dizziness (9%)

Children:

•Headache (19%)

•Common cold symptoms (15%)

•Vomiting (15%)

•Sleepiness (13%)

•Tiredness (11%)

•Being aggressive (10%)

•Cough (9%)

•Stuffy nose (9%)

•Upper stomach pain (9%)

•Lower appetite (8%)
Warnings of Lamictal vs. Keppra
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

•Abnormal mood, thoughts, or behavior

•Suicidal thoughts or behavior

•Difficulty with speech, movement, and concentration

•Serious allergic reactions and skin reactions

•Withdrawal seizures

•Low blood cell counts

•Higher blood pressure in young children

•Seizure control during pregnancy
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Compare Lamictal vs. Keppra

Key takeaways

Summary of Lamictal vs. Keppra

Indications of Lamictal vs. Keppra

Pros and Cons of Lamictal vs. Keppra

Common Side Effects of Lamictal vs. Keppra

Warnings of Lamictal vs. Keppra

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