Compare Lamictal vs. Lithium
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and lithium (Lithobid) are both used to treat bipolar disorder, but they have different uses and side effects. Lamotrigine is an antiepileptic that can also treat seizures, while lithium is an antimanic specifically for bipolar disorder and manic episodes. Lamotrigine is available in various forms, including chewable and extended-release tablets, and it can cause serious skin reactions like rash. Lithium, on the other hand, is available as instant-release pills, oral liquid, and extended-release tablets, and it requires regular blood tests to prevent toxicity. Lamotrigine can cause dizziness and headaches, while lithium can lead to shakiness, thirst, and nausea. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics, but lithium has more interactions with other medications and requires careful monitoring of fluid and salt intake.
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)Lithium
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)Lithium
Summary of Lamictal vs. Lithium
Summary for AntiepilepticPrescription onlyLamotrigine (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 AntimanicPrescription onlyLithium carbonate (or lithium) is a medication used to treat bipolar disorder and manic episodes. It's taken by mouth, typically 2 to 3 times a day. Lithium is available as instant-release pills and oral liquid as well as an extended-release tablet (brand name Lithobid). All lithium products are available as lower-cost generics. Lithium works well for treating bipolar disorder, but it can also cause side effects, such as shakiness, thirst, and nausea. To prevent lithium toxicity, your provider will check your blood lithium levels to make sure you're on a safe dose of the medication.
Indications of Lamictal vs. Lithium
Indications for•Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures)•Seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome - immediate-release only•Bipolar disorder - immediate-release onlyIndications for•Treatment of manic episodes of bipolar disorder•Long-term maintenance treatment of bipolar disorderPros and Cons of Lamictal vs. Lithium
Pros and Const for AntiepilepticPros•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 genericCons•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 AntimanicPros•Works well for bipolar disorder•Starts to work in about 1 to 3 weeks•Available as a lower-cost generic•Available as oral pills and oral liquid for those having trouble swallowing pillsCons•Can have a lot of side effects, including lithium toxicity if lithium levels are too high•Requires routine blood tests to check the medication levels and how the medication is affecting your body•Not the best option for people with severe kidney problems•Interacts with a lot of medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), diuretics, and ACE-inhibitorsCommon Side Effects of Lamictal vs. Lithium
Common Side Effects forBelow 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 forAdults:
•Hand trembling•Excessive urination•More thirst•Nausea•General discomfort when you start treatmentChildren (7 to 17 years of age):
•Nausea or vomiting (57%)•Urinating more often (38%)•Tremor (32%)•Feeling more thirsty (28%)•Tiredness (26%)•Higher thyroid hormone levels (25%)•Dizziness (23%)Warnings of Lamictal vs. Lithium
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 medicationsCommon Side Effects for•Lithium toxicity•Kidney problems•Serotonin syndrome•Thyroid problems•Heart problems (Brugada syndrome)•Low blood sodium levels•High blood calcium levels and high parathyroid hormone levels•Brain-related side effectsPrices with our coupons for Lamictal vs. Lithium
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