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Compare Lamictal vs. Neurontin

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

Key takeaways

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and gabapentin (Neurontin) are both antiepileptic medications, but they have different uses and side effects. Lamotrigine is used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder, while gabapentin is used for seizures and nerve pain from shingles. Lamotrigine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, whereas gabapentin is typically taken three times a day in immediate-release form. Gabapentin can cause dizziness and sleepiness, and it has a risk of misuse, leading some states to classify it as a controlled substance. Lamotrigine, on the other hand, can cause serious skin reactions and requires a slow increase in dosage to minimize this risk. Both medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and should not be stopped suddenly without consulting a healthcare provider. Lamotrigine is available as a lower-cost generic, while gabapentin is also available in generic form and as a liquid for those who have trouble swallowing pills.

  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)
  • Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
    Gabapentin (Neurontin)

  • Summary of Lamictal vs. Neurontin

    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 Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Gabapentin (Neurontin) is a medication approved to treat certain seizures and nerve pain. It's typically taken 3 times daily by mouth, and is available as pills and a liquid. Common side effects include dizziness and sleepiness.

  • Indications of Lamictal vs. Neurontin

    Indications for
    •Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures)
    •Seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome - immediate-release only
    •Bipolar disorder - immediate-release only
    Indications for
    •Nerve pain from shingles in adults
    •Add on treatment for partial (focal) seizures in people age 3 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Lamictal vs. Neurontin

    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 Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Works well for seizures and nerve pain
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available as a tablet, capsule, and liquid for those who have trouble swallowing pills
    •Dose can be adjusted based on response
    Cons
    •Needs to be taken multiple times per day
    •Stopping the medication suddenly can lead to serious problems, such as seizures
    •Can raise your risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Commonly causes dizziness

  • Common Side Effects of Lamictal vs. Neurontin

    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
    •Dizziness (17-28%)
    •Sleepiness (19-21%)
    •Poor muscle control/clumsiness (3-13%)
    •Fatigue (3-11%)

  • Warnings of Lamictal vs. Neurontin

    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
    •Severe allergic and skin reactions
    •Difficulty concentrating, extreme sleepiness, and dizziness
    •Withdrawal problems
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Dangerously slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Brain and mental health side effects in children

  • Prices with our coupons for Lamictal vs. Neurontin

    Learn more about Lamotrigine
    Learn more about Gabapentin

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