Compare Lamictal vs. Propranolol
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and Propranolol (Inderal) are both prescription medications, but they serve different purposes and belong to different drug classes. Lamotrigine is an antiepileptic used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder, while Propranolol is a non-selective beta blocker used for conditions like high blood pressure, chest pain, and migraine prevention. Lamotrigine is available in various forms, including chewable tablets and extended-release tablets, and it requires careful dose adjustments to avoid serious skin reactions. On the other hand, Propranolol is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms and is taken 1 to 4 times daily, depending on the condition being treated and the formulations. Propranolol is not safe for people with asthma or certain heart conditions. Both medications can cause dizziness and both have generic versions available.
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)Propranolol
- Lamotrigine (Lamictal)Propranolol
Summary of Lamictal vs. Propranolol
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 Beta blockerPrescription onlyPropranolol is a non-selective beta blocker. It helps with a range of medical conditions, including high blood pressure, tremors, and migraine prevention. Sometimes, providers prescribe propranolol off-label to ease performance anxiety. You take this medication by mouth, typically 1 to 4 times daily, depending on if you're taking the immediate-release (IR) or extended-release (ER) medication. Keep in mind the IR and ER versions don't treat the same medical conditions. Some of the more common side effects of propranolol include dizziness, tiredness, or weakness.
Indications of Lamictal vs. Propranolol
Indications for•Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures)•Seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome - immediate-release only•Bipolar disorder - immediate-release onlyIndications for•Chronic chest pain•Atrial fibrillation (A.Fib)•Heart protection after a heart attack•Tremors•Pheochromocytoma (a rare tumor of the adrenal gland)Pros and Cons of Lamictal vs. Propranolol
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 Beta blockerPros•Taken by mouth•Long-acting version only needs to be taken once a day•Oral solution might be a good option for people who can't swallow pills•Available as lower-cost genericsCons•Not safe for people with asthma or certain serious heart conditions•Can hide many recognizable symptoms of low blood sugar, such as fast heart beat or tremors, which might prevent timely treatment•Missing doses or suddenly stopping propranolol can raise your risk of heart attacksCommon Side Effects of Lamictal vs. Propranolol
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 for•Dizziness•Tiredness•Feeling weakWarnings of Lamictal vs. Propranolol
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•Worsening of chest pain or heart attack•Higher risk or worsening of heart failure•Hidden symptoms of low blood sugar•Hidden symptoms of overactive thyroid•Trouble breathing (bronchospastic disease)•Serious skin reactions•Greater risk during surgeryPrices with our coupons for Lamictal vs. Propranolol
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