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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 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 Beta blocker
Prescription only
Propranolol 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

•Partial-onset seizures

•Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures

•Seizures from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome - immediate-release only

•Bipolar 1 disorder - immediate-release only

Indications for

•High blood pressure

•Chronic chest pain

•Migraine

•Hypertrophic subaortic stenosis

•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 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 Beta blocker
Pros

•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 generics

Cons

•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 attacks
Common Side Effects of Lamictal vs. Propranolol
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

•Dizziness

•Tiredness

•Feeling weak
Warnings of Lamictal vs. Propranolol
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

•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 surgery
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Compare Lamictal vs. Propranolol

Key takeaways

Summary of Lamictal vs. Propranolol

Indications of Lamictal vs. Propranolol

Pros and Cons of Lamictal vs. Propranolol

Common Side Effects of Lamictal vs. Propranolol

Warnings of Lamictal vs. Propranolol

Prices with our coupons for Lamictal vs. Propranolol

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