Skip to main content

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)

Get free coupons

Propranolol

 

Get free coupons

Summary for Lamictal

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.

Indications for Lamictal

Pros and Cons for Lamictal

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

Common Side Effects for Lamictal

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%)

Warnings for Lamictal

  • 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

Summary for Propranolol

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 for Propranolol

Pros and Cons for Propranolol

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 for Propranolol

  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling weak

Warnings for Propranolol

  • 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

Prices with our coupons for Lamictal vs. Propranolol

Price Card Drug Icon
Lamotrigine30 tablets / 100mg
$9.00$9.00
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Propranolol60 tablets / 10mg
$13.00$15.98
Get free coupons
More Information

Compare other Bipolar Disorder and Atrial Fibrillation drugs

Dilantin vs. LamictalElavil vs. LamictalLamictal vs. AbilifyLamictal vs. AptiomLamictal vs. Banzel
Lamictal vs. DepakoteLamictal vs. DesipramineLamictal vs. ImitrexLamictal vs. KeppraLamictal vs. LatudaLamictal vs. LidocaineLamictal vs. LithiumLamictal vs. NeurontinLamictal vs. PropranololLamictal vs. SeroquelLamictal vs. TrileptalLamictal vs. VimpatLamictal vs. ZonegranLamictal vs. ZyprexaTegretol vs. LamictalTopamax vs. LamictalValproic-acid vs. LamictalVraylar vs. LamictalZarontin vs. LamictalAbilify vs. InvegaAbilify vs. LexaproAbilify vs. SeroquelAbilify vs. VraylarAbilify vs. WellbutrinZarontin vs. Valproic-acid

Browse medications by letter

Show All

Browse prescription and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.