Skip to main content

Compare
Lamictal vs. Seroquel

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

Key takeaways

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and quetiapine (Seroquel) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Lamotrigine is an antiepileptic used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder, while quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and as an add-on for depression. Lamotrigine is available in various forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets, and it can cause serious skin reactions like rash. Quetiapine, on the other hand, is available in immediate-release and extended-release forms and can cause weight gain, high blood sugar, and cholesterol levels. Both medications require careful dose adjustments and have significant side effects, but quetiapine is more likely to cause drowsiness. Lamotrigine interacts with many medications, such as birth control pills, while quetiapine should be avoided in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

Lamotrigine

(Lamictal)

Get free coupons

Quetiapine

(Seroquel)

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 Seroquel

Prescription only

Quetiapine (Seroquel) is an atypical antipsychotic. It's used to treat mental health problems like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. This medication comes as an immediate-release tablet (Seroquel) that's taken by mouth usually twice a day. There's also an extended-release tablet (Seroquel XR) that's taken once a day. The specific dosage depends on how well it's helping your mood, thoughts, and behaviors. Side effects can include sleepiness, headache, and possible weight gain. There are brand-name and generic versions of this medication.

Indications for Seroquel

Pros and Cons for Seroquel

Pros

  • Taken by mouth
  • Might notice an improvement in your symptoms in as early as a week of starting the medication
  • Available in both short-acting and long-acting tablets

Cons

  • Might cause weight gain
  • Can raise your blood sugar and cholesterol levels
  • Not recommended for older adults who have dementia-related psychosis

Common Side Effects for Seroquel

Immediate-release tablets:

  • Headache (21%)
  • Agitation (20%)
  • Sleepiness (18%)
  • Dizziness (11%)
  • Dry mouth (9%)
  • Constipation (8%)
  • Pain (7%)
  • Fast heart rate (6%)
  • Vomiting (6%)

Extended-release tablets:

Warnings for Seroquel

  • Higher risk of death and stroke in older people with dementia-related psychosis
  • Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • High blood sugar, high cholesterol, and weight gain
  • Trouble controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
  • Changes in blood pressure
  • Risk of falls
  • Risk of infection (due to low white blood cell counts)
  • Possible changes in heart rhythm
  • Seizures
  • Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone)
  • High prolactin levels
  • Feeling very sleepy and having trouble concentrating

Prices with our coupons for Lamictal vs. Seroquel

Price Card Drug Icon
Lamotrigine30 tablets / 100mg
--
Get free coupons
More Information
Price Card Drug Icon
Quetiapine30 tablets / 25mg
--
Get free coupons
More Information

Browse medications by letter

Show All

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