Key takeaways
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and oxcarbazepine (Trileptal) are both antiepileptic medications, but they have some key differences. Lamotrigine is used to treat various types of seizures and bipolar disorder, while oxcarbazepine is specifically for partial-onset seizures. Lamotrigine is available in multiple forms, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets, chewable tablets, and orally disintegrating tablets. In contrast, oxcarbazepine comes in immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and oral suspension. Lamotrigine can cause serious skin reactions and has a risk of meningitis, while oxcarbazepine can lead to low blood sodium levels and severe allergic reactions, especially in people with certain genetic backgrounds. Both medications can cause dizziness and headaches, but oxcarbazepine is more likely to affect your ability to concentrate and react quickly. Lamotrigine is also known to interact with many medications, including birth control pills, whereas oxcarbazepine can make hormonal birth control less effective.
