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Compare Lamictal vs. Vimpat

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

Key takeaways

Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and lacosamide (Vimpat) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they have some key differences. Lamotrigine is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms and can also be used to treat bipolar disorder, while lacosamide is used specifically for partial-onset and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Lamotrigine is not a controlled substance, whereas lacosamide is classified as a Schedule V controlled substance, meaning it has a potential for misuse and dependence. Lamotrigine can cause serious skin reactions like rash, while lacosamide can lead to dizziness and abnormal heartbeats. Both medications require careful dose adjustments, but lamotrigine's dose must be raised slowly to avoid severe side effects. Additionally, lamotrigine is available in various forms, including chewable and quick-dissolving tablets, whereas lacosamide is available as a tablet and oral solution.

Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Vimpat (lacosamide)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Vimpat (lacosamide)
Summary of Lamictal vs. Vimpat
Summary for Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Lamotrigine (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 Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Vimpat (lacosamide) is an antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medication. It can be taken on its own or with other antiepileptics to treat partial-onset seizures (also known as focal seizures). It's also an add-on therapy to treat primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures (also known as grand mal seizures). The dosage is adjusted based on how well it works and whether you're having any side effects. Vimpat (lacosamide) is available in both brand-name and generic versions. It's classified as a schedule V controlled substance.
Indications of Lamictal vs. Vimpat
Indications for

•Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures)

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

•Bipolar disorder - immediate-release only

Indications for

•Treatment for partial-onset seizures - for people at least 1 month of age (Vimpat brand) or at least 4 years old (generic)

•Add-on treatment for primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures - for people at least 4 years old (Vimpat brand only)
Pros and Cons of Lamictal vs. Vimpat
Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
Pros

•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 generic

Cons

•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 Antiepileptic
Pros

•Can take the medication on its own for partial-onset seizures (also called focal seizures)

•Can take with other seizure medications

•Available as a tablet and oral solution (and an injection form if you're in the hospital)

•Can give to children 1 month of age and older

Cons

•Shouldn't be the only medication you take for primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures

•Is a controlled medication, so you can only get a limited amount per month

•Interacts with many medications, such as beta blockers

•Can cause side effects like dizziness, headache, and nausea
Common Side Effects of Lamictal vs. Vimpat
Common Side Effects for
Below 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 (up to 31%)

•Headache (up to 13%)

•Nausea (up to 11%)

•Double vision (up to 11%)

•Vomiting (up to 9%)

•Fatigue (up to 9%)

•Blurred vision (up to 8%)

•Difficulty with movement or coordination (up to 8%)

•Sleepiness (up to 7%)
Warnings of Lamictal vs. Vimpat
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 medications

Common Side Effects for

•Suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Dizziness and difficulty controlling movements

•Abnormal heartbeat

•Fainting

•Withdrawal seizures

•Allergic reactions

•Caution if you have PKU (oral solution form only)
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Key takeaways

Summary of Lamictal vs. Vimpat

Indications of Lamictal vs. Vimpat

Pros and Cons of Lamictal vs. Vimpat

Common Side Effects of Lamictal vs. Vimpat

Warnings of Lamictal vs. Vimpat

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