Are you a healthcare professional? Join GoodRx for HCPs

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)
Lacosamide (Vimpat)
Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
Lacosamide (Vimpat)
Summary of Lamictal vs. Vimpat
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 Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Lacosamide (Vimpat) is an antiepileptic. People 1 month and older can take it on its own or with other antiepileptics for partial-onset seizures (also called focal aware seizures). It's also an add-on medication for people 4 years and older who have primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures (or grand mal seizures). Lacosamide (Vimpat) comes as tablets and an oral solution that's taken by mouth twice a day. It's also available as an injection that's used in the hospital. Side effects include dizziness, headache, and nausea. Lacosamide (Vimpat) comes as both brand-name and generic versions, but it's a controlled substance.
Indications of Lamictal vs. Vimpat
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

•Partial-onset seizures (or focal aware seizures) - for people at least 1 month of age

•Primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures - for people at least 4 years old
Pros and Cons of Lamictal vs. Vimpat
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 Antiepileptic
Pros

•Can take with other seizure medications

•Available as a tablet and oral solution

•Okay for children 1 month of age and older with partial-onset seizures and children 4 years and older with PGTC seizures

Cons

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

•Can cause side effects like dizziness, headache, and double vision

•Interacts with many medications, like beta blockers
Common Side Effects of Lamictal vs. Vimpat
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 (31%)

•Headache (13%)

•Nausea (11%)

•Double vision (11%)

•Vomiting (9%)

•Tiredness (9%)

•Blurred vision (8%)

•Problems with movement or coordination (8%)

•Sleepiness (7%)

•Tremor (7%)
Warnings of Lamictal vs. Vimpat
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

•Risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Dizziness and problems with controlling movements

•Abnormal heartbeat

•Withdrawal seizures

•Allergic reactions

•Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - oral solution only
Prices with our coupons for Lamictal vs. Vimpat
Learn more about Lamotrigine
Learn more about Lacosamide

Browse medications

View All

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

Compare Lamictal vs. Vimpat

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

Prices with our coupons for Lamictal vs. Vimpat

Compare other Epilepsy drugs

Browse medications

Good news for your inbox