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.
