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Lidoderm vs. Tegretol

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

Key takeaways

Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm) and carbamazepine (Tegretol) are both used to treat nerve pain, but they belong to different medication classes and have distinct uses. Lidoderm is applied topically to relieve nerve pain from shingles, known as postherpetic neuralgia, by numbing the skin. Carbamazepine, on the other hand, is an antiepileptic taken orally to treat seizures, trigeminal neuralgia (a type of facial nerve pain), and bipolar I disorder (Equetro brand only). Lidoderm patches are applied once daily for up to 12 hours, while carbamazepine is typically taken 1 to 4 times a day, depending on the formulation. Common side effects of Lidoderm include skin irritation, while carbamazepine can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and stomach upset. Additionally, carbamazepine can interact with many medications and may require routine blood tests, whereas Lidoderm's main concern is skin irritation and potential interactions with other lidocaine products.

Lidocaine 5% patch

(Lidoderm)

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Carbamazepine

(Tegretol)

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Summary for Lidoderm

Prescription only

Lidocaine 5% patch (Lidoderm) is a prescription medication used to relieve nerve pain caused by a shingles infection, also called postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). It's a local anesthetic that works by numbing your nerves to help reduce pain. You apply the patch directly to the painful area of your skin once a day, and it can be worn for up to 12 hours in a 24-hour period. Common side effects include temporary skin irritation, redness, and a mild burning sensation where the patch is applied.

Indications for Lidoderm

Pros and Cons for Lidoderm

Pros

  • Works directly on the skin
  • Generally well-tolerated with few side effects
  • Can cut patches to fit the area of pain

Cons

  • Commonly causes skin irritation
  • Must avoid contact with water wearing the patch
  • Might interact with many medications

Common Side Effects for Lidoderm

  • Blisters
  • Bruising
  • Burning sensation
  • Changes in skin color
  • Rash or redness
  • Swelling
  • Peeling or flaking skin
  • Itching
  • Small bumps or spots
  • Tiny red or purple dots under the skin
  • Tingling or numbness in the area

Warnings for Lidoderm

  • Blood problem (methemoglobinemia)
  • Absorbing too much medication
  • Accidental poisoning in children or pets

Summary for Tegretol

Prescription only

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is an antiseizure medication used to treat different kinds of seizures. It can also help with trigeminal neuralgia, a type of facial nerve pain. Brand name Equetro is the only formulation that's approved to treat bipolar I disorder. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) available as pills and a liquid. Depending on formulation you take and what medical condition you have, carbamazepine (Tegretol) is taken by mouth 1 to 4 times per day. Common side effects include sleepiness, dizziness, and stomach upset.

Indications for Tegretol

Pros and Cons for Tegretol

Pros

  • Works well for different types of seizures and trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain)
  • Helps stabilize mood in people with bipolar disorder (Equetro brand only)
  • Available as a lower-cost generic
  • Comes in many dosage forms (e.g., chewable tablets, oral pills, liquid form) for people who have difficulty swallowing pills

Cons

  • Might need to take the immediate-release form of the medication up to 4 times a day
  • Can cause a lot of side effects
  • Might require routine blood testing while taking the medication to see how it's affecting your body
  • Can make hormonal birth control not work as well

Common Side Effects for Tegretol

  • Dizziness (44%)
  • Sleepiness (32%)
  • Nausea (29%)
  • Vomiting (18%)
  • Difficulty walking or keeping balance (15%)
  • Constipation (10%)
  • Itching (8%)
  • Dry mouth (8%)
  • Weakness (8%)
  • Rash (7%)
  • Blurry vision (6%)
  • Speech problems (6%)

Warnings for Tegretol

  • Severe skin reactions
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Harm to unborn babies
  • Withdrawal
  • Difficulty with speech, concentration, and movement
  • Liver problems
  • Low sodium levels
  • High eye pressure
  • Heart block (heart rhythm problems)

Prices with our coupons for Lidoderm vs. Tegretol

Price Card Drug Icon
Lidocaine30 patches / 5%
$60.46$288.86
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Price Card Drug Icon
Carbamazepine180 tablets / 200mg
$39.31$186.95
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