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Tegretol vs. Aptiom

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

Key takeaways

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and eslicarbazepine (Aptiom) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they have some key differences. Carbamazepine is available in various forms, including pills, chewable tablets, and liquid, and it can treat multiple conditions like different types of seizures, trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar I disorder (Equetro brand only). Eslicarbazepine, on the other hand, is only used for partial-onset seizures and is taken once daily, which can be more convenient. Both medications are available in a generic form. Both medications can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and low sodium levels, but carbamazepine has a broader range of serious side effects, including severe skin reactions and low blood cell counts. Additionally, both medications can interfere with hormonal birth control, and can cause mood changes and vision problems.

Carbamazepine

(Tegretol)

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Aptiom

(eslicarbazepine)

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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)

Summary for Aptiom

Prescription only

Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) helps control seizures if you have partial-onset epilepsy. It can be used in people aged 4 years and older, but it interacts with some other medications and can be expensive if not covered by insurance.

Indications for Aptiom

  • Partial-onset seizures

Pros and Cons for Aptiom

Pros

  • Can be used on its own, or with other seizure medications for better seizure control
  • Convenient, taken once daily
  • Tablets can be crushed (doesn't come in liquid form)

Cons

  • Causes dizziness, headache, and vision problems quite often
  • Can't take if you're allergic to oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
  • Brand name only, so it can be more expensive than other alternatives

Common Side Effects for Aptiom

  • Dizziness (20-28%)
  • Sleepiness (11-18%)
  • Headache (13-15%)
  • Nausea (10-16%)
  • Double vision (9-11%)
  • Vomiting (6-10%)
  • Tiredness (4-7%)
  • Blurry vision (5-6%)
  • Difficulty with movement or coordination (4-6%)
  • Feeling like the room is spinning (2-6%)
  • Shakiness (tremor, 2-4%)

Warnings for Aptiom

  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Low sodium levels
  • Difficulty with movement, concentration, and vision
  • Withdrawal seizures
  • Liver injury

Prices with our coupons for Tegretol vs. Aptiom

Price Card Drug Icon
Carbamazepine180 tablets / 200mg
$39.31$187.41
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Price Card Drug Icon
Eslicarbazepine30 tablets / 800mg
$67.96$1,247.04
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