Key takeaways
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and Levetiracetam (Keppra) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they have some key differences. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is also used for trigeminal neuralgia and bipolar I disorder (Equetro brand only), while Levetiracetam (Keppra) is used as an add-on treatment for myoclonic and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Carbamazepine works by blocking sodium channels in the brain, whereas Levetiracetam's exact mechanism is not fully understood but is thought to involve stopping neurons from releasing certain chemicals. Carbamazepine can cause weight gain and has many potential side effects, including serious skin reactions and liver problems. Levetiracetam, on the other hand, does not typically cause weight gain but can also cause serious skin reactions, and may also lead to mood changes, and can cause high blood pressure in young children. Both medications are available in generic forms and come in various formulations, including immediate-release and extended-release tablets. However, Carbamazepine may require more frequent dosing, while Levetiracetam is taken once or twice daily.
