Compare Tegretol vs. Lamictal

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and Lamotrigine (Lamictal) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they have some key differences. Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is also used for trigeminal neuralgia (a type of facial nerve pain) and bipolar I disorder (Equetro brand only), while Lamotrigine (Lamictal) can treat bipolar disorder with its immediate-release form. Carbamazepine works by blocking sodium channels in the brain, whereas the exact mechanism of Lamotrigine is not fully understood but is thought to prevent overly excited nerves. Carbamazepine is available in various forms, including pills, chewable tablets, and liquid, and can be taken up to four times a day. Lamotrigine also comes in multiple forms, such as chewable tablets and extended-release tablets, but requires a slow dose increase to avoid serious skin reactions. Both medications can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and severe skin reactions. Additionally, both medications can interfere with hormonal birth control.