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Compare Tegretol vs. Vimpat

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

Key takeaways

Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and Vimpat (lacosamide) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat seizures, but they have some key differences. Carbamazepine is used for various types of seizures, trigeminal neuralgia, and bipolar I disorder (Equetro brand only), while Vimpat is used for partial-onset seizures and as an add-on for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Carbamazepine is available in many forms, including pills, chewable tablets, and liquid, and is not a controlled substance. In contrast, Vimpat is a Schedule V controlled substance, meaning it has a potential for misuse and dependence. Carbamazepine works by blocking sodium channels in the brain, whereas Vimpat's exact mechanism is unclear but is thought to slow sodium channel activity. Common side effects of carbamazepine include dizziness, sleepiness, and stomach upset, while Vimpat can cause dizziness, headache, and nausea. Additionally, carbamazepine can interfere with hormonal birth control and requires routine blood tests, whereas Vimpat does not have these specific concerns.

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Vimpat (lacosamide)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Vimpat (lacosamide)
Summary of Tegretol vs. Vimpat
Summary for Antiepileptic
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.
Summary for Antiepileptic
Prescription only
Vimpat (lacosamide) is an antiepileptic (anti-seizure) medication. It can be taken on its own or with other antiepileptics to treat partial-onset seizures (also known as focal seizures). It's also an add-on therapy to treat primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures (also known as grand mal seizures). The dosage is adjusted based on how well it works and whether you're having any side effects. Vimpat (lacosamide) is available in both brand-name and generic versions. It's classified as a schedule V controlled substance.
Indications of Tegretol vs. Vimpat
Indications for

•Partial-onset seizures

•Generalized tonic-clonic seizures

•Mixed seizure patterns

•Trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain)

•Bipolar I disorder - Equetro brand only

Indications for

•Treatment for partial-onset seizures - for people at least 1 month of age (Vimpat brand) or at least 4 years old (generic)

•Add-on treatment for primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures - for people at least 4 years old (Vimpat brand only)
Pros and Cons of Tegretol vs. Vimpat
Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
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

Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
Pros

•Can take the medication on its own for partial-onset seizures (also called focal seizures)

•Can take with other seizure medications

•Available as a tablet and oral solution (and an injection form if you're in the hospital)

•Can give to children 1 month of age and older

Cons

•Shouldn't be the only medication you take for primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures

•Is a controlled medication, so you can only get a limited amount per month

•Interacts with many medications, such as beta blockers

•Can cause side effects like dizziness, headache, and nausea
Common Side Effects of Tegretol vs. Vimpat
Common Side Effects for

•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%)

Common Side Effects for

•Dizziness (up to 31%)

•Headache (up to 13%)

•Nausea (up to 11%)

•Double vision (up to 11%)

•Vomiting (up to 9%)

•Fatigue (up to 9%)

•Blurred vision (up to 8%)

•Difficulty with movement or coordination (up to 8%)

•Sleepiness (up to 7%)
Warnings of Tegretol vs. Vimpat
Common Side Effects for

•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)

Common Side Effects for

•Suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Dizziness and difficulty controlling movements

•Abnormal heartbeat

•Fainting

•Withdrawal seizures

•Allergic reactions

•Caution if you have PKU (oral solution form only)
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Key takeaways

Summary of Tegretol vs. Vimpat

Indications of Tegretol vs. Vimpat

Pros and Cons of Tegretol vs. Vimpat

Common Side Effects of Tegretol vs. Vimpat

Warnings of Tegretol vs. Vimpat

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