Key takeaways
Cariprazine (Vraylar) and lamotrigine (Lamictal) are both used to treat bipolar disorder, but they belong to different medication classes. Cariprazine is an atypical antipsychotic, while lamotrigine is an antiepileptic. Cariprazine is also FDA-approved for schizophrenia and as an add-on for major depressive disorder (MDD), whereas lamotrigine is used to treat seizures. Cariprazine comes as a capsule taken once daily, while lamotrigine is available in multiple forms, including tablets and chewable tablets, and is usually taken once or twice daily. Cariprazine is only available as a brand-name medication, while lamotrigine is available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of cariprazine include uncontrolled muscle movements and restlessness, whereas lamotrigine can cause dizziness and serious skin reactions. Cariprazine has fewer drug interactions compared to lamotrigine, which interacts with medications like birth control pills and valproic acid.
