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Compare Zarontin vs. Lamictal

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

Key takeaways

Ethosuximide (Zarontin) and Lamotrigine (Lamictal) are both antiepileptic medications, but they have different uses and characteristics. Ethosuximide is specifically used to treat absence seizures (petit mal seizures) and is available in both pill and liquid forms. In contrast, Lamotrigine can treat a broader range of seizures, including partial and tonic-clonic seizures, and is also used for bipolar disorder. Lamotrigine comes in various forms, such as immediate-release, extended-release, chewable, and orally disintegrating tablets. Ethosuximide is known to cause drowsiness and requires regular blood tests to monitor liver and kidney health, while Lamotrigine can cause serious skin reactions and needs a slow dose increase to minimize this risk. Both medications are available in lower-cost generic forms, but Lamotrigine interacts with more medications, including birth control pills.

  • Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
    Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
  • Ethosuximide (Zarontin)
    Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

  • Summary of Zarontin vs. Lamictal

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Ethosuximide (Zarontin) is an antiepileptic medication that's used for treating absence seizures, also known as petit mal seizures. It works by calming down brain activity to lower the number of seizure attacks. This medication is FDA approved for people 3 years and older. It comes as a capsule and syrup under the brand name Zarontin and in lower-cost generic versions. Ethosuximide (Zarontin) is taken by mouth once a day or in smaller doses throughout the day. Some possible side effects include stomach upset, nausea, and dizziness.

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Lamotrigine (Lamictal) can be used alone or together with other medications to treat seizures. It's available in immediate-release and extended-release formulations. The immediate-release formulation can also be used for bipolar disorder. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) can cause serious skin reactions like rash.

  • Indications of Zarontin vs. Lamictal

    Indications for
    •Absence seizures (also known as petit mal seizures)
    Indications for
    •Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures)
    •Seizures of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome - immediate-release only
    •Bipolar disorder - immediate-release only

  • Pros and Cons of Zarontin vs. Lamictal

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •A first-choice treatment for absence seizures in children
    •Available as a pill and a fruit-flavored liquid
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only treats absence seizures (must take other medications if you have a mixed seizure type)
    •Requires regular blood tests to check your liver, kidney, and blood cell counts for your safety
    •Might interact with some other antiepileptic medications
    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Starter kits are available to help with dosing when you first start the medication.
    •Dose can be adjusted based on your response
    •Available in various forms: chewable tablets, quick-dissolving tablets, and extended-release tablets
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Can cause dizziness
    •Dose has to be slowly raised due to risk of serious rash
    •Interacts with many medications such as birth control pills, divalproex (Depakote), and dofetilide (Tikosyn)
    •Unknown if safe or works well in children under 2 years old (immediate release) or children under 13 years old (extended release)

  • Common Side Effects of Zarontin vs. Lamictal

    Common Side Effects for
    •Poor appetite
    •Stomach upset
    •Nausea or vomiting
    •Diarrhea
    •Stomach cramps or stomach pain
    •Drowsiness
    •Tiredness
    •Headache
    •Dizziness
    •Difficulty with walking, movement, or coordination
    •Difficulty concentrating
    •Weight loss
    Common Side Effects for

    Below are common side effects reported by adults who took this medication along with other treatments. Percentages can differ depending on your condition (e.g., bipolar) and your age.

    Immediate release

    •Dizziness (38%)
    •Headache (29%)
    •Double vision (28%)
    •Loss of coordination (22%)
    •Nausea (19%)
    •Blurry vision (16%)
    •Sleepiness (14%)
    •Stuffy nose (14%)
    •Sore throat (10%)
    •Rash (10%)

    Extended release

    •Dizziness (14%)
    •Nausea (7%)
    •Vomiting (6%)
    •Tremor (6%)
    •Feeling tired (6%)
    •Double vision (5%)
    •Diarrhea (5%)

  • Warnings of Zarontin vs. Lamictal

    Common Side Effects for
    •Low blood cell counts
    •Liver and kidney damage
    •Lupus
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Risk for seizures if you stop taking ethosuximide (Zarontin) suddenly
    •Treats absence seizures only
    Common Side Effects for
    •Severe skin reactions and allergic reactions
    •Overactive immune system
    •Irregular heartbeat
    •Suicidal behavior and thoughts
    •Meningitis (brain inflammation)
    •Withdrawal seizures
    •Possible eye problems
    •Interaction with other medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Zarontin vs. Lamictal

    Learn more about Ethosuximide
    Learn more about Lamotrigine

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