When brain cells send chemical or electrical signals simultaneously or faster than usual, this can result inseizures.

Tegretol and Lamictal work similarly, are available in oral dosage forms, and have shared side effects.

Although both medicines treat seizures, they are also used for other conditions.

Tegretol vs. Lamictal: Main Differences and Similarities

Tegretol and Lamictal have some similarities and differences.

Many are related to the types of seizures each medication treats and other uses they have.

The table below highlights some key differences and similarities between Tegretoland Lamictal.

Understanding Lamictal

Lamictal belongs to the group of medications called anticonvulsants.

Other names for this group of drugs areantiepileptic drugsand anti-seizure medications.

Lamictal works by decreasing disruptive electrical signaling in the brain.

Anticonvulsants, including Lamictal, are used to treat seizures in people with epilepsy.

Benefits

Choosing Lamictal offers a few benefits.

Like Lamictal, it works by reducing disruptive electrical activity in the brain.

Some advantages include:

It’s possible to have side effects from Tegretol.

Some may increase your risk of side effects.

In other cases, Tegretol, Lamictal, or other drugs may not work as well if taken together.

before you jump in taking either medication, be sure your healthcare professional knows all the medicines you take.

They can help you decide which option is best for you.

This is something you will want to discuss with your healthcare professional.

Taking Tegretol during pregnancy may cause harm to the fetus.

you’ve got the option to do so by calling 888-233-2334 or visiting theregistry website.

The NAAED registry collects information to help healthcare professionals better understand the safety of taking anti-seizure medications during pregnancy.

Your prescriber can help you decide which option is best for you.

This is because stopping Tegretol or Lamictal suddenly may trigger seizures in people taking the medication to treat seizures.

Summary

Tegretol and Lamictal are prescription anticonvulsants approved to treat seizures in people with epilepsy.

Tegretol also treats certain types of nerve pain, while Lamictal can treat bipolar disorder.

Tegretol and Lamictal have similar side effects, including dizziness and nausea or vomiting.

Both medications can interact with other drugs, including birth control pills.

And they may not be safe to take if you have certain health conditions, including depression or glaucoma.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Epilepsy and seizures.

DailyMed.Label: Tegretol- carbamazepine suspension; Tegretol- carbamazepine tablet; Tegretol XR- carbamazepine tablet, extended release.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Orange Book: approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations.

DailyMed.Label: Lamictal XR- lamotrigine tablet, film coated, extended release; Lamictal XR- lamotrigine kit.