Topamax vs. Lamictal

Are Topamax and Lamictal the Same Thing?

Topamax (topiramate) and Lamictal (lamotrigine) are anticonvulsants used to prevent epileptic seizures.

Topamax is also used to prevent migraine headaches.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Topamax?

Common side effects of Topamax include:

  • drowsiness,
  • dry mouth,
  • dizziness,
  • blurred vision,
  • constipation,
  • weight gain,
  • trouble urinating,
  • headache,
  • increased hunger, and
  • changes in taste.

What Are Possible Side Effects of Lamictal?

Common side effects of Lamictal include:

  • dizziness,
  • shaking (tremors),
  • sleepiness,
  • tired feeling,
  • drowsiness,
  • loss of coordination,
  • headache,
  • double vision,
  • blurred vision,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting,
  • upset stomach,
  • stomach pain,
  • dry mouth,
  • changes in menstrual periods,
  • back pain,
  • sore throat,
  • runny nose, or
  • sleep problems (insomnia).

Serious side effects of Lamictal you should report to your doctor include:

  • rash,
  • worsening depression or suicidal thoughts, and
  • flu-like symptoms such as body aches or swollen glands.

What is Topamax?

Topamax (topiramate) is an anticonvulsant prescribed for preventing epileptic seizures and migraine headaches. Topamax is available as a generic drug.

What is Lamictal?

Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anticonvulsant used alone or in combination with other antiseizure medications for treating certain types of seizures. Lamictal is available as a generic drug.

What Drugs Interact With Topamax?

Topamax may interact with other medicines that can make you sleepy (cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for depression or anxiety), other seizure medications, lithium, hydrochlorothiazide, metformin, atropine, belladonna, benztropine, dimenhydrinate, methscopolamine, scopolamine, bronchodilators, bladder or urinary medications, or glaucoma medications.

What Drugs Interact With Lamictal?

Lamictal may interact with seizure medications.

Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anticonvulsant used alone or in combination with other antiseizure medications for treating certain types of seizures. Lamictal is available as a generic drug.

How Should Topamax Be Taken?

Topamax usual adult dose is 200mg twice a day. Drug interactions include acetazolamide (Diamox), methazolamide (Neptazane), dichlorphenamide (Daranide), carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin) and oral contraceptives. There are no adequate studies of Topamax in pregnant women and it is not known if Topamax is secreted in human breast milk. Use during pregnancy is not recommended unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential unknown risk to the fetus. Topamax passes into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

How Should Lamictal Be Taken?

Lamictal doses depend on the condition being treated and on whether it is used alone or in combination with other antiseizure medications.

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References

RxList. Topamax Medication Guide.
https://www.rxlist.com/topamax-drug.htm
RxList. Lamictal Medication Guide.
https://www.rxlist.com/lamictal-drug.htm#medguide

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