Compare Lamictal vs. Keppra
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Prevents seizures and stabilizes mood.
Lamictal (Lamotrigine) is most useful for treating severe seizure disorders, and for bipolar disorder with more depression symptoms than manic symptoms. Just be careful to increase your dose slowly to avoid skin rash.
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3.7/ 5 average rating with 184 reviewsforLamictal
Prevents seizures.
Keppra (levetiracetam) is effective for preventing seizures in people with epilepsy and has fewer drug interactions than its alternatives.
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4.5/ 5 average rating with 21 reviewsforKeppra
Upsides
- Effective at lowering the frequency of seizures in people with epilepsy or Lennox-Gestaut syndrome. Typically used together with other medications for severe seizure disorders.
- Works best for partial, tonic-clonic, and absence seizures.
- A first-line treatment for bipolar disorder. Effective long-term treatment for stabilizing mood. Prevents both depressive and manic episodes, but the effect is greater for preventing depression.
- Doesn't require routine blood tests.
- Keppra (levetiracetam) is effective at lowering the frequency of various types of seizures.
- Keppra (levetiracetam) is available in liquid form or dissolving tablets if you have trouble swallowing pills.
- Compared to other seizure medications, Keppra (levetiracetam) has fewer side effects and drug interactions, and usually does not require monitoring blood levels.
Downsides
- Can cause double vision, dizziness, sleepiness, and headache.
- Has the risk of a rare but life-threatening rash.
- Can make hormonal birth control less effective.
- Might be less effective than other medicines for treating manic episodes (acute mania) in people with bipolar disorder.
- Must be taken on time so that there are consistent levels of the drug in your body.
- Keppra (levetiracetam) may not be the best drug to take if you have a history of mood problems, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
- If you have kidney problems, your dose will need to be adjusted and your doctor will check your kidney function regularly.
- Due to its effects on your balance, Keppra (levetiracetam) may not be appropriate for the elderly.
Used for
- Myoclonic epilepsy
- Partial seizures
- Grand mal seizure
- Status epilepticus
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
- Chewable tablet
- Dissolving tablet
- Pill
- Extended release
- Liquid
- Oral disintegrating tablet
Price
Lowest price
$29.95
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$9.00
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Reviews
184 reviews so far
66%
saidit'sworth it
58%
saiditworked well
18%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lamictal (Lamotrigine)?
Leave a review21 reviews so far
33%
saidit'sworth it
81%
saiditworked well
33%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Keppra (levetiracetam)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
36possible side effects
- Dizziness38%
- Headache28%
- Diplopia28%
- Ataxia22%
- Nausea19%
- Blurred vision16%
- Somnolence14%
- Rhinitis14%
- Pharyngitis10%
- Rash10%
- Vomiting9%
- Cough increased8%
- Flu syndrome7%
- Dysmenorrhea7%
- Fever6%
- Diarrhea6%
- Incoordination6%
- Insomnia6%
- Abdominal pain5%
- Dyspepsia5%
- Constipation4%
- Tremor4%
- Depression4%
- Anxiety4%
- Vaginitis4%
- Convulsion3%
- Irritability3%
- Speech disorder3%
- Pruritus3%
- Vision abnormality3%
- Neck pain2%
- Reaction aggravated (seizure exacerbation)2%
- Anorexia2%
- Arthralgia2%
- Concentration disturbance2%
- Amenorrhea2%
13possible side effects
- Drowsiness12%
- Neck pain8%
- Inflammation of the back of throat7%
- Feeling off balance5%
- Flu symptoms5%
- Depression5%
- Anxiety3%
- Depressed mood2%
- Double vision2%
- Excessive sleepiness2%
- Difficulty sleeping2%
- Irritability2%
- Nervousness2%
Risks and risk factors
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- History of depression
- Serious skin rash
- People also taking Depakote
- Taking more than the prescribed dose
- Increasing the dose too quickly
- Serious allergic reactions
- Blood disorders
- Meningitis
- Interactions with birth control pills
- Taking birth control pills
- Withdrawal seizures
- Stopping Lamictal (Lamotrigine) suddenly
- Life-threatening skin reactions
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Blood disorders
- Withdrawal seizures
- Stopping Keppra (levetiracetam) suddenly
- Psychiatric side effects
- History of psychiatric problems
- Ages less than 18