Compare Lamictal vs. Zonegran

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

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Lamictal (Lamotrigine)

Prescription only

Zonegran (zonisamide)

Prescription only
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
Controls partial seizures.

Zonegran (zonisamide) is used with other medicines to help control partial seizures. It can't be used by itself.

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.
  • Available in generic.
  • Can be given once a day, so it's easier to remember.
  • You can take Zonegran (zonisamide) with or without food.
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.
  • Zonegran (zonisamide) has to be used with other medicines to help control your seizures. It's not used by itself.
  • Zonegran (zonisamide) is only approved in people age 16 or older.
  • Zonegran (zonisamide) can cause kidney stones; so you have to make sure you drink plenty of liquids.
  • Zonegran (zonisamide) can weaken your bones. Talk to your doctor about how to keep your bones strong.
  • Other medicines used to control seizures can interact with Zonegran (zonisamide), so your doctor might have to change the dosing of your medications.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Chewable tablet
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$29.95
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Lowest price
$14.06
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Reviews
184 reviews so far
66%
saidit'sworth it
58%
saiditworked well
18%
saidit'sa big hassle

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Side effects
36possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    38%
  • Headache
    28%
  • Diplopia
    28%
  • Ataxia
    22%
  • Nausea
    19%
  • Blurred vision
    16%
  • Somnolence
    14%
  • Rhinitis
    14%
  • Pharyngitis
    10%
  • Rash
    10%
  • Vomiting
    9%
  • Cough increased
    8%
  • Flu syndrome
    7%
  • Dysmenorrhea
    7%
  • Fever
    6%
  • Diarrhea
    6%
  • Incoordination
    6%
  • Insomnia
    6%
  • Abdominal pain
    5%
  • Dyspepsia
    5%
  • Constipation
    4%
  • Tremor
    4%
  • Depression
    4%
  • Anxiety
    4%
  • Vaginitis
    4%
  • Convulsion
    3%
  • Irritability
    3%
  • Speech disorder
    3%
  • Pruritus
    3%
  • Vision abnormality
    3%
  • Neck pain
    2%
  • Reaction aggravated (seizure exacerbation)
    2%
  • Anorexia
    2%
  • Arthralgia
    2%
  • Concentration disturbance
    2%
  • Amenorrhea
    2%
See more detailed side effects
34possible side effects
  • Sleepiness
    17%
  • Loss of appetite
    13%
  • Dizziness
    13%
  • Headache
    10%
  • Nausea
    9%
  • Agitation or Irritability
    9%
  • Fatigue
    8%
  • Tiredness
    7%
  • Stomach pain
    6%
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    6%
  • Confusion
    6%
  • Difficulty with concentration
    6%
  • Difficulty with memory
    6%
  • Depression
    6%
  • Trouble sleeping
    6%
  • Double vision
    6%
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Speech difficulties
    5%
  • Flu
    4%
  • Difficulty controlling eye movements
    4%
  • Prickling and tingling sensation
    4%
  • Mental slowing
    4%
  • Upset stomach
    3%
  • Weight loss
    3%
  • Anxiety
    3%
  • Skin rash
    3%
  • Constipation
    2%
  • Dry mouth
    2%
  • Bruising
    2%
  • Nervousness
    2%
  • Schizophrenia-like behavior
    2%
  • Difficulties in verbal expression
    2%
  • Stuffy nose
    2%
  • Changes in taste
    2%
See more detailed side effects
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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Sulfa medicine allergy
    • Allergy to sulfonamides such as Septra or Bactrim
  • Lower blood cell counts
  • Heat stroke and less sweating
    • Under age 18
  • Suicidal behavior
    • Taking other medicines to control seizures
  • Higher blood acid
    • Diarrhea
    • Kidney disease
    • Severe COPD or lung disease
  • Withdrawal seizures
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Lamictal (Lamotrigine)
Learn more about Zonegran (zonisamide)