Compare valproic-acid vs. Lamictal

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

ADVERTISEMENT

valproic-acid (valproic acid)

Prescription only

Lamictal (Lamotrigine)

Prescription only
Treats and prevents seizures.

valproic-acid (valproic acid) is good for treating certain types of seizures, but can cause weight change and hair loss.

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.

●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 184 reviewsforLamictal
Upsides
  • Lowers the frequency of seizures, especially for people with absence seizures and complex partial seizures.
  • valproic-acid (valproic acid) is available as a generic in pill and liquid form.
  • 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.
Downsides
  • It can take 3 to 4 weeks before you feel the full effects of valproic-acid (valproic acid).
  • valproic-acid (valproic acid) is not a good option for people with liver problems.
  • You'll need regular blood tests to see how valproic-acid (valproic acid) is affecting your body.
  • valproic-acid (valproic acid) can cause you to bleed more easily.
  • 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.
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Chewable tablet
  • Dissolving tablet
Price
No pricing information available
Lowest price
$45.20
Find instant savings near you
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
184 reviews so far
66%
saidit'sworth it
58%
saiditworked well
18%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Lamictal (Lamotrigine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
26possible side effects
  • Nausea
    48%
  • Headache
    31%
  • Feeling weak
    27%
  • Vomiting
    27%
  • Sleepiness
    27%
  • Tremor
    25%
  • Dizziness
    25%
  • Abdominal pain
    23%
  • Double vision
    16%
  • Diarrhea
    13%
  • Anorexia
    12%
  • Lazy eye/blurred vision
    12%
  • Flu syndrome
    12%
  • Infection
    12%
  • Upset stomach
    8%
  • Lack of muscle control
    8%
  • Involuntary eye movement
    8%
  • Fever
    6%
  • Exaggerated changes in mood
    6%
  • Abnormal thinking
    6%
  • Hair loss
    6%
  • Weight loss
    6%
  • Constipation
    5%
  • Amnesia
    5%
  • Bronchitis
    5%
  • Stuffy nose
    5%
See more detailed 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
Risks and risk factors
  • Pregnancy
  • Liver damage
    • Children under age 2
    • History of metabolic disorders
    • Severe seizure disorder
    • Brain disease
    • Prior history of liver condition
  • Pancreas problems
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • History of depression
  • Increased bleeding
  • Mental changes
    • History of metabolic disorders
    • People also taking Topamax
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • 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
Learn more about valproic-acid (valproic acid)
Learn more about Lamictal (Lamotrigine)