Lamictal vs. Keppra
- Are Keppra and Lamictal the Same Thing?
- What Are Possible Side Effects of Lamictal?
- What Are Possible Side Effects of Keppra?
- What is Lamictal?
- What is Keppra?
- What Drugs Interact with Lamictal?
- What Drugs Interact with Keppra?
- How Should Lamictal Be Taken?
- How Should Keppra Be Taken?
Are Lamictal and Keppra the Same Thing?
Lamictal (lamotrigine) and Keppra (levetiracetam) are anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) (anticonvulsants) used alone or in combination with other antiseizure medications for treating certain types of seizures.
What Are Possible Side Effects of Lamictal?
Lamictal may cause serious side effects, including:
- 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 Are Possible Side Effects of Keppra?
Side effects of Keppra in adults include<:/p>
- drowsiness,
- weakness,
- infection,
- loss of appetite,
- stuffy nose,
- tiredness, and
- dizziness.
Side effects of Keppra in children include
- sleepiness,
- accidental injury,
- hostility, nervousness, and
- weakness.
What is Lamictal?
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anticonvulsant used alone or in combination with other antiseizure medications for treating certain types of seizures.
What is Keppra?
Keppra is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial onset seizures in adults and children 1 month of age and older with epilepsy.
Keppra is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of myoclonic seizures in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
Keppra is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children 6 years of age and older with idiopathic generalized epilepsy.
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See ImagesWhat Drugs Interact With Lamictal?
Lamictal may interact with carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, primidone, or rifampin.
Lamictal may also interact with hormonal forms of birth control (pills, injections, implants, or skin patches), divalproex, oxcarbazepine, or valproic acid.
What Drugs Interact With Keppra?
Keppra (levetiracetam) is available in pills in the following dosages and colors: 250 mg (blue), 500 mg (yellow), 750 mg (orange), and 1,000 mg (white). Keppra (levetiracetam) is also available as a clear, colorless grape-flavored liquid at a concentration of 100 mg/mL.
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.
How Should Keppra Be Taken?
Take Keppra exactly as prescribed.
- Your healthcare provider will tell you how much Keppra to take and when to take it. Keppra is usually taken twice a day. Take Keppra at the same times each day.
- Your healthcare provider may change your dose. Do not change your dose without talking to your healthcare provider.
- Take Keppra with or without food.
- Swallow the tablets whole. Do not chew or crush tablets. Ask your healthcare provider for Keppra oral solution if you cannot swallow tablets.
- If your healthcare provider has prescribed Keppra oral solution, be sure to ask your pharmacist for a medicine dropper or medicine cup to help you measure the correct amount of Keppra oral solution. Do not use a household teaspoon. Ask your pharmacist for instructions on how to use the measuring device the right way.
- If you miss a dose of Keppra, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, just skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at the same time.
- If you take too much Keppra, call your local Poison Control Center or go to the nearest emergency room right away.