Dilantin vs. Lamictal
- Are Lamictal and Dilantin the Same Thing?
- What Are Possible Side Effects of Dilantin?
- What Are Possible Side Effects of Lamictal?
- What is Dilantin?
- What is Lamictal?
- What Drugs Interact with Dilantin?
- What Drugs Interact with Lamictal?
- How Should Dilantin Be Taken?
- How Should Lamictal Be Taken?
Are Lamictal and Dilantin the Same Thing?
Dilantin (phenytoin) and Lamictal (lamotrigine) are anti-epileptic drugs (anticonvulsants) used to control seizures.
Side effects of Dilantin and Lamictal that are similar include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of balance or coordination, sleep problems (insomnia), or shaking (tremors).
Side effects of Dilantin that are different from Lamictal include constipation, spinning sensation, slurred speech, swollen or tender gums, nervousness, or rash.
Side effects of Lamictal that are different from Dilantin include sleepiness, tired feeling, double vision, blurred vision, upset stomach, stomach pain, dry mouth, changes in menstrual periods, back pain, sore throat, or runny nose.
Both Dilantin and Lamictal may interact with other anticonvulsants.
Dilantin may also interact with stomach acid reducers, sedatives, antidepressants, estrogen hormone replacement, phenothiazines, disulfiram, methylphenidate, sulfa drugs, sucralfate, molindone, barbiturates, steroids, antibiotics, digoxin, furosemide, or theophylline.
Lamictal may also interact with olanzapine.
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See ImagesWhat Are Possible Side Effects of Dilantin?
Common side effects of Dilantin include:
- headache,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- constipation,
- dizziness,
- spinning sensation,
- drowsiness,
- slurred speech,
- loss of balance or coordination,
- swollen or tender gums,
- sleep problems (insomnia),
- nervousness,
- tremors, or
- rash.
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 Dilantin?
Dilantin (phenytoin) is an anti-epileptic drug, also called an anticonvulsant, used to control seizures.
What is Lamictal?
Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anticonvulsant used alone or in combination with other antiseizure medications for treating certain types of seizures.
What Drugs Interact With Dilantin?
Dilantin may interact with stomach acid reducers, sedatives, antidepressants, estrogen hormone replacement, phenothiazines, disulfiram, methylphenidate, sulfa drugs, carbamazepine, sucralfate, molindone, phenobarbital, valproic acid, divalproex sodium, steroids, antibiotics, digoxin, furosemide, or theophylline. Tell your doctor all medications you use.
What 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.
How Should Dilantin Be Taken?
Patients may be started on one 100-mg Dilantin Extended Oral Capsule three times daily. For most adults, the maintenance dosage is one capsule three to four times a day. The initial pediatric dose is 5 mg/kg/day in two or three equally divided doses, with dosage individualized to a maximum of 300 mg daily. Daily maintenance dosage is usually 4 to 8 mg/kg.
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.