Lamictal vs. Lithium

• Are Lithum and Lamictal the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Lamictal?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Lithum?
• What is Lamictal?
• What is Lithum?
• What Drugs Interact with Lamictal?
• What Drugs Interact with Lithum?
• How Should Lamictal Be Taken?
• How Should Lithum Be Taken?

Lamictal (lamotrigine) and lithium are used to treat seizure disorders.

Lithium is also used to treat manic episodes of bipolar disorder.

Lamictal and lithium belong to different drug classes. Lamictal is an anticonvulsant and lithum is an antimanic agent.

Brand names of lithium include Lithobid and Lithate.

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.

Side effects of Lithum in adults include<:/p>

• hand tremors,
• increased urination,
• mild thirst,
• diarrhea,
• vomiting,
• drowsiness,
• muscular weakness,
• lack of coordination,
• giddiness,
• weakness,
• blurred vision, and
• ringing in the ears.

Lamictal (lamotrigine) is an anticonvulsant used alone or in combination with other antiseizure medications for treating certain types of seizures.

Lithium Carbonate Extended-Release Tablets are antimanic agents indicated in the treatment of manic episodes of Bipolar Disorder. Lithium Carbonate Extended-Release Tablets are also indicated as a maintenance treatment for individuals with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Maintenance therapy reduces the frequency of manic episodes and diminishes the intensity of those episodes that may occur. Lithium Carbonate Extended-Release Tablets are available in generic form.

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.

Lithium may also interact with diuretics, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), acetazolamide, urea, xanthine preparations, alkalinizing agents such as sodium bicarbonate, iodide preparations, calcium channel blockers, metronidazole, fluoxetine, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

• Lamictal doses depend on the condition being treated and on whether it is used alone or in combination with other antiseizure medications.

Optimal patient response can usually be established with 1800 mg/day lithium carbonate in the following dosages: 3 tabs (900 mg) in the morning, and 3 tabs (900 mg) in the evening.