Differences Between the Drugs Lamicital & Seroquel

Lamictal and Seroquel are drugs approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Lamictal is also prescribed for the treatment of seizures in patients older than 2 years old. It is not known however if it is effective in treating seizures in adult patients if it is the only anti-seizure medication used.

Similarities

• These two medications are similar in that they have both received a warning by the FDA that they can cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Patients using these drugs must be under the close supervision of a trained physician. Both can also cause marked drowsiness so it is advised patients not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how the drug will affect them.

Lamictal Side Effects

• According to the prescribing information for Lamictal, side effects can include dizziness, headache, blurred vision, coordinator problems, drowsiness, nausea with or without vomiting, insomnia, tremor rash, fever, abdominal pain, back pain and dry mouth.

  Less frequently, this drug may develop a serious skin rash. Patients are asked to report any severe side effects to their prescribing physician.

Seroquel Side Effects

• According to the prescribing information for Seroquel, side effects reported have included drowsiness, dry mouth, increases in cholesterol and triglycerides, constipation, upset stomach, dizziness, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, weight gain, increased hunger, tiredness, increases in blood sugar, difficulty speaking and stuffy nose.

Seroquel Warnings

• In addition to the seriousness of the potential for suicidal thoughts and behaviors associated with Seroquel, it has additional warnings such as potentially fatal but rare disorder called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Symptoms of this disorder include high fever; rigid muscles; shaking; confusion; sweating; changes in pulse, heart rate, or blood pressure; muscle pain and weakness. Patient must report any of the above symptoms to their prescribing physician as soon as possible.

  There is also the risk of developing a condition called Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), which is uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue or other parts of the body. There is no known treatment for TD, but it may go away partially or completely if treatment is stopped.

Lamictal Warnings

• In addition to the potential for developing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, in 2006 the FDA released another warning to pregnant mothers. There was an increased incidence in infants born with cleft palates and lips when mothers took Lamictal in the first three months of pregnancy.