The Perils of Discontinuing Your Meds

One of the most common questions is “when can I stop taking my meds?”

Especially for those whose seizures have been under good control.

It makes sense. Because if you’re doing well, you start to wonder: “Why do I need these meds anymore”?

This review is organized around four issues:

Does the duration of seizure-freedom influence the risk of recurrence?

Should the epilepsy syndrome influence the decision to stop or continue AEDs?

If daily AEDs are stopped, could intractable epilepsy ensue?

And what’s the risk that someone discontinuing AEDs will die during a recurrence?

Some of the reasons for stopping daily meds include concerns about side-effects…a feeling of well-being…relief from the chore of remembering daily medication…and freedom from the staggering financial burdens.

Most important of all is, an improved quality of life.

Others are seizure-free but choose to continue medication.

They’re happy with stability, concerned about the impact of another…