Medicines for epilepsy

What can drugs do to help epilepsy?

Each antiepileptic drug works for specific kinds of epilepsy. Your doctor will prescribe one or more drugs for you which match your kind of epilepsy.

How long will I need treatment for?

You should take the treatment your doctor prescribes for as long as he/she says. This is VERY important; you may be having no or fewer seizures but you should never stop treatment quickly without talking to your doctor as this might result in your seizures getting worse, or other problems.

When should I take my medicine?

You must take your medicine every day as near as you reasonably can to the time your doctor has told you. It is important to keep the levels of drug in your system as steady as possible so, within reason, try to take your medicines at the same time every day as your doctor has advised.

Will having epilepsy stop me from doing anything?

You need to balance what you do with how well your seizures are controlled and any side-effects you might experience from your treatments. It is very important that you lead as active a life as you wish and don’t let having epilepsy stop you doing things you enjoy. However, you do need to take into consideration whether you would be putting yourself or others at danger if you were to have a seizure and whether any drug side-effects (such as vision problems or dizziness) might affect you too. With time, you will be able to balance leading a good quality life with taking sensible precautions for your own and others’ safety.

Will I get any side-effects from my medicine?

Each anti-epileptic drug has the potential to cause side-effects in some patients. Some people do not experience any side-effects but each drug can cause some types of side-effects more often than other types. Read the leaflet in your pack of treatment for more information about the side-effects most common with your treatment. Your doctor or pharmacist will also talk to you about these; ask him or her if you would like further information about this aspect of your treatment.

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