Will I have to stay on seizure medicine all my life?

Will there ever be a day when I can stop taking seizure medicine?

One of the most common and complex neurological disorders is epilepsy. Another widely held concern of those diagnosed with epilepsy is whether they will have take anticonvulsants forever. Several factors determine the answer to this question.

What You Should Know About Epileptic Disorders and Their Treatment

• For most people diagnosed with epilepsy anti-seizure medications (ASMs) are the most effective methods of managing seizures and ensuring that they do not reoccur.
• These drugs help control seizures by modifying the electrical activity of the brain so that seizures are less likely to happen.

Determinants of the Length of Treatment with Medications

• Seizure-Free Period: One of the most crucial factors in determining the potential for stopping anti-seizure medications is the duration of seizure freedom. It is estimated that up to 70% of people when given the right dose of medication can be seizure-free. 
• For people with epilepsy who have not had any seizures for at least two years, a consideration for lowering or stopping medications can be considered. However this depends on several factors and should be done in discussion with the patient’s neurologist 
• Type of Epilepsy: The form and etiology of the seizures can help determine how long a patient will have to take medications.  Some types of epilepsy, such as childhood absence seizures resolve over time, but some others, like juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, require treatment for a very long period; often lifelong.
• Medical Evaluation: Before making up one’s mind about cessation or reduction of any medical therapy, the patient needs to be thoroughly assessed. Such evaluations can include electroencephalograms and images from magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the brain and exclude other reasons for seizures.
• Gradual Withdrawal: . It is not safe to abruptly withdraw antiepileptic medications or ASMs due to the risk of inducing seizure episodes. Hence, there is a need for a to very slowly withdraw the medications

Conclusion

Although some people may need lifelong treatment for their epilepsy, some patients may be able to considering lowering or withdrawing their anti-seizure medications if certain conditions are met. This often depends on the type of epilepsy and the current length of seizure free period. An in depth consultation with a neurologist should always take place prior to medication taper.