The goal of epilepsy treatment is to stop the seizures and resultant injuries but at the same time give the person a quality of life worth living. The initiation, continuation, and cessation of treatment are based upon your risk of having another seizure.

Medications to prevent seizures are typically the first line of treatment for people who have epilepsy. These medications, called anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), do not cure epilepsy, but for many people they can prevent seizures and help you avoid injuries that can happen during seizures.

The type of treatment that your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors including the frequency and severity of your seizures, your age, the overall condition of your health, and your medical history. An accurate diagnosis of the type of epilepsy is also an important consideration in choosing the best treatment.

Finding the right medication and dosage can be complex. It might take more than one drug, or trying several different drugs until the right one (or combination) is found.

Take as Directed

AEDs work best when they are taken regularly as prescribed. The exact timing of doses is not crucial. However, it is important that the correct dose is taken around the same time or times each day, and that that they are evenly spaced apart. One missed dose on a rare occasion is unlikely to result in a seizure, but it's always best to take your medication as prescribed.

Side Effects

All medications have the possibility of causing side effects. Whether or not you experience side effects depends on your individual reaction to a particular medication. Side effects should always be reported to your doctor. Many times, fine-tuning the dosage of your medication will reduce or eliminate side effects. If side effects persist, your doctor may decide to switch you to a different medication.

No matter what side effects you experience, don't stop taking your medication without first talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking your medicine, it could cause your seizures to come back, happen more often, or last for longer than they did before.

Interactions with Other Medications

Some antiepileptic drugs can affect how other kinds of medications work and vice versa, so be sure to tell your doctor about any other drugs you are taking.  It's also wise to check with your pharmacist before taking over-the-counter medications, which can also interact adversely with drugs you are taking for epilepsy.

Coming Off Your Medication

You may need to take antiepileptic drugs for a long period of time, sometimes many years. However, if you have no had a seizure for two or more years, there is a chance that you may be able to come off your medication. However, this should only be done on the advice of your doctor because there is a risk that stopping treatment can allow your seizures to occur again.