Discontinuing epilepsy medication
Discussion
Hi,
I've had surgery to help with my epilepsy. It's been 4(ish) years since the surgery and I've been seizure free since. I'm still on the same anti epileptic medications as I've been on for around 10 years. Obviously they weren't successfully in helping control the seizures, but I'm sure they helped with the number of seizures, and how strong the seizures were.
Now the subject to wean off one of the meds (keppra) has come up with my neurologist, but there is a risk of a relapse. I can't make up my mind up if I should take the risk and stop with the meds, or carry on as I am. They are really strong meds, and love the idea of not having to take them, but with the risk of a relapse I can't make my mind up. I really don't know how I'd cope if I was to have a relapse, with what I went through with the brain surgery, to think they returned would probably send me over the edge.
It's probably something I won't be able to get much help with, but experience of my situation, or any advice?
I've had surgery to help with my epilepsy. It's been 4(ish) years since the surgery and I've been seizure free since. I'm still on the same anti epileptic medications as I've been on for around 10 years. Obviously they weren't successfully in helping control the seizures, but I'm sure they helped with the number of seizures, and how strong the seizures were.
Now the subject to wean off one of the meds (keppra) has come up with my neurologist, but there is a risk of a relapse. I can't make up my mind up if I should take the risk and stop with the meds, or carry on as I am. They are really strong meds, and love the idea of not having to take them, but with the risk of a relapse I can't make my mind up. I really don't know how I'd cope if I was to have a relapse, with what I went through with the brain surgery, to think they returned would probably send me over the edge.
It's probably something I won't be able to get much help with, but experience of my situation, or any advice?
Do you drive just now?
If you do you will need to stop driving for a year once you are off the medication
If you have a fit you will need to stop driving until fit free for a year.
With the way the DVLA is just now I would not change anything as long as your driving and are fit free.
No point in rocking the boat if its just going to mske your life worse just now.
If you do you will need to stop driving for a year once you are off the medication
If you have a fit you will need to stop driving until fit free for a year.
With the way the DVLA is just now I would not change anything as long as your driving and are fit free.
No point in rocking the boat if its just going to mske your life worse just now.
Not sure I can help other than sharing my experiences.
I was diagnosed epileptic after three fits about 14 years ago. I was put on a drug called Tegretol Retard. At that point, I had no further fits. The drug made me very forgetful and 'more' drowsy than normal, so I was not keen.
After 18 months I cut my dosage in half with some trepidation. I did not worry about driving and causing an accident as all the fits happened on waking up, so no/ minimal risks there. Waited six months then dropped again. Then another six months cut them out. I have been fine ever since.
There did seem to be a cold turkey option but I felt this worked for me. I would follow the advice of your neurologist though....
I was diagnosed epileptic after three fits about 14 years ago. I was put on a drug called Tegretol Retard. At that point, I had no further fits. The drug made me very forgetful and 'more' drowsy than normal, so I was not keen.
After 18 months I cut my dosage in half with some trepidation. I did not worry about driving and causing an accident as all the fits happened on waking up, so no/ minimal risks there. Waited six months then dropped again. Then another six months cut them out. I have been fine ever since.
There did seem to be a cold turkey option but I felt this worked for me. I would follow the advice of your neurologist though....
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