Treatment Goals With Epilepsy Medications

Goals and expectations will be different for each person. Talk to your doctor to find a treatment plan that works best for you.

Your Treatment Goals

The goal of treatment with an epilepsy medication is to reduce the number of seizures you have without causing unpleasant side effects. There are options other than ASMs that you and your doctor may decide to try.

Seizure control Driving Working Traveling Better quality of life Medication side effects

Finding the right balance of medication might take time.

Setting goals can help you find balance and get the most out of your care
Some people with epilepsy may continue to have seizures, even after trying several medications

Personal goals you and your doctor may want to talk about could be:

Driving (talk to your doctor because some states have restrictions for people with epilepsy)
Controlling seizures
Avoiding treatment side effects
Maintaining or restoring quality of life

Your Role in Choosing Treatment

Here are some things you can do to help get the most out of your medications, so your care team can understand what medication is right for you:

Take your ASMs exactly when and how your doctor tells you to
Track your seizures (use this Seizure Tracking App)
Tell your doctor about side effects
If you’ve stopped taking your ASMs or aren’t taking them as prescribed, tell your doctor why so they can decide what other medication might work for you
Make a list of any other concerns and questions before you talk to your healthcare provider

Remember that you are at the center of your care team. You need to work with your team to figure out which ASMs are right for you.

Pharmacist Epileptologist Nurse Neurologist Primary care provider (or PCP), such as family doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant

Discontinuing Seizure Medications

Some people with well-controlled seizures may want to stop taking their seizure medicines. In some cases, this can be done with supervision from your doctor. Keeping you safe and well is your doctor's priority; the more honest you are, the easier it is for them to support you. Even people whose epilepsy may be well-controlled on ASMs may continue to have seizures after stopping their medications, so it is important to weigh the risks with your doctor. If you are not taking your seizure medications it may increase your risk of seizures. Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is a risk of uncontrolled epilepsy.

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Treatment Goals With Epilepsy Medications

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Goals and expectations will be different for each person. Talk to your doctor to find a treatment plan that works best for you.

Your Treatment Goals

Finding the right balance of medication might take time.

Personal goals you and your doctor may want to talk about could be:

Your Role in Choosing Treatment

Remember that you are at the center of your care team. You need to work with your team to figure out which ASMs are right for you.

Discontinuing Seizure Medications

More in Treating Your Epilepsy

Treatment Challenges

Managing Side Effects

Finding an Epilepsy Specialist