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What happens when you stop taking anticonvulsants?

Quitting medication suddenly can lead to a withdrawal seizure. Your doctor will lower your dose over time. Children may be completely off medication in as little as 1 month. For adults, it’s usually between 1 and 6 months, though some doctors think 3 months is the minimum.

How do you wean off anticonvulsants?

There is no data about the exact way to taper, but going to 3/4 of the dose the first week, 1/2 the second week, and 1/4 the third week is 1 approach. It is known that stopping seizure medications abruptly increases the risk of seizures.

What can occur if anticonvulsant medications are discontinued suddenly?

When AEDs are withdrawn, special caution is warranted. The medication should be tapered, usually over weeks to months, rather than stopped abruptly. Abrupt discontinuation of any AED may increase the risk of seizures and status epilepticus.

When do you stop taking anticonvulsants?

In 1994, the American Academy of Neurology published guidelines recommending discontinuation of antiepileptic drug therapy if the following criteria are met: seizure-free for two to five years, only one type of epilepsy, normal EEG findings, and normal neurologic examination findings.

Can you wean off epilepsy medication?

Most doctors will consider tapering the dosage and discontinuing your seizure medicines after a seizure-free period of 2 to 4 years. If you have had only one seizure, some doctors will consider discontinuing the medicine if you have been seizure-free for 6 to 12 months.

When do you stop taking antiepileptic medication?

What are withdrawal symptoms of Trileptal?

Withdrawal symptoms of Trileptal can include insomnia and return of seizures or bipolar symptoms (depending on the purpose of taking the medication).

What happens if I stop taking Epilim?

You’re unlikely to get any extra symptoms when you stop taking this medicine. However, if you’re taking sodium valproate for epilepsy, it’s possible that you’ll get seizures again once you stop taking it. You can prevent these withdrawal seizures by reducing your dose of sodium valproate gradually.

What happens if you stop taking Keppra?

Withdrawal of Keppra may cause an increase in seizure frequency. Keppra should be tapered off slowly on discontinuation.

How do I stop taking Keppra?

If you need to stop the drug, you should do so by reducing by 1 tablet each day until you are off the medicine. No blood monitoring is needed while on Levetiracetam.

When can seizure medication be stopped?

How do I stop taking Keppra medication?