Treatment

You’ll usually be prescribed anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) to try and stop your seizures. There are lots of different AEDs available and your epilepsy specialist will decide which would be the most suitable to treat the type(s) of seizure you have.

When you start taking AEDs, you’ll normally begin with a low dose and gradually increase it. Your doctor will tell you how to do this. This is to reduce the risk of getting any side-effects from the AED(s).

Some common side-effects of AEDs include feeling drowsy or dizzy. You’ll find a full list of the possible side-effects of your AED(s) on the Patient Information Leaflet, which you should get every time you collect a new prescription. Usually, any side-effects you have when you start taking a new drug or increase your dosage will lessen or disappear, once your body has got used to them.

Sometimes, the AED(s) you take won’t reduce or stop your seizures, or they might cause you to have side-effects that don’t disappear. If this happens, your epilepsy specialist might change the dosage or even suggest you try a different AED.

If you’re having problems with your AEDs, it’s really important that you don’t suddenly stop taking them. This could cause you to have more seizures. Always speak to your family doctor or epilepsy specialist if you’re having problems.

• More information about the treatment of epilepsy and the possible side effects of AEDs

November 2008

More in this section:

• Introduction
• What is epilepsy?  
• Living with epilepsy
• Treatment
• Visiting your doctor
• Sex and sexuality
• Becoming a father
• SUDEP
• Support