Drugs are the usual first line of treatment for epilepsy. These drugs necessarily affect the operation of the brain, and can often have undesirable side effects. At a minimum anti epileptic drugs can make a person drowsy, spacey, irritable or nauseated; at worst they can seriously affect mental capabilities and become addictive. The main aims of drug therapy are, therefore, to reduce fits while minimising the side effects of the drugs. The doctor tries to reach a balance between the need to control fits and the undesirable health problems that arise from the drug itself.

Advice on using drugs

Anti epileptic drugs are serious medications. They can be vital in preventing fits for people with epilepsy, thereby greatly enhancing quality of life. However, if used incorrectly, these drugs can present significant risks. Using anti epileptic drugs wisely is your responsibility as well as your doctor's. It is important to know as much as possible about the drugs you are taking.

(not available)   Types of anti-epileptic drugs

(not available)   How anti-epileptic drugs work

(not available)   Weaning from drugs

The strategy for weaning from drugs is complex, and needs to be planned in detail with the doctor. The process of weaning is particularly important in relationship to the ketogenic diet. Some anti epileptic drugs interact with the diet and should be withdrawn before the start of the diet; the effect of others may be amplified by the use of the diet, so that the levels need to be cut, and there is the overall strategy for reducing or eliminating drugs as the diet becomes effective.

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