How is Epilepsy treated?
Antiepileptic drugs are the principal therapy for treating epilepsy. These drugs do not cure epilepsy but attempt to control it by suppressing seizures. The ultimate goal of antiepileptic drug therapy is to establish perfect seizure control and minimal or no side effects from medication. Sometimes long-term seizure control may not be possible because of the underlying cause.
Drug therapy must be individualized. It is important for the patient to be an active participant in the discussion and treatment of his or her epilepsy. Open communication between the physician and patient about what to expect, what is experienced, what is tolerable, and the impact of both adverse medication effects and seizures on the quality of life is the best way to manage drug therapy. The person’s lifestyle and cost of the drug are additional factors which the physician must take into consideration when recommending a particular medication for seizure control.
When drug treatment of epilepsy is started, it may take several months of adjusting dosages and trying different drugs before optimal effects can be achieved.