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Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are the main form of treatment for people with epilepsy. It is also used to treat chronic pain, migraines, bi-polar disorder, anxiety, mania, depression, insomina, neuralgia, neuropathy and fibromyalgia.

It is believed that up to 70% of people with epilepsy could have their seizures completely controlled with AEDs. Yet it can be a long process when finding the best level, and type of medication to control the seizures of the individual, so that one can get the very best out of AED’s in order to have a greater quality of life.

The number of AED’s has greatly increased over the last twenty years, there are 26 AEDs used to treat seizures in the UK.  Different types of AEDs are more effective with the different types of epileptic seizures.  It is important that those that have to use AED’s find the right one that suits them.

The development of anti-epileptic medicines is very much linked in with limiting side effects, just as much as seizure control.  Unfortunately many people are still offered a very limited choice when they first receive AED’s, despite the many that are available today.  It can be very challenging finding the right medication as one has to measure the benefits with the side effects of the medication upon them. 

Before beginning to find the right medicine for you your neurologist has to access the type of epilepsy you have, as the medication you are prescribed depends upon the type of epilepsy you have. A person is likely to take their medication regularly over a number of years; during this time your neurologist will take into account the other health problems you may develop and medications you take, so as to make sure that there are no contraindications.

Most neurologists will begin with monotherapy, which means that you will be using only one drug at a time. AED’s are started at a low dose, which, if needed, will be slowly increased, until you find the most effective dosage for you as an individual. There are six first line drugs, the rest are known as second line drugs. If the first line drugs do not work then a second line drug may be prescribed to go with your first line AED.  This is called poly-therapy, which means that you take more than one type of epilepsy medication.  If you are still having seizures then your neurologist will reassess the type of epilepsy that you have, before moving forward.  The links will take you to downloadable documents.