Are medications still necessary if seizures have not occurred for a long time?
Discontinuation of drugs becomes an important treatment option for people who have been seizure-free for a prolonged period. To make the decision to discontinue drugs, several factors must be considered. One of the most important of these is the likelihood of relapse. Overall, the prognosis following discontinuation of antiepileptic drugs is good. Although on average about 30% of patients may be expected to relapse within 2 years of discontinuing drugs. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to discontinue drugs is an individual one. It involves weighing the risks and benefits to an individual of either course of action. There is no single answer that is right for everyone.
