Abstract

LOY-GERALA, María del C. et al. Clinical guide: discontinuing chronic antiepileptic drug treatment. Rev. mex. neurocienc. [online]. 2019, vol.20, n.2, pp.69-74.  Epub Mar 28, 2022. ISSN 2604-6180.  https://doi.org/10.24875/rmn.m19000058.

The decision to continue or withdraw the antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) should be taken jointly by the patient, family and/or caregivers and the specialist physician, after extensive information and discussion of the risks and benefits of the withdrawal of the AED. The patient and family members must understand that there is a risk of recurrence of seizures with and without AEDs. The type of epilepsy, the prognosis and the patient’s lifestyle should be considered. The withdrawal should be made under the supervision of a specialist (clinical neurologist) and will be considered when they have been fulfilled for at least two years without seizures. The treatment will be gradually withdrawn within a period of at least 2-3 months and the antiepileptics will be removed one by one. Withdrawal of benzodiazepines and barbiturates will be slower, in no <6 months or more. An agreement must be made with respect that in the event of a seizure relapse, the patient will return to the last dose prior to the dose in which the relapse was presented and a clinical neurology interview will also be requested.

Keywords : Withdraw; Antiepileptic drugs; Stop antiepileptic drugs.

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