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• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Taking and stopping medication >> Taking and stopping medication

Taking and stopping medication

• >> Epilepsy >> Taking and stopping medication >> Taking and stopping medication

Taking and stopping medication

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• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 70 and over >> Interview EP38 >> Explains that he presented with epilepsy at the age of 74.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1996, which is not controlled. Was prescribed phenytoin (Epanutin) and sodium valproate (Epilim) in the past. Current medication: lamotrigine (Lamictal) daily, and clobazam when needed.

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged under 30 >> Interview EP16 >> Discusses the problems that arose from stopping her anti-epileptic drugs.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1992. Has tried sodium valproate (Epilim), lamotrigine (Lamictal) and topirimate (Topamax), though epilepsy is not controlled. Current medication: sodium valproate (Epilim) and topirimate (Topamax).

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged under 30 >> Interview EP06 >> Explains why he stopped taking anti-epileptic drugs suddenly and advises against it.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1989, which was caused by a brain tumour. Had radiotherapy and chemotherapy to treat the tumour, and seizures were reduced considerably. Felt better without medication and decided to stop taking anti-epileptic drugs. Current medication: none.

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP01 >> Explains why she slowly came off all medication.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1964. Tried various drugs but these did not control seizures. In an attempt to have an acceptable quality of life, decided to stop taking anti-epileptic drugs in 2001 and is on a Chinese/macrobiotic diet. Current medication: diazepam (Valium) when needed.

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP21 >> Explains why he is wary of coming off medication.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1984, although had the condition throughout childhood as well. Has been seizure free since 1986, though had a status epilepticus episode in 1999 when medication was missed. Current medication: carbamazepine retard (Tegretol Retard) and clobazam (Frisium).

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP22 >> Discusses coming off anti-epileptic drugs after having neurosurgery for epilepsy.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1988. Tried various drugs, and had neurosurgery in 2000. Has been seizure free since surgery, and stopped taking medications (lamotrigine and carbamazepine) a few months after neurosurgery.

• Nerves & brain >> Epilepsy >> Aged 30-49 >> Interview EP09 >> Explains that she became seizure free two years after surgery and why she does not want to stop taking medication.

Diagnosed with epilepsy in 1990. Tried various drugs which did not control seizures. Had neurosurgery in 1998 in the USA. Experienced having seizures for 2 years after the surgery, but has been seizure free since November 2000. Current medication: carbamazepine retard (Tegretol Retard).