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Australian Prescriber Vol. 29 No. 1 2006

Withdrawing antiepileptic drugs from seizure-free children

Epilepsy is a common condition in childhood. Children with epilepsy usually take medicines to stop them having fits. While some children need to continue their medicines, others grow out of their epilepsy. Once a child has had no fits for two years it may be possible to stop the medicine.

Medicines for epilepsy should not be stopped suddenly. They need to be gradually reduced over at least six weeks. It is important for the child's parents, teachers and carers to know what to do if the fits come back.

Sometimes the child's brain waves are recorded on an electroencephalograph (EEG). While a normal EEG is reassuring, it does not predict if the child will have any more fits.

Although some children will have to start taking their medicines again, up to 70% may be able to stop their medicines completely.