Taking your epilepsy medication properly

Why is it important to take your medicines properly?

Antiepileptic medicines are most effective when you maintain the proper medicine level in your body. Your doctor has set up a schedule of medicine dosages that maintains that proper level. Even slight changes in your medicine schedule or dosage can throw the whole system off. If you do not take your medicines properly, you could begin (or continue) having seizures.

Taking your medicines properly can help you achieve better control over your epilepsy. If you have lost work or driving privileges, getting seizures under control—and keeping them under control—may help you get back to work or back behind the wheel. Not having seizures means you can avoid the dangers of seizures (falls, drowning, choking) and avoid hospitalizations.

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Author:	Douglas Dana Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: January 22, 2008
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Theresa O'Young, PharmD - Clinical Pharmacist Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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