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I have had no episodes while taking Vimpat as prescribed. When missing multiple doses has led directly to seizures.

January 31, 2025
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MyEpilepsyTeam

Stopping epilepsy medication can be very challenging after taking it for so long. However, always consult your doctor before making any changes, as suddenly stopping medication can trigger breakthrough seizures. If your doctor does advise stopping, it would likely involve gradually tapering off over weeks or months. During Show Full Answer

Stopping epilepsy medication can be very challenging after taking it for so long. However, always consult your doctor before making any changes, as suddenly stopping medication can trigger breakthrough seizures. If your doctor does advise stopping, it would likely involve gradually tapering off over weeks or months. During this transition, closely monitor your health and have a plan in place to restart medication if needed. To mentally prepare, understand why your doctor recommends stopping and what the risks are. Ask them to clearly explain the tapering schedule and what symptoms to watch for. Consider journaling to track how you feel, as well as activities like meditation, therapy, or support groups to help stay grounded. Having loved ones aware of the transition can also provide comfort through this process.

January 31, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

About 5 years ago I was on Felbatol Gabapention some other medication I can’t remember I heard about Keppra and told my neurologist I think Keppra would help since I had been on other medications for over 20 years she wrote me a subscription for Keppra and Onfi and took me off the other medications I had been on Onfi before but I was right Keppra helped talk to your doctor about trying knew medication

February 3, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member , weaning yourself down on your medication down to nothing isn’t the best idea. If your Dr. wants you off the medication, he/she would wean you down one medication while slowly increasing you onto a different medication. But the Dr wouldn’t take you off the AED meds fully.

When I renew my insurance every year , it takes awhile for everything to get processed. I’ve been down to almost nothing with my meds . Because I did have all my medications , my seizures got bad. Paying for my medication out of pocket is very expensive , depending on the brand of the medication. Last time I roughly calculated how much all my meds cost , if I had to pay out of pocket , it equaled
To $$ 5,000 .

It was a relief when my medication was finally processed and going.

January 31, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

@A MyEpilepsyTeam Member OK, you just caught me off guard. I thought going off meds was your idea and I don't suggest it.

Bare with me. I had a situation close to this after I had my temporal lobectomy. I went off two of my meds ASAP but I wanted to hang on to Dilantin. Then about 5 1/2 years later, I found I had a vitamin D problem and wanted to go off my last med. They started taking me off the med and stretched it out over the next eight weeks. I had no problems but I'm sure the surgery helped.

I don't know if this helps. I'm just trying to tell you what I can.

January 31, 2025
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Listen to what others in this situation and the Dr. too. I was seizure free for 9 years after my last surgery. I wasn't ever stoped from taking my meds. Was reduced, but not taken of all I took. You need to be careful and not stop on your own, never hesitate to question your Dr. as far as this is concerned.

January 31, 2025

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Newcastle upon Tyne, UK