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I have been like this with my pills for 20 years, but as much as I try, I don't see it changing. My seizures have gotten worse than ever the past couple of years, having about 2 a month. But I also didn't realize that skipping doses will increase my seizures until recently.

April 18
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A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Taking epileptic medicine for 24 years, twice daily. I've picked 9:30 PM and 9:30 AM. That way I take my night dose an hour before I go to bed. Use a medicine 💊 AM/PM pill box that I refill weekly as if my life depends on it. Have a little plastic cup with a lid to take my morning dose with me. As many have said a daily alarm on my phone at 9:30 am just to make sure I don't forget. Regular sleeping schedule and eating well also helps regular, but medicine timing and not missing a dose is most important.
Hang in there, You're not alone.

April 18
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

It’s is important to keep on schedule. At least keep close to schedule.. I can guarantee that many of us were a little late, taking her meds . Whether it was a half hour or an hour past schedule..

You may want to set alarms to your medication schedule.

And if you don’t have it a medication organizer, it would be a good idea to have one
We may learn from you as well

April 18 (edited)
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Same

April 18
A MyEpilepsyTeam Member

Yes this is true. The only real way to get the most out of meds is consistency. Taking them morning and evening every day as it maintains the right dosage levels needed to control the seizures. When you miss a dosage you risk the level dropping which increases the seizure threshold.

April 18
MyEpilepsyTeam

How can you improve medication adherence to reduce seizure frequency?

It's completely understandable to struggle with remembering medication after 20 years of this pattern. The good news is that many people with epilepsy face this same challenge, and there are practical strategies that can help.

Missing doses is actually the Show Full Answer

How can you improve medication adherence to reduce seizure frequency?

It's completely understandable to struggle with remembering medication after 20 years of this pattern. The good news is that many people with epilepsy face this same challenge, and there are practical strategies that can help.

Missing doses is actually the most common trigger for breakthrough seizures, even when epilepsy has been well controlled. Research shows that about 34 percent of breakthrough seizures in children occurred when medications weren't taken as directed, and this pattern continues into adulthood.

Here are some strategies that MyEpilepsyTeam members have found helpful:

- Set daily phone alarms at medication times (many members keep their phones with them constantly, making this reliable)
- Use a weekly pillbox placed somewhere visible, like your table or nightstand
- Carry a pocket pillbox when you're away from home
- Try different reminder methods until you find what clicks for you

A MyEpilepsyTeam member shared: "For me, my mobile phone works best. Each day, an alarm sounds at 7 p.m., and that's when I take my medication."

Since you've noticed your seizures worsening to about 2 per month, improving medication consistency could make a significant difference. Even one missed dose can increase seizure risk, so finding a system that works for your lifestyle is crucial.

Consider discussing your medication schedule with your neurologist too. They might be able to adjust your regimen to fewer daily doses, which could be easier to remember.

April 18

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