MyEpilepsyTeam

This situation sounds incredibly frustrating, and that frustration is completely valid. Being doubted by your medical team when you've done everything right — and then some — is exhausting. The fact that your levels stayed low even while hospitalized and medicated by staff is actually really important evidence that supports Show Full Answer

This situation sounds incredibly frustrating, and that frustration is completely valid. Being doubted by your medical team when you've done everything right — and then some — is exhausting. The fact that your levels stayed low even while hospitalized and medicated by staff is actually really important evidence that supports exactly what you've been saying all along.

Yes, some people do metabolize anti-seizure medications faster than others. This is a real, documented phenomenon. Factors like age, weight, genetics, and even what you eat can all affect how your body processes medication. When seizures continue despite medication — this is sometimes referred to as "breakthrough seizures." It's worth having a direct conversation with your neurologist about whether your epilepsy may be drug-resistant, which is a recognized medical situation where seizures don't respond well to multiple medications.

Some important questions worth raising with your care team:

- Has a formal drug-resistance evaluation ever been done?
- Are there alternative treatment options beyond adding more medications, such as dietary therapies, nerve stimulation devices, or surgical evaluation?
- Could a pharmacogenomics test help explain why medications aren't reaching effective levels in your blood? To directly answer whether stopping medication is a good idea — it's strongly advised not to stop taking seizure medication without explicit neurologist approval. Stopping abruptly can actually increase seizure risk significantly, sometimes leading to severe or prolonged seizures.

The goal here isn't to give up on treatment, but to push for *better* treatment that actually works for your specific situation. Seeking a second opinion from another neurologist, or asking for a referral to a comprehensive epilepsy center, could be a meaningful next step.

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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