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How To Wean Off Keppra And Tegretol?
i have been taking keppa and tegrotol in combination for 14 years not due to epilepsy but due to brain aneurysms. I had an aneurysm in my left temporal lobe that was pushing on a portion of my brain producing the seizures. The aneuryms have been treated with cerebral stents and coils. I continued having seizures for a number of years after but have lessened over the years to a point I have not had a seizure in 3 years. Is there ever a time when consideration can be given to slowly reducing the dosage to a point where I am no longer taking these medications at all?
Fri, 27 Jul 2018
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Antiepileptic drugs usually are continued for at least 3 years. The decision to decrease or stop depends upon control and type of epilepsy. If you are having surgical management of aneurysm and seizures are completely controlled for 3 years, then gradual tapering of antiepileptic drugs can be tried under Neurologist supervision.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Antiepileptic drugs usually are continued for at least 3 years. The decision to decrease or stop depends upon control and type of epilepsy. If you are having surgical management of aneurysm and seizures are completely controlled for 3 years, then gradual tapering of antiepileptic drugs can be tried under Neurologist supervision.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
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