A friend of mine has epilepsy- I've known him for almost a decade, and he's never had a seizure since I've known him. Apparently, when he as a kid (around 5) he had a few seizures, especially when he was sick, so they put him on medication. His father also has epilepsy, and is still on the same medication.

I don't know the exact type, or the name of the medication, but he's been on it for over 20 years, and hasn't had a seizure in that time. He's been told by his doctor that he can go off the medication, but he would have to stop driving for three months. That wouldnt be a problem, since he carpools, but he's worried that the drugs might be affecting his mind, and going off the epills would change him somehow. Also, I think he's scared he might all of a sudden have a seizure. As it is, no one even knows his condition- having a seizure at work would be horrible.

Are his fears unfounded? Obviously, theres some risk, but has anyone ever been in a situation like this? Is it worth going off the pills, or is there any reason that taking them would be beneficial?

IF I could get off I would jump at it. The meds are foreign to our bodies.

If he started at a younger age this will take time, and he may have to work out a time plan with his Dr to slowly take him off. It may or may not work, but I would try it if I were in his shoes.

Meds DO effect us in many ways. Often our responce time, vision, they can slow down our mental speeds.

Depending on the medication he is on, I'd just caution the rate of decrease if he feels unsafe. Even going longer then Dr recomended so HE is comfortable with what is going on.

Based on the timeframe you gave I'd guess the potentials would be Pheno, Depakote, Teg, and Dilantin. (been on all of 'em)

As for the driving factor, I think it's smart to hold off driving when doing this. Once stable again after Dr approval, if the state never held his license, then go back to driving.

Side note: SOME states have a clause in the license code for seizures/diabetic episodes that the person may keep the drivers license if an episode occurs during an adjustment of treatment. Check into your states laws and see if a similar measure exists.

--Travis

I agree- if the possibility of SLOWLY tapering off the meds is possible, I'd go for it. If he carpools, so much the better. But gotta taper- not just go cold turkey after all that time.

Good luck with that. I went off my meds for my partial complex seizures around 2000. I never told anyone I was still having them because I hated taking the meds. Around 2002 I was having about 15 spells a day. Boy did that suck, went right back on the meds.