Adolescent Epilepsy Medicines—
How Do They Help Me?

There are many types of epilepsy medicines. Each one works in a different way to help prevent seizures. Epilepsy medicines often affect people differently. It may take some time to find the right medicine for you. But in time, the right medicine should help to prevent your seizures.

I feel tired during the day.

• Talk to your doctor about any side effects that bother you. These side effects may go away in time.
• Lack of sleep can make you feel tired, too. It can also be a trigger for seizures. Make sure you get enough sleep every night.
• Never stop taking medicine without first talking to your doctor.

You may notice a change in your appearance:

• Some epilepsy medicines may cause weight changes. Talk to your doctor if you have gained or lost weight.
• To help you keep a healthy weight, eat healthy and get some daily exercise.

I just don't feel like taking my medicine some days.

• If you feel you don't need medicine, remind yourself what it was like when you had regular seizures.
• If you skip a dose and don't have a seizure, this is not a sign that you don't need medicine anymore.
• If you haven't had a seizure in a while, this means that your medicine is working. If you stop your medicine, your seizures may return.

Give your medicine time to work for you!

• Your doctor may start you off with a low dose. Over time, your doctor may slowly raise the dose until it is just right for you.
• If one medicine does not control your seizures, your doctor may prescribe additional medicines.

Fill out the Medicine Chart with the help of your doctor. This will help you know how, when, and why you take each medicine.

• My Medicine Schedule