Epilepsy treatment: practical steps to control seizures

About 1 in 26 people will develop epilepsy in their lifetime. If you or someone you care for has seizures, the goal is simple: reduce or stop seizures while minimizing side effects. Here are clear, practical steps you can use right away.

See a specialist. Ask for a neurologist or an epileptologist. Diagnosis usually needs a medical history, an EEG, and an MRI. Bring a seizure diary—note date, time, triggers, duration, and what happened. That record speeds up diagnosis and helps pick the right medicine.

Medication basics

Anti-seizure medicines are the main treatment. Common options include levetiracetam, lamotrigine, valproate, carbamazepine, and topiramate. Each drug has strengths and side effects. Some require blood tests or dose changes over time. Take meds exactly as prescribed—missing doses raises risk of seizures. If side effects appear, talk to your doctor before stopping.

For women of childbearing age, valproate can raise risk to a fetus. Discuss safer choices like lamotrigine or levetiracetam if pregnancy is possible. Always plan medicine changes with your doctor.

When drugs don't work

If two well-chosen medicines fail, ask about other options: epilepsy surgery can cure some focal epilepsies. Vagus nerve stimulation or responsive neurostimulation can cut seizures when surgery isn’t an option. A strict ketogenic diet helps some children and adults. Cannabidiol (Epidiolex) is approved for specific syndromes—discuss eligibility with your team.

Safety matters every day. Sleep well, avoid heavy alcohol, and learn your triggers. Wear a medical ID stating you have epilepsy and list emergency contacts. Let friends, family, and coworkers know basic seizure first aid: stay calm, support the person’s head, move sharp objects away, turn them on their side if breathing, and never force anything into the mouth.

Call emergency services if a seizure lasts more than five minutes, if seizures repeat without recovery, if the person is injured, pregnant, or has trouble breathing. Have a written emergency plan and, if prescribed, keep rescue medication available and show caregivers how to use it.

Access to medication matters. Use a trusted pharmacy, confirm prescriptions, and ask the pharmacist about interactions with other drugs or supplements. If cost or availability is an issue, ask your clinic for assistance programs or generic options.

Finally, track progress: keep the seizure diary, note side effects, and review treatment every few months. Regular follow-up helps fine-tune care so you can live with fewer interruptions from seizures.

Kids and daily life need extra planning. For children, get a written seizure action plan for school that lists medications, triggers, emergency steps, and who can give rescue meds. Ask about an Individualized Education Program (IEP) if learning is affected. Adults should check local driving rules—most places require a seizure-free period before driving. Talk to your employer about reasonable adjustments, like flexible breaks or remote work. Don’t ignore mood changes: depression and anxiety are common with epilepsy. A therapist, support group, or epilepsy nurse can help. Small changes add up—sleep, routine, and a clear plan make life safer.