Withdrawal of antiseizure medications - for whom, when, and how?

Epilepsy is a chronic disorder of the brain characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate epileptic seizures. Most patients can achieve complete seizure control (seizure freedom) with antiseizure medications (ASMs). In some of them, the withdrawal of ASMs can be considered. Guidance is required to identify patients in whom drug discontinuation can be safely attempted and to inform when and how ASM withdrawal can be done.

In this perspective, the authors discuss the evidence on ASM withdrawal in epilepsy patients who are seizure-free and provide some suggestions on how to do it effectively in clinical practice, minimizing the risk of seizure recurrence.

The decision of discontinuing ASMs in epilepsy patients should rely on an accurate estimate of seizure recurrence risk. Whenever possible, such a risk should be assessed on an individual basis. The decision should also consider the psychosocial and personal consequences of seizure relapse. No robust evidence is available on the safest tapering regimen.