Epilepsia
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Consequences of antiepileptic drug withdrawal: a randomized, double-blind study (Akershus Study).
Despite side effects associated with the use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), withdrawal of AEDs remains controversial, even after prolonged seizure freedom. The main objective of this study was to assess the effects of AED withdrawal on cognitive functions, seizure relapse, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and EEG results. Additionally, potential predictors for freedom from seizures after AED withdrawal were studied. ⋯ Seizure-free epilepsy patients on AED monotherapy who taper their medication may improve neuropsychological performance with a relative risk of seizure relapse of 2.46, compared to those continuing therapy.