When to stop epilepsy medication

[mheather]

My daughter is 11 and has scarring in her left temporal lobe and was started on Topamax a year and a half ago.  She had had a grand mal seizure, but her main seizures consisted of a funny feeling in her stomach and dizziness.  The doctor she was seeing said once she was seizure free for 2 years (she has been seizure free a year and half) she would recommend a second opinion but would like to try taking her off her Topamax.  Her doctor has since left the practice and on the last appt. the new doctor is recommending taking her off after 3 years without a second opinion.  My concern is taking her off at all, she obviously has a reason she'd been having the seizures and the Topamax is working without any side effects.  What is your opinion.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
How are you? The decision to stop your daughter's medication should be made by you alone. Talk to your doctor about this. Discuss the benefits and the risks. Consider several factors such as how quickly the seizures were controlled, how long has she been free of seizures and if there are other illnesses present. Take care and best regards.

[Sisteranita3]

I began having seizures as an infant {1956}, they stopped & did not return until the 80's when I began working for the USPS.  I have not had another since my disability retirement in 2003.  My neurologist has yet to suggest that I stop the medication.

I must say I agree with you that she should perhaps not stop taking the medication at all.  I know that it took a while before I really began to take notice that my doc was not saying "this will work" but rather "let's try this".  It is truly your decision & yours alone.