Stopping Seizure Medicine After a Seizure-Free Period in People With Epilepsy
Compares continuing versus stopping seizure medicine in adults with epilepsy who are seizure-free.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Outcomes After Planned Discontinuation of AntiSeizure Medication
Key facts
- Where
- Ann Arbor, United StatesSee the site
- Phase
- Phase 4
Where in United States
- University of MichiganAnn Arbor, United StatesTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Michigan
- Trial code
- NCT07750496
- Record updated
- 6 August 2026
- Original description
The main purpose of this study is to understand the effects of continuing versus discontinuing antiseizure medications after a period of seizure-freedom. Physician guidelines endorse that after a period of seizure-freedom, the risk of another seizure may be low enough to allow patients to consider coming off antiseizure medication to see if they still need it. However, evidence is limited regarding how much continuing antiseizure medication still reduces seizures versus increases side effects after a patient has been treated for a while. This study will determine whether discontinuing antiseizure medications benefits patients.Read full original descriptionShow less
Study Testing Outcomes After Planned Discontinuation of AntiSeizure Medication
The main purpose of this study is to understand the effects of continuing versus discontinuing antiseizure medications after a period of seizure-freedom. Physician guidelines endorse that after a period of seizure-freedom, the risk of another seizure may be low enough to allow patients to consider coming off antiseizure medication to see if they still need it. However, evidence is limited regarding how much continuing antiseizure medication still reduces seizures versus increases side effects after a patient has been treated for a while. This study will determine whether discontinuing antiseizure medications benefits patients.
Inclusion: Provision of signed and dated informed consent form; Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study; Diagnosis of epilepsy; At least 2 years since participants most recent seizure; At most 35% calculated 1-year post-discontinuation seizure risk, based upon the existing multivariable calculator if they are on only 1 ASM, otherwise no such restriction if they are more than 1 ASM; Willingness to adhere to the study intervention; Taking at least 1 antiseizure medication prior to enrollment.
Exclusion: History of epilepsy surgery; Large space-occupying radiographic lesion such as a large cortical tumor, large artery stroke, or encephalomalacia from traumatic brain injury; Subject has any other clinically significant conditions or circumstances that in the judgment of the investigator or treating clinician should preclude study participation; Please note: The researchers will ask participants not to drive for 2 months after ASM discontinuation if on monotherapy, and exercise caution while driving if stopping one antiseizure medication but remaining on others; Current pregnancy or planned pregnancy during the study period.