Adding a second antiepileptic drug

If seizures are not controlled by the first antiepileptic drug, a second drug is added. The dose of the second drug is adjusted as for the first. If combined therapy is effective, the first drug may be gradually withdrawn (see advice) to find out if monotherapy with the second drug is effective. However, many patients prefer to continue combination therapy rather than risk the seizures returning. If combination therapy is not effective, one of the drugs is withdrawn gradually and replaced by a third drug (see also uncontrolled epilepsy).