What role do anti-seizure medication levels, such as levetiracetam, serve in seizure-free patients?
Is there a role in adjusting the medication doses to levels in seizure-free patients; or is it sufficient to just monitor patients clinically?
Answer from: at Community Practice
In patients with epilepsy who are being treated with antiseizure medication, the change in doses has to be driven by clinical data, mainly by seizure recurrence and/or adverse events. If a patient has been seizure-free and is not having adverse events, there is no need to check for blood levels, as ...
Comments
at Elliot Hospital Thank you!
at First Choice Neurology I agree. This aligns with my clinical practice. Th...
I would add that at certain times it may be required from a legal standpoint to maintain driving privileges. This falls under the more general category of "verifying compliance", which is admittedly optional if the patient is generally trustworthy.
I prefer doing it yearly. Over time, there can be weight changes, and different generic brands may have varying absorption rates.
With pregnancy, I do it monthly and most end up on 30 to 100% more medication towards the end.
Checking compliance for Keppra is important. Otherwise, it is generally not used unless it results in a change in management. Dosing changes are primarily driven by the clinical control of seizures and the side effect profile.
Comments
at Elliot Hospital Thank you.
at UPMC For those who would check levels for compliance or...
at Montana Neurology I don't routinely check serum levels. However, ass...
Thank you!
I agree. This aligns with my clinical practice. Th...