Anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin, lamotrigine) are the first-line treatment for epilepsy. However, some patients with epilepsy cannot tolerate the side effects of medications, and for about one-third of patients, medications do not work. If medications do not improve symptoms or aren’t tolerated, other treatments like surgery, neurostimulation, or dietary changes may also be tried.[1]
What are some of the main medical treatments for epilepsy?
Written by:
Fact-checked
by:
•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
The primary medical treatment for epilepsy is antiseizure drugs such as phenytoin and lamotrigine, but some people may experience intolerable side effects or find the medications ineffective. In such cases, alternative treatments like surgery, neurostimulation, or dietary changes may be considered.