Rates of antiepileptic drug reduction in active epilepsy--current practice.

We have surveyed the rates at which clinicians in the U.K. and Eire withdraw antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in patients with active epilepsy. Practice differed widely and there was a lack of consensus regarding the rates employed. Inpatient reductions were 2-4 times faster than outpatient reductions. AED reductions tended to be slower if reduction was from 2 to 1, than 4 to 3, agents; and in patients with adverse risk factors. In general, non-sedating AEDs were not reduced more quickly than was phenobarbitone.