Preventing Epilepsy Deaths: Clinician Toolkit
Assessment & Action Guide

Medication Management and Adherence Complications

Patients need to be assessed for the following at their initial visit, all follow-up visits, and at times of life transitions.
1
Assess the need for anti-seizure medication level changes and screening labs.
Clinician actions
  • Review medication dose, frequency, and medication interactions
2
Assess for medication and treatment side effects routinely.
Clinician actions
  • Learn about life-threatening conditions that require rapid medication discontinuation in an acute care setting. 
    • Symmetric rash on both sides of the body, especially if blistering, peeling, or painful, or accompanied by fever or mouth/eye sores
    • Excessive vomiting
    • Severe abdominal pain
    • Abnormal bleeding or bruising
    • Severe dizziness or blurry or double vision
    • Imbalanced walking 
3
Re-evaluate medication when patient’s comorbidities or condition changes.
Clinician actions
  • Evaluate for new health conditions or changes including pregnancy.
4
Assess adherence.
Clinician actions
  • Use a standardized approach (patient reporting, medication levels, refill history) and if adherence is a challenge, discuss barriers and propose solutions.
Conversation tips
Learn how to discuss medication management and adherence with your patients