Can my father, aged 68, benefit from newer epilepsy meds?

Question

Hello doctor,

My father is 68 years old and has lived with epilepsy for decades. His neurologist recently suggested switching from an older medication to a newer one because of balance problems and memory complaints.

Can people over the age of 65 still benefit from newer epilepsy medications? He worries that changing medications at this stage could cause more problems than it solves, especially since his seizures are mostly controlled right now.

Kindly advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand why both you and your father would feel cautious about changing a medication that has kept his seizures under control for many years.

The good news is that many adults over the age of 65 can still benefit from newer anti-seizure medications, particularly when older drugs are causing side effects such as balance difficulties, memory problems, drowsiness, or interactions with other medications. In older adults, maintaining quality of life, preserving cognitive function, and reducing the risk of falls are often just as important as achieving seizure control.

Newer anti-seizure medications are often better tolerated and may have fewer effects on memory, coordination, bone health, and daily functioning. They can also be associated with fewer drug interactions, which is especially important for older adults who may be taking medications for other health conditions.

However, because your father's seizures are currently well controlled, any medication change should be approached carefully and under close medical supervision. In many cases, the new medication is introduced gradually while the older medication is slowly tapered to reduce the risk of breakthrough seizures and other complications.

Your father's neurologist likely recommended this change because they believe the potential benefits may outweigh the risks. Ultimately, the decision should consider his seizure history, overall health, current medications, lifestyle, and personal preferences. An open discussion with his neurologist about the expected benefits, possible risks, and monitoring plan may help him feel more confident about the decision.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Please feel free to ask if you need any more clarification or support.

Thank you.