Thank you for asking your query.

I have reviewed the attached CT reports (which is more or less normal) and your clinical history.

Withdrawal of AEDs (Anti eplileptic drugs - like Eptoin) can be considered once the patient had a seizure free interval of 3-5 years. You are seizure free for last 17-18 years, you maintain an active lifestyle. And the recent MRI/investigations are within normal limits. In my opinion your AED - (Anti epileptic medication) can be stopped, under medical supervision. The decision to stop AEDs like Eptoin is usually taken on case by case basis analyzing the features of each patient. 

Now, its not recommended to stop the drug by yourself. Also you should know that there is always a chance of recurrence of seizure if you stop the drug. Also you should refrain from driving and high risk physical /contact sports once you stop the drug atleast for a couple of months. I my opinion these factors should not deter you from withdrawing the drug. You should get in touch with your treating physician and discuss about withdrawal of the drug and proceed further.

Hope this helps.

Hello,

Thank you for asking the followup question.

The way I see it, you got same advice from both the Neuro specialists. The only difference is how to approach it - that is how to stop the drug. There are no standard recommendations in this, so it depends on individual Doctors preference. I would recommend a more traditional approach which will be a middle path. Reduce it to half a tab (50mg) for two weeks and then stop, while under medical supervision.

Honestly I cannot say one approach is better than other because there is not enough data to substantiate any. So the best approach for you will be to fix on a Doctor (preferably a Neurologist than a NeuroSurgeon) and follow his recommendation. This is not a complicated treatment issue at all.

Wishing you a drug free, seizure free productive life.

Hope this helps.

Thank you

Hello,

I strongly recommend you not to consume alcohol for at least a period of 3 months. 
After stopping eption your threshold for seizure will be lowered. Alcohol itself, hypoglycemia etc can stimulate seizures in you. So its better to stay away for 3 months. And if you plan to restart start consumption in smaller quantities. 

Smoking has no direct relation to seizures. However as you know, its a habit better avoided.

Hope this helps

Thank you