A patient who takes carbamazepine (Tegretol)has been seizure-free for 2 years and asks the primary care NP about stopping the medication.The NP should:

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Discontinuation of AEDs may be considered in patients who have been seizure-free for longer than 2 years.An EEG should be obtained before the medication is withdrawn.The drug should be tapered to prevent status epilepticus,but only after a normal EEG is obtained.AED therapy is not lifelong in all patients.Patients should not stop AED medications abruptly,and these drugs are not used on an as-needed basis.

A Patient Who Takes Carbamazepine (Tegretol)has Been Seizure-Free for 2