If you are taking anticonvulsants, do not take any other medications without asking your doctor or chemist. It is safe to take paracetamol for fever/headache and antibiotics (except erythromycin if you are on regular carbamazepine) for infections. If you are taking the contraceptive pill, let your doctor know which one it is; some anticonvulsants make the pill less effective and it may be necessary to recommend a different pill.

Most anticonvulsants can be taken twice a day, some once daily and occasionally it may be necessary to take them three times a day. For convenience take your medication with meals. If you are taking several different anticonvulsants, they can all be taken at the same time, once, twice or three times a day as directed.

Never stop taking anticonvulsants suddenly. This could produce a marked increase in the number of your fits.

Do not allow yourself to run out of medication. Always keep a spare prescription at home or with your chemist.

Always keep medications in a locked cupboard away from children.

Avoid alcohol in anything more than social amounts. It does not mix well with anticonvulsants and may trigger fits.

The dose that you take depends on your age, size, weight and the severity of your fits. Some people will need to take a lot more tablets than others.

If you miss one dose, it is safe, with the exception of phenytoin, to take double the dose on the next occasion.

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Epilepsy