Treatment options are evaluated initially based on seizure subtype, as certain anticonvulsants may be indicated for treating some forms of epilepsy and contraindicated for others. When making decisions about treatment with a particular agent, the physician should always take into account the patient's entire medical and medication histories, age and gender, and side-effect profile. It is important to evaluate the risks and benefits of treatment for each individual. That said, some general principles apply to treatment. Monotherapy, treatment with a single agent, is the goal.
Management becomes complicated when patients are given medications in combinations.
This also risks increasing the number and frequency of side effects, making it less likely that patients will take their medication appropriately. For medications to work effectively, a relatively constant level of medication must be maintained in the body. This is accomplished by taking medication regularly as directed, without missing doses. The consequences of missed doses may be a single seizure, more devastating multiple seizures, or status epilepticus. Divided doses may be preferable with some medications, ensuring a more constant level of medication in the bloodstream.