The most common treatment for epilepsy is the use of anti-seizure medications (ASMs), which successfully control seizures in up to 70% of people. Those who don’t gain seizure control through ASMs alone are sometimes offered surgery, diets or other therapies.
Those who experience more frequent or prolonged seizures may also be prescribed emergency medication. Known as rescue medication
Attending regular medical appointments and discussing concerns with healthcare professionals is an important aspect of epilepsy management.
Whether you are a person living with epilepsy, care for someone who does, or are an interested community member, we hope that you find this information useful.
Managing epilepsy involves a combination of daily preventative treatments, emergency “rescue” protocols, and lifestyle adjustments. As of 2026, the field has seen significant updates in gene-based therapies and safety monitoring for common medications.
The first line of defence is almost always medication, though surgical and dietary options are critical for drug-resistant cases.
Anti-Seizure Medications (ASMs)
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- First-Line Therapy: Most patients start with a single ASM (monotherapy). Choice depends on seizure type (focal vs. generalized), age, and potential side effects.
- Newer Options (2025-2026 Trends): * Cenobamate (Xcopri): Frequently used for focal-onset seizures. Note that as of late 2025, the FDA updated safety labels to require liver function tests (LFTs) before starting and during treatment due to rare risks of liver injury.
- Brivaracetam (Briviact): Shown to have high “retention” (patients staying on the drug) in children. Recent safety updates warn of serious dermatologic reactions (like SJS) within the first 45 days
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- Zorevunersen: A breakthrough experimental gene-based therapy (reported March 2026) that has shown up to a 91% reduction in seizures for children with Dravet syndrome by boosting the function of the SCN1A gene.
