Hi, does anyone know if it's possible to change anti epilepsy drugs to another drug without losing your driving licence in the process?

[LizardW13]

[Hidden]

Hi there, all epilepsy drugs have their side effects on one's behavior, body and general well being. Whilst driving safely on one drug, the situation could totally change when changing onto another. I would take this matter up with your Neurologist or Doctor and discuss further. Everyone is different. It also depends on how long you have been on the same medication before a change is made. I would be wary and seek advice first. Thank you.

[LizardW13 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply lesmal

[AmyBadd]

I'm pretty sure that the law in this country (UK) is that if you change or reduce the dosage of your epilepsy meds, you are suspended from driving for 6 months to determine whether you are still fully controlled. Remember THIS IS A GOOD THING!!! If you drive you are putting yourself and all other road users including pedestrians using the pavement in mortal danger. People in today's society are far too blah-say about the power that motor vehicles have. I know they might make life easier, but they can also take lives away.

[McAdoo]

You definitely have to surrender your licence for at least 6 months when changing drugs. My neurologist told me this when I last saw him in March this year.

[LizardW13 in reply to McAdoo]

Thanks for this, I was hoping I could try different meds whilst still on my original ones and then ween off them, but I think that may have been a bit optimistic

[McAdoo in reply to LizardW13]

I am on Carbamazepine which I am sure has affected or is affecting my memory but when I asked my consultant about maybe changing my medication the first thing he asked was I prepared to lose my licence again? I'm not so I am still taking the same meds. Good luck with whatever you decide to do

[Evangilene]

Best to check with your Doctor or Drug consultant. As all drugs have different effects Wish you well as none of us like to lose our licences .

[pezenas]

Not heard this one before. I've changed my AED's 5 times without any problems with my licence. Where is it said to be a matter of law that you give up your licence every time you change prescription. Your medical condition is the only criteria not the medication you take.

[AmyBadd in reply to pezenas]

When you change meds it is not known whether or not your condition is controlled. Your doctors should have told you about giving up you license when you changed.

[pezenas]

I'm sorry but there is no such law. The only criteria is your medical condition. There are a variety of reasons for changing medication e.g. for some people using Lamotrigine suffer an unpleasant rash even though it is very effective in controlling seizures. A change to another AED for this reason makes absolutely no difference to your entitlement to drive as long as you are seizure free.. If you are having seizures despite the medication you are not entitled to drive. That will continue until your doctor considers you are fit to drive and then you have to wait for the usual suspension period to elapse to get your licence back. If it were otherwise I have been driving illegally for the last 7 years with the full knowledge of my GP and a senior epileptologist when I have had my medication changed several times.

[AmyBadd in reply to pezenas]

Your insurance will most likely not be valid. You should not drive for 6 months after changing to a different medication or reducing the dosage of a current AED. This is what I have been told by multiple medical professionals.

[Hidden in reply to pezenas]

It states quite clearly in the medical section of the DVLA website that if you come

off or change medication that you must stop driving while coming off and for 6 months after.

[pezenas]

I think you should ask these 'multiple medical professionals' on which regulation or law they base their advice. If you receive advice of this nature, check it up with a lawyer and get a definitive opinion

[spots1]

Hi , Any change in medication can cause you to start seizures again , it is entirely up to the individual if they take on the guidance of handing in their licence but you will be on the black list so to speak if in the event of an accident be found to have not heeded the advise and rules surrounding Epilepsy and driving all of which can be found on the DVLA website or by telephoning the relevant medical dept of the DVLA . Take care & stay safe