Medication for Epilepsy & Seizure Disorders in Children

Doctors at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone typically use antiepileptic medications first when treating children with epilepsy. These medications don’t cure the condition, but they can help control seizures and improve your child’s quality of life.

Several antiepileptic medications are available, such as oxcarbazepine, clobazam, valproate, lacosamide, lamotrigine, and levetiracetam. These medications are available as pills that are taken daily. Some medications are also available in liquid form.

At the Pediatric Epilepsy Program, part of NYU Langone’s Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, our experts work with you and your child to find the medication or combination of medications that best suits your child’s needs. We also offer your child access to investigational medications through clinical trials. Learn more about epilepsy clinical trials at NYU Langone.

Many children with epilepsy outgrow it by adulthood. With many types of epilepsy, medications can be slowly withdrawn and discontinued under a doctor’s supervision after your child has been free of seizures for two to four years.

The longer children go without seizures while taking epilepsy medication, the better their chances of remaining seizure-free after stopping treatment.

Our doctors closely monitor your child’s responses to medication to minimize side effects, and our specialists offer ongoing support to your family throughout treatment.