Created by the AES Practice Management Committee | June 2026
Authors: Brandy Fureman, PhD; Jacob Pellinen, MD, PhD; Avani Modi, MD; Emily Klatte, MD; Marjorie Bunch, MD.
Missed doses of medications are associated with increased seizure frequency, reduced quality of life, avoidable changes in treatment, higher healthcare costs, greater healthcare utilization, and increased morbidity and mortality. Identifying and addressing barriers to medication adherence is a core component of high-quality epilepsy care.
Medication adherence matters. Missed doses are associated with increased seizure frequency, reduced quality of life, avoidable changes in treatment, higher healthcare costs, greater healthcare utilization, and increased morbidity and mortality. Identifying and addressing barriers to medication adherence is a core component of high-quality epilepsy care.
Resources For Providers/Clinics
These resources support epilepsy care teams in identifying and addressing barriers to adherence to antiseizure medications. They offer practical, clinic-ready tools to help providers recognize adherence challenges and apply targeted, evidence-informed interventions across a range of care settings.
The collection includes patient- and caregiver-reported screening tools available in English and Spanish, algorithms that link identified barriers to appropriate interventions, and guidance on implementing adherence screening into routine clinical workflows. Educational materials for training and professional development, including handouts and slide decks, are also provided to support consistent, high-quality adherence-focused epilepsy care.
Together, these resources are designed to be adaptable for diverse patient populations and clinical environments and to support improved seizure outcomes and quality of life.
Resources For Patients and Families
These resources are designed to help people with epilepsy and their families take antiseizure medications safely and consistently. They offer practical information, tips, and strategies to address common challenges that can make taking medicine harder in everyday life. Healthcare providers may also use these materials during clinic visits to support conversations, education, and shared decision-making with patients and caregivers.
Topics include managing medication costs and insurance, remembering daily doses, handling side effects, taking medicine at school or work, learning to swallow pills, improving taste, avoiding running out of medication, and fitting treatment into daily routines. Resources also address motivation, independence, and confidence in managing epilepsy care.
Materials are available in English and Spanish and are intended to be easy to understand and use. Links to trusted self-management tools and programs and guidance on using technology and smartphone apps are included to support ongoing learning and self-care.
These resources are meant to complement care from a healthcare provider and support shared decision-making, independence, and quality of life.
Recursos para Pacientes y Familias en Español
Recursos para pacientes y familias: Estos recursos están diseñados para ayudar a las personas con epilepsia y a sus familias a tomar los medicamentos anticonvulsivos de manera segura y constante. Ofrecen información práctica, consejos y estrategias para afrontar los desafíos habituales que pueden dificultar la toma de medicamentos en la vida cotidiana. Los profesionales de la salud también pueden utilizar estos materiales durante las consultas para facilitar el diálogo, la educación y la toma de decisiones compartida con los pacientes y sus cuidadores.