A Review of Withdraw Strategies for Discontinuing Antiepileptic Therapy in Epilepsy and Pain Management

Pain management is complicated by the levels of unacceptable opioid abuse and few safe alternatives. In 2011, the Institute of Medicine estimated 116 million American adults suffered from chronic pain [1]. In 2008, the CDC reported drug-related death rates more than tripled since 1990 and opioid related deaths to be higher than that of heroin and cocaine combined [2]. Effective pain treatment options with limited abuse potential along with clear guidance on safe and effective use are lacking in the pain management literature. Prescribers may utilize non-opioid analgesics along with adjunct therapies not indicated for pain to treat severe, persistent or chronic pain. Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) have been employed since the 1960’s as adjunct pain management in both acute and chronic pain with the purpose of enhancing pain control and minimizing opioid exposure. Volume 3 Issue 1 2015