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Phenobarbital – Risks of Switching — SCE Neurology MCQ

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HardEpilepsy & Seizure DisordersPhenobarbital – Risks of SwitchingSCE Neurology

A Group 1 driver with focal epilepsy has been seizure-free for four years and agrees with the specialist to withdraw levetiracetam gradually over three months. What driving restriction applies to the planned withdrawal?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: B — Stop driving during withdrawal and for six months after the final dose

DVLA guidance advises no Group 1 driving during antiseizure-medicine withdrawal and for six months after the final dose because recurrence risk rises during this period. A normal EEG does not remove the restriction, the duration of taper does not preserve entitlement, and resumption at the last dose is too early.

Reference: DVLA neurological disorders: assessing fitness to drive (Updated November 2025): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/neurological-disorders-assessing-fitness-to-drive