Irish patients are advised not to stop taking epilepsy drug Epilim

The HPRA said: 'Sudden discontinuation of any treatment for epilepsy should be avoided as this may lead to seizures...' Picture: iStock

The Irish medicines regulator has advised patients not to stop taking valproate medicines without consulting a doctor in the wake of new recommendations on the drugs in the UK. 

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) said they are now taking part in a group examining the use of these medications in Ireland as part of a multi-stakeholder process.