My small breed was on a daily low dose of phenobarbital for over 10 years, no side effects.
He was alert and active. He had been diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy at a young age just by his behavior and symptoms. This was years ago. The vet may recommend annual routine lab work, see what she says.
Sometimes they can have break through seizures but they tend to be infrequent and mild.
Write down all your questions so that you can go over them with the vet. Please don’t let people discourage you and tell you medications are bad. They were invented for a reason and have helped many pets and people. Any medication that is effective could have possible side effects. Don’t get hung up on that.
Too bad the vet you spoke to couldn’t start the medication today? Did you call and ask? They won’t charge you for phone calls, I hope :-/
