Zonegran (Zonisamide) for Epilepsy

Overview
Zonegran is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to control partial-onset seizures in adults with epilepsy. Zonegran is used in combination with other anticonvulsant drugs. Zonegran is also referred to by its drug name, zonisamide.

Zonegran is an anticonvulsant, or in other words, a drug used to prevent and control seizures. It is believed that Zonegran works in cases of epilepsy by inhibiting nerve signals in the brain.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Zonegran is taken orally as a capsule once or twice daily. Your doctor will likely start you on a low dose of Zonegran and gradually increase the dosage.

Do not stop taking Zonegran suddenly. If you decide to stop taking Zonegran, consult your physician for a plan to reduce your dosage gradually.

Zonegran should be taken exactly as prescribed by a physician.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Zonegran lists common side effects including sleepiness, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, nausea, and agitation/irritability.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Zonegran include irregular heartbeat, heart failure, nerve damage, stroke, deafness, and a potentially fatal skin rash called Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a rash, especially with fever and symptoms of a viral infection, while taking Zonegran.

Zonegran can increase your risk of developing blood disorders and kidney stones. Inform your doctor right away if you notice unusual bruising, sores in your mouth, less sweating than usual, sudden pain in your back, stomach, or while urinating, or dark or bloody urine while taking Zonegran.

Rarely, some people experience neurological symptoms including depression or suicidal thoughts and behavior while taking Zonegran. Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects.

It is important to drink at least six to eight glasses of water per day while taking Zonegran. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent some serious side effects. Ask your doctor whether you need to avoid drinking grapefruit juice or eating grapefruit while taking Zonegran.

Avoid driving or operating machinery until you are certain how Zonegran affects you.

Many drugs can cause allergic reactions that, in the most serious cases, can result in death. Seek immediate medical help if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, throat, eyes, lips, or tongue.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Zonegran — Drugs.com
https://www.drugs.com/zonegran.html

Zonisamide — Epilepsy Foundation
https://www.epilepsy.com/medications/zonisamide