Zonegran

Who is Zonegran for ?

Zonisamide is used along with other medications to treat partial seizures in adults with epilepsy. It is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

When should I be careful taking Zonegran ?

Before taking Zonisamide,

• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to zonisamide, sulfa drugs (like Bactrim or Septra), or any other drugs.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other medications you are currently taking, especially phenytoin (Dilantin), carbamezepine (Tegretol), valproic acid (Depakote), and phenobarbital (Luminal). Also inform your doctor and pharmacist about any vitamins or herbal supplements that you are taking.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney stones, kidney disease, or liver disease.
• Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had anemia (low blood counts), depression or any other psychiatric illness.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking zonisamide, call your doctor.
• If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking zonisamide.
• You should know that this drug may make you drowsy and/or dizzy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• You should know that this drug may make decrease your appetite.
• Avoid alcohol while taking zonisamide. Alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug and can increase your risk for having a seizure.

Zonegran Side Effects

Although side effects from zonisamide are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• drowsiness/somnolence
• dizziness
• loss of appetite
• headache
• nausea
• agitation/irritability
• fatigue/tiredness
• decreased concentration or memory impairment
• insomnia
• blurred vision
• tremor
• anxiety
• irregular eye movements

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• skin rash
• swelling of the face, lips, throat, or difficulty breathing
• sudden back pain, stomach pain, pain when urinating (may be a sign of kidney stones)
• bloody or dark urine
• decreased sweating or an increase in body temperature
• depression or thoughts that are unusual for you
• fever, sore throat, sores in your mouth, or bruising easily
• speech or language problems