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Zonisamide |
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What is Zonisamide and why is it prescribed? Zonisamide helps reduce the frequency of partial epileptic seizures, a form of epilepsy in which neural disturbances are limited to a specific region of the brain and the victim remains conscious throughout the attack. Zonisamide is used in combination with other antiseizure medications, not by itself. Do not stop taking this drug on your own. If the doctor decides to discontinue Zonegran, he will tell you how to taper off slowly. Abrupt discontinuation of Zonegran can cause seizures. How should you take Zonisamide? Follow your doctors directions for taking Zonisamide. Zonisamide capsules should be swallowed whole and can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Zonisamide at room temperature in a dry place, protected from light. Are there any Zonisamide side effects? Zonisamide side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Zonisamide side effects may include abdominal pain, agitation, confusion, depression, diarrhea, difficulty concentrating, difficulty with memory, dizziness, double vision and other visual disturbances, drowsiness, fatigue, flu syndrome, headache, insomnia, irritability, loss of appetite, loss of muscle coordination, mental slowing, nausea, prickling or burning skin, rash, speech abnormalities, and tiredness. Less common Zonisamide side effects may include abnormal walk, accidental injury, alterations in taste sensation, anxiety, bruises, constipation, convulsions, difficulties in verbal expression, dry mouth, indigestion, nasal stuffiness, nervousness, psychotic behavior, rash, runny nose, sensitivity to touch, tremor, vomiting, weakness, and weight loss. Rare Zonisamide side effects may include abnormal dreams, abnormal hair growth, abnormal sense of smell, acne, allergic reaction, anemia, arthritis, black stools, bleeding gums, breast growth in males, chest pain, coughing up blood, decreased sex drive, dehydration, difficulty swallowing, dry skin, euphoria, eye problems, facial swelling or paralysis, fainting, fatigue, fluid retention, gallstones, gas, hair loss, hearing loss, heart irregularities and problems, high blood pressure, impotence, inability to breathe, incontinence, increased pressure in the eye, increased cough, inflammation of the gums and inside of the mouth, itching, jaundice, joint aches, leg cramps, low blood pressure, lupus erythematosus, malaise, mental problems, missed menstrual periods, movement disorders, muscle aches, muscle weakness, neck rigidity, nerve pain, painful breasts, painful urination, rapid heart rate, rash, rectal bleeding, ringing in the ears, skin disorders, sore throat, spasms, speech difficulties, stroke, sweating, thirst, twitching, urinary problems, uterine bleeding, vertigo, vomiting blood, and weight gain. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Zonisamide? If Zonisamide is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zonisamide with Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin), or Valproate (Depakote). Are there any special warnings about Zonisamide? If you develop a rash while taking Zonisamide, call your physician immediately. It could be a sign of an allergic reaction. Zonisamide may cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how Zonisamide affects you. People who take Zonisamide are prone to develop kidney stones. To reduce the risk of stone formation, be sure to drink plenty of fluids. Call your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of kidney stones such as back pain, abdominal pain, painful urination, or blood in the urine. Call your doctor if you start to bruise easily or develop a fever, a sore throat, or blisters in the mouth. These could be signs of anemia or other blood problems that Zonisamide has been known to trigger in very rare cases. Contact your doctor immediately if your seizures worsen. Zonisamide may interfere with a child's ability to perspire and control body temperature, leading to a medical emergency. Zonisamide is not approved for use in children under 16. |
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