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Home > Drug Category > Seizure Medications > Zonegran and Equivalent

Zonegran Information

Zonegran (zonisamide) is used as an antiepileptic medicine. Zonegran is used to treat seizures that affect one part of the brain (partial seizure), which may or may not be followed by a seizure affecting all of the brain (secondary generalisation). Zonegran may be used on its own to treat seizures in adults or with other antiepileptic medicines to treat seizures in adults, adolescents, and children aged 6 years and above. It is unknown how zonisamide works to prevent seizures but it appears to act on sodium and calcium channels, thereby reducing the spread of seizure discharges and disrupting subsequent epileptic activity. Zonisamide is available as 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg capsules.

Zonegran Side Effects

The most common side effects of Zonegran may include irritability, confusion, depression; poor muscle coordination, dizziness, poor memory, sleepiness, double vision; loss of appetite, decreased blood levels of bicarbonate; difficulty sleeping, strange or unusual thoughts, feeling anxious or emotional; slowed thoughts, loss of concentration, speech abnormalities, involuntary movement of the eyes; kidney stones; skin rashes, allergic reactions, fever, tiredness, hair loss; small bruises; loss of weight, indigestion, stomach pains. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• A severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swollen face, lips or tongue);
• A sudden pain in your back or stomach, have pain on urinating or blood in your urine (a sign of kidney stones);
• An unexplained skin rash;
• Feel unusually tired or feverish, have a sore throat, or find that you bruise more easily;
• Pain in your muscles or a feeling of weakness;
• Signs of overheating (high body temperature but little or no sweating, rapid heartbeat and breathing, muscle cramps, and confusion);
• Signs of increased acid level in the blood (headaches, drowsiness, shortness of breath and loss of appetite);
• Thoughts of harming or killing yourself;
• Visual problems such as eye pain or blurred vision.

Zonegran Precautions

Do not use Zonegran if you are allergic to zonisamide; other sulphonamide medicines or to peanut or soya. The use of Zonegran may lead to high levels of ammonia in the blood which could lead to a change in brain function, especially if you are also taking other medicines which can increase ammonia levels or have a genetic disorder causing build-up of too much ammonia in the body or if you have liver problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you become unusually drowsy or confused. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you are younger than 12 years old; are elderly; suffer from liver problems; have eye problems such as glaucoma; kidney problems; previously suffered from kidney stones; live in a place or are on holiday in a place where the weather is warm; are underweight, or have lost a lot of weight; are pregnant or could become pregnant or are breast feeding. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Zonegran and other medications. Zonegran can cause your child to sweat less and overheat and if your child is not treated this can lead to brain damage and death. When your child is taking Zonegran, keep your child cool especially in hot weather. Zonegran may affect your concentration, ability to respond, and may make you feel sleepy. Be especially careful while driving or operating machinery. Do not drink alcohol or take other drugs that make you sleepy or dizzy while taking Zonegran until you talk to your health care provider.

Do I need a prescription to order Zonegran?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Zonegran.