What is Zonegran used for?
Zonegran (zonisamide) is a sulfa drug prescribed to help prevent partial seizures. Zonegran gets used in combination with other anti-convulsant medications to treat partial seizures for adults with epilepsy.
Zonegran capsules contain zonisamide. This is a medication that is commonly used to treat epilepsy. It works to stabilize electrical activity in the brain.
Zonegran prevents epileptic fits by stopping the excessive electrical activity in the brain. It’s not fully understood exactly how this medication works. It is thought to act on calcium and sodium channels on the nerve cells in the brain. Sodium has to move into the nerve cells in order for an electrical signal to build up and then get passed on to the other nerve cells. Zonegran might prevent sodium from entering the nerve cells when they start firing abnormally repetitive and rapid electrical signals. This helps stabilise electrical brain activity and prevents the excessive signals that cause seizures from spreading throughout the brain.
Zonegran Information
How to Use Zonegran?
Always take Zonegran exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Don’t take Zonegran in any way other than what your doctor has instructed.
Take Zonegran with a full glass of water. You should drink 6-8 glasses of water per day to prevent kidney stones while under treatment with Zonegran.
You can take Zonegran with or without food. Ensure you always swallow the capsule whole, do not break, chew, open, or crush it. You may need frequent blood tests while on Zonegran.
If you have to get surgery, inform the surgeon you are taking Zonegran in advance as you may have to stop taking this medication for a short time.
Do not stop Zonegran abruptly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly can cause an increase in seizures. Your doctor will help you taper your dose.
Seizures often get treated with a combination of drugs. Use all the medications as directed by your doctor and read the instructions or medications guides you’re given.
Zonegran Drug Interactions
Zonegran may interact with other medications in such a way that your risk of side effects increases, or your medications work differently. Your doctor will monitor for and help you avoid drug interactions.
Zonegran interacts with the following:
This is not a complete list of Zonegran drug interactions. Always provide your doctors with a list of all the medications you take whether they are prescription or over the counter. This will enable your healthcare professionals to properly monitor for drug interactions. If you have further questions about drug interactions you can call us at 1-844-416-4282 and ask to speak with a pharmacist for counseling.
What are side effects of Zonegran?
Alongside the regular effects of Zonegran, it can also cause negative side effects. You won’t experience all of these side effects, but some require medical attention so make sure you know what to do if you experience more serious side effects.
Check in with your doctor immediately if you notice the following Zonegran side effects:
More common
- Discouragement
- Feeling sad or empty
- Irritability
- Lack of appetite
- Loss of interest or pleasure
- Mood or mental changes
- Shakiness or unsteady walking
- Tiredness
- Trouble with concentrating
- Trouble with sleeping
Less common
- Agitation
- Bruising
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Large, flat blue or purplish patches on the skin
- Rash
There are some Zonegran side effects that do not need medical attention. These are usually mild and will subside as you adjust to the medication.
Check with your health care professional if these Zonegran side effects become bothersome or persist:
More common
- Abdominal or stomach pain
- Anxiety
- Difficulty with memory
- Dizziness
- Double vision
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Restlessness
- Sleepiness
- Unusual drowsiness
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Less common
- Aching muscles or joints
- Acid or sour stomach
- Bad, unusual, or unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Belching
- Change in taste
- Chills
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty with speaking
- Difficulty with thinking
- Dry mouth
- Fever
- General ill feeling
- Headache
- Heartburn
- Indigestion
- Mental slowness
- Nervousness
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Tingling, burning, or prickly feelings on the skin
- Uncontrolled, back and forth, or rolling eye movements
- Weight loss
This is not an exhaustive list of side effects, you may experience side effects not listed here. If you do experience these side effects, ensure you contact your doctor immediately.