Brand name:
Zonegran
Pronounced: ZAH-nah-gran
Generic name:
Zonisamide
Why is Zonegran prescribed?
Zonegran 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. The drug is used in combination
with other antiseizure medications, not by itself.
Most important fact about Zonegran
Do not stop taking Zonegran 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 Zonegran?
Zonegran 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 2 doses at the same time.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature in a dry place. Protect from light.
Zonegran side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in
intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor
can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Zonegran.
- 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,
tiredness
Why should Zonegran not be prescribed?
Do not take Zonegran if you are allergic to sulfa drugs such as
Bactrim.
Special warnings about Zonegran
If you develop a rash while taking Zonegran, call your physician
immediately. It could be a sign of an allergic reaction.
Zonegran may cause drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate
dangerous machinery until you know how the drug affects you.
People who take Zonegran 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 Zonegran has been known to
trigger in very rare cases.
Contact your doctor immediately if you develop severe muscle pain
or weakness.
Contact your doctor immediately if your seizures worsen.
Zonegran may interfere with a child's ability to perspire and
control body temperature, leading to a medical emergency. Zonegran
is not approved for use in children under 16.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zonegran
If Zonegran is taken with certain other drugs, the effects if
either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining Zonegran with
the following:
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Valproate (Depakote)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
In most cases, Zonegran should not be taken by pregnant women
because there is a chance that it could harm the developing baby. If
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor
immediately.
It is not known whether Zonegran appears in breast milk, but
because it could cause a serious reaction if it did, you'll probably
need to make a choice between breastfeeding and continuing your
Zonegran therapy. Be sure to discuss the question with your doctor.
Recommended dosage for Zonegran
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If
you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
- Symptoms of Zonegran overdose may include:
Diminished breathing,
loss of consciousness,
low blood pressure,
slow heartbeat
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