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Compare Zonegran vs. Aptiom

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Zonisamide (Zonegran) and Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) are both antiepileptic medications used to treat partial-onset seizures, but they have some key differences. Zonisamide is typically used as an add-on treatment and is not recommended for people with sulfa allergies. Aptiom can be used alone or with other seizure medications but should be avoided if you are allergic to oxcarbazepine (Trileptal). Zonisamide is approved for use in people aged 16 and older, while Aptiom can be used in children as young as 4 years old. Both medications can cause side effects like dizziness and sleepiness, but Aptiom is more likely to cause low sodium levels and liver injury. Zonisamide can lead to serious skin reactions and reduced sweating, which can increase the risk of heat stroke. Both medications are available as lower-cost generics.

  • Zonisamide (Zonegran)
    Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)
  • Zonisamide (Zonegran)
    Aptiom (eslicarbazepine)

  • Summary of Zonegran vs. Aptiom

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Zonisamide (Zonegran) is used along with other medications to help control partial-onset seizures in people with epilepsy. It comes as an oral capsule that's available as a lower-cost generic. An oral suspension form of the medication is also available, but it's brand only and can be expensive.

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Aptiom (eslicarbazepine) helps control seizures if you have partial-onset epilepsy. It can be used in people aged 4 years and older, but it interacts with some other medications and can be expensive if not covered by insurance.

  • Indications of Zonegran vs. Aptiom

    Indications for
    •Partial-onset seizures
    Indications for
    •Partial-onset seizures

  • Pros and Cons of Zonegran vs. Aptiom

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Capsules available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can take once a day, so it's easier to remember to take
    •Can take with or without food
    •Can be a good add-on treatment to control seizures when other medications aren't working well enough
    •Comes as an oral suspension, which is an option for those who have problems swallowing
    Cons
    •Can't be used by itself to control seizures
    •Only approved for people ages 16 years and older
    •Can take several weeks to get the full benefits of the medication
    •Not safe to take if you have a sulfa allergy
    •Might not be safe to take during pregnancy
    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •Can be used on its own, or with other seizure medications for better seizure control
    •Convenient, taken once daily
    •Tablets can be crushed (doesn't come in liquid form)
    Cons
    •Causes dizziness, headache, and vision problems quite often
    •Can't take if you're allergic to oxcarbazepine (Trileptal)
    •Brand name only, so it can be more expensive than other alternatives

  • Common Side Effects of Zonegran vs. Aptiom

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness (17%)
    •Dizziness (13%)
    •Loss of appetite (13%)
    •Headache (10%)
    •Nausea (9%)
    •Agitation or irritability (9%)
    •Fatigue (8%)
    •Tiredness (7%)
    •Depression (6%)
    •Problems with concentration or memory (6%)
    •Stomach pain (6%)
    •Double vision (seeing double; 6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (20-28%)
    •Sleepiness (11-18%)
    •Headache (13-15%)
    •Nausea (10-16%)
    •Double vision (9-11%)
    •Vomiting (6-10%)
    •Tiredness (4-7%)
    •Blurry vision (5-6%)
    •Difficulty with movement or coordination (4-6%)
    •Feeling like the room is spinning (2-6%)
    •Shakiness (tremor, 2-4%)

  • Warnings of Zonegran vs. Aptiom

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sulfa medication allergy
    •Serious skin reactions
    •Serious allergic reactions involving organs
    •Reduced sweating and risk of heat stroke
    •Serious eye problems
    •Suicidal behavior
    •Problems with mood or thinking
    •Kidney problems
    •Higher blood acid
    •Withdrawal seizures
    •Harm to unborn baby
    Common Side Effects for
    •Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •Low sodium levels
    •Difficulty with movement, concentration, and vision
    •Withdrawal seizures
    •Liver injury

  • Prices with our coupons for Zonegran vs. Aptiom

    Learn more about Zonisamide
    Learn more about Aptiom

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