Zonisamide (Zonegran)

How zonisamide (Zonegran) works

Zonisamide (Zonegran) is a sulfonamide. It's not exactly clear how it controls seizures, but it may stop nerves from sending signals that can cause seizures.

What is zonisamide (Zonegran) used for?

• Partial seizure

Typical dosing for zonisamide (Zonegran)

The typical starting dose of zonisamide (Zonegran) is 100 mg by mouth daily (taken all at once or divided into two doses). Your provider may increase the dose after two weeks based on your response to the medication. The typical dosing range is from 100 mg to 600 mg by mouth daily.

You're more likely to get overheated while taking zonisamide (Zonegran). Make sure you drink plenty of liquids, don't exercise too hard, and don't stay out in the sun if it's hot out. If you notice decreased sweating or high, recurring, or long lasting fever, contact your provider right away because this can be a sign of something more serious.

This medication may increase your risk for kidney stones. Drinking extra fluids will make you urinate more which will help prevent kidney problems.

Don't stop taking zonisamide (Zonegran) suddenly without talking to your provider, as your seizures can get worse.

Be very careful drinking alcohol or taking medications for pain or anxiety while taking zonisamide (Zonegran) because your breathing can become dangerously slow.

Zonisamide (Zonegran) can increase the level of acid in your blood (called metabolic acidosis). Your provider may want to monitor your blood work before starting and while you are taking this medication. Let your provider know if you begin to feel more tired, lose your appetite, notice a change in your heartbeat, or have trouble thinking clearly.

With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Serious skin reactions or severe rash
• Signs of an allergic reaction (swelling of the face and neck area, trouble breathing, rash)
• Signs of sudden liver problems (abdominal pain, tremors, confusion, yellowing of skin or eyes)
• Signs of serious blood disorders (fever, sore throat, sores in your mouth, unusual bruising)
• Sweating less than usual (with or without fever), especially when in the heat
• Worsening depression, unusual changes in mood or behavior, suicidal thoughts
• Blurred vision, eye pain, or other vision changes
• Sudden back pain, abdominal pain, or blood in the urine
• Fast breathing, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, fast or irregular heartbeat

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your doctor know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

^{Source: FDA}

Zonisamide (Zonegran) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options

Sulfa medication allergy

• Risk factors: Allergy to sulfonamides such as Septra or Bactrim

Don’t take zonisamide (Zonegran) if you're allergic to sulfa medications since you might have a severe allergic reaction. Seek medical attention immediately or go the emergency room if you notice a skin rash, swelling of the face or throat, or have difficulty breathing.

Lower blood cell counts

Zonisamide (Zonegran) can cause dangerous drops in blood cell counts. This can make you more likely to get sick or bleed. Talk to your provider if you get fevers more often or bleed or bruise easily. Regular blood tests can be done to ensure that your blood cell counts are within normal range.

Heat stroke and less sweating

• Risk factors: Under age 18

Zonisamide (Zonegran) makes it harder to control your body temperature because you're less likely to sweat. It might make you more likely to have a heat stroke. Drink plenty of liquids, stay in the shade, and don't stay out in the sun too long if the weather is hot.

Suicidal behavior

• Risk factors: Taking other medications to control seizures

Zonisamide (Zonegran), like other medications used to control seizures, can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts. If your mood worsens and you want to hurt yourself after you start taking zonisamide (Zonegran), talk to your provider right away.

Higher blood acid

• Risk factors: Diarrhea | Kidney disease | Severe COPD or lung disease

Rarely, zonisamide (Zonegran) can raise the level of acid in your blood (metabolic acidosis). If not treated in time, it can cause kidney stones, or weaken your bones and make them likely to fracture. Metabolic acidosis can also lead to increased levels of ammonia in the blood which may affect the brain and cause you to become more tired, unable to concentrate, or vomit. Your provider might do regular blood tests to make sure you're healthy.

Withdrawal seizures

Talk to your provider before stopping zonisamide (Zonegran). Stopping zonisamide (Zonegran) suddenly can cause your seizures to come back, or become worse. Your provider will work with you to lower your dose slowly so this doesn't happen.

Serious skin reactions

Although rare, zonisamide (Zonegran) can cause fatal skin reactions. In most cases, people start out with flu-like symptoms (such as fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue) that develop into painful rashes and blisters on the body. Let your provider know if you notice any unusual rashes while on zonisamide (Zonegran).

Serious allergic reactions involving organs

Zonisamide (Zonegran) can cause serious allergic reactions involving certain organs (such as heart, kidneys, and liver). Symptoms of such allergic reactions include fever, rash, severe muscle pain, swelling of the face, and yellowing of the skin or white part of the eyes. Let your provider know right away or seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of these symptoms while on zonisamide (Zonegran).

Serious eye problems

Zonisamide (Zonegran) can cause increased pressure in the eyes that can lead to blurred vision, eye pain, and eye redness. If left untreated, it can also lead to permanent loss of vision. Let your provider know if you start having eye problems while on zonisamide (Zonegran).

Problems with mood or thinking

Zonisamide (Zonegran) can make it harder for you to concentrate or remember things. It can also cause problems with speech, coordination, mood (new or worsening depression), and make you more sleepy. Be careful driving or doing anything that requires mental alertness while on zonisamide (Zonegran).

Serious birth defects

• Risk factors: Women of child bearing age

Zonisamide (Zonegran) can have serious risks to the unborn baby such as heart defects or even death. Your provider might recommend you to take a form of birth control while on zonisamide (Zonegran) if you're a woman of child bearing age. Since this medication can cause serious birth defects, zonisamide (Zonegran) should only be used in pregnancy if the potential benefit outweighs the risk to the unborn baby.

Zonisamide (Zonegran) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with zonisamide (Zonegran). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Zonisamide (Zonegran) is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.

There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of zonisamide (Zonegran). Compare a few possible alternatives below.