Key facts about Zonisamide
What dosages is Zonisamide available in?
Zonisamide is available as 25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg capsule.
What is Zonisamide used for?
Zonisamide is an antiepileptic that is used to treat partial-onset seizures.
How does Zonisamide work?
Zonisamide is an antiepileptic. This means it helps control seizures. It’s not exactly clear how Zonisamide works, but it’s thought to block the nerves in your brain from sending electrical signals that cause seizures.
How do I take Zonisamide?
Zonisamide is typically started at 100 mg by mouth daily (taken all at once or split into two doses throughout the day). Your provider might raise your dose every two weeks based on your response to the medication. The typical dosing range is from 100 mg to 600 mg by mouth daily.
Is it safe for me to take Zonisamide?
Zonisamide is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have an allergy to sulfonamides.
Zonisamide Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Zonisamide:
- Sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Nausea
- Agitation or irritability
- Fatigue
- Tiredness
- Depression
- Problems with concentration or memory
- Stomach pain
- Double vision
Zonisamide Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Zonisamide. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious skin reactions: blistering and peeling of the skin, fever, flu-like symptoms, trouble swallowing
- Serious allergic reactions: swelling of the face and neck area, trouble breathing, rash, fever
- Heat stroke: sweating less than usual, fever
- Suicidal behavior: worsening depression, unusual changes in mood or behavior, suicidal thoughts
- Kidney problems: sudden back pain, stomach pain, blood in the urine
- Higher acid levels in blood: fast breathing, fast heartbeat, confusion, loss of appetite, nausea, weakness
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Zonisamide
The following medications may interact with Zonisamide:
- Zonisamide should be used with caution if used in combination with alcohol or other CNS depressants
- Concomitant use of Zonisamide with any other carbonic anhydrase inhibitor may increase the severity of metabolic acidosis and may also increase the risk of kidney stone formation
Who makes Zonisamide?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Zonisamide safe in pregnancy?
Zonisamide may cause harm to your unborn baby. Women of child bearing potential who are given Zonisamide should be
advised to use effective contraception.
