Information about Zonegran (Zonisamide)
Zonegran is a prescription medication containing Zonisamide as its active ingredient. Zonisamide is an anticonvulsant (anti-seizure) medication primarily used in the treatment of epilepsy. It can help control seizures in patients with various forms of epilepsy, such as partial seizures or generalized seizures. Zonegran is also sometimes used off-label for other neurological conditions or mood disorders.
Product Highlights
- Zonegran is mainly used for:
- Zonisamide is commonly prescribed for patients with partial onset seizures, either as monotherapy or in combination with other anti-seizure drugs.
- It can also be used to control generalized tonic-clonic seizures (grand mal seizures).
- Zonisamide is sometimes used as an adjunct treatment for refractory seizures that do not respond well to other anticonvulsants.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Helps prevent both partial and generalized seizures, improving quality of life for individuals with epilepsy.
- Provides sustained therapeutic effects, helping to reduce the frequency of seizures throughout the day.
- It is typically taken once a day, making it convenient for patients.
- Unlike some other anticonvulsants, Zonisamide is less likely to cause excessive sedation or drowsiness.
Direction of Use
- Zonegran is usually started at a low dose and gradually increased. The typical starting dose for adults is 100 mg per day, and the dosage can be adjusted based on the patient's response and tolerability.
- Take the capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not open, crush, or chew them.
- Take Zonegran at the same time each day to help remember your dosage.
- Zonisamide can be taken with or without food.
Safety Concerns
- Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and irritability. Some individuals may also experience memory problems, difficulty concentrating, or mood changes.
- Rare but serious side effects can include kidney stones, severe skin reactions, or an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior.
- Zonisamide should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems, as it can affect kidney function and contribute to the formation of kidney stones.
- In some patients, cognitive or psychiatric side effects (such as depression or confusion) may occur, particularly at higher doses.
Avoid Zonegran (Zonisamide) If
- You have a known allergy to Zonisamide, sulfonamides, or any other components of the medication.
- You have a history of severe kidney problems or kidney stones.
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, unless advised by your healthcare provider.
- You are breastfeeding, as Zonisamide may pass into breast milk.
- You have a history of severe psychiatric conditions, such as depression or suicidal thoughts.
- You are taking other medications that can increase the risk of serious side effects, such as other antiepileptic drugs or certain diuretics (e.g., carbonic anhydrase inhibitors).
