Zonisamide

Uses

Contraindications

Side effects

Precautions and Warnings

Uses

Epilepsy as an adjunct therapy as well as monotherapy
Tardive dyskinesia
Migraine headaches
Bipolar depression

Contraindications

When should one not use Zonisamide

Allergic to any ingredients of Zonisamide capsule or any other Sulfa medicine.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Dizziness
Agitation (a state of anxiety or nervous excitement)
Irritability (state of being irritable)
Memory issues
Loss of appetite
Allergic reaction (rare)
Anxiety (rare)
Abdominal pain (rare)
Nausea (rare)
Fatigue (rare)
Weight loss (rare)

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I take Zonisamide during pregnancy?

Do not use this medicine during pregnancy as it may affect the baby.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Zonisamide while breastfeeding?

This medicine passes into breast milk. Hence do not use this medicine during breastfeeding.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Zonisamide?

This medicine may lead to cause dizziness or drowsiness. Hence, do not drive.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Zonisamide?

Alcohol should not be taken along with Zonisamide; it increases drowsiness and dizziness.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Less than 12 years or elderly
Kidney problems
Liver diseases
Pressure in the eye (glaucoma)
Taking this medicine may lead to make you sweat less which makes you more likely to get a heatstroke

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

It is believed that Zonisamide exerts its antiseizure activity by suppression of neurons.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Carbonic Anhydrase inhibitors like Acetazolamide, Topiramate and Anticholinergics because they increase the risk of high blood acid levels and kidney stone problem might aggravate.

Interactions with food items

No information is available on interactions of Zonisamide when taken with food, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.

Dietary Restrictions

No information is available on interactions of Zonisamide when taken with food, consult your doctor or pharmacist for further details.

Dosage

Overdose

Slow breathing, severe dizziness or sometimes loss of consciousness are symptoms of overdose. Inform your doctor immediately in case of overdose.

Missed a Dose

Take the missed dose as early as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is time for the next dose; do not take extra medicine to compensate for the missed dose.

Content Details

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Mansi Savla

B. Pharm, PharmD

REVIEWED BY

Dr. Ritu Budania

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What should be discussed with my healthcare provider before taking this medicine?

A: If the person is on any other medication, the doctor should be informed. Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Aspirin or any other medicines. Information regarding any liver, kidney, heart disease as well as breathing disorders should be shared with your doctor.

Q: What should I know regarding the storage of medication?

A: Zonisamide should be stored in a cool, dry place and away from children.

Q: Is there anything else that I need to know?

A: Please do not stop the medication suddenly as it may aggravate the symptoms of seizures and epilepsy. The dose should be gradually lowered and then discontinued. This should be done at the physician's discretion.

Q: When and how to consume the medicine?

A: Zonisamide is taken with water orally without chewing or breaking. It can be taken with or without food.

References

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Last Updated on: 05 Oct 2020 | 10:47 PM (IST)

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