Zonegran
ZonisamideWhat is Zonegran Used For?
This medication is used in adults and children at least 16 years of age to prevent seizures resulting from epileptic attacks.
This medication is normally given with other medications to prevent and control partial seizure attacks.
Zonegran for Migraine Prevention
Your doctor may also prescribe this medication to treat chronic migraine headaches. This is used to prevent migraine attacks in individuals you have severe, recurring migraines.
Zonegran for weight loss
A common side effect reported in the use of this medication is weight loss and reduced appetite. While this medication was originally intended to be used for seizures and migraines, it has increasingly been used to help patients with obesity where lifestyle changes have failed. Your doctor may prescribe this medication as a supplement alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise to lose weight.
Topamax vs. Zonegran Weight Loss Benefits
Topamax is another drug that is used for seizures but has shown to have ground-breaking effects when treating impulse control for those suffering from obesity. Topamax and Zonegran may have adverse interactions when used together. If you are interested in the weight loss effects of either of these drugs, ask your doctor for help formulating a weight loss plan that includes the relevant dosage of Topamax or Zonegran.
Zonegran Side Effects
Not everyone experiences side effects and effects can occur with varying intensity. Report any side effects to your doctor, especially side effects that are affecting the quality of your life. It is important to remember that your doctor has prescribed you this drug because he/she determined that the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks for you.
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Flu-like symptoms
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Mental slowing
- Irritability
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Schizophrenic behaviors
- Somnolence (Constant feelings of sleep deprivation, frequent sleep that lasts abnormally long)
- Fatigue
- Tiredness
- Difficulties with verbal expression
- Speech impediments
- Rhinitis (nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing)
- Rash
- Diplopia
- Taste perversion
- Dizziness
- Ataxia (lack of coordination, deteriorated motor function, change in speech, difficulty walking, difficulty swallowing)
- Nystagmus (involuntary movement of the eyes)
- Paresthesia (numbness, weakness, tingling, burning, or cold sensations in the extremities)
- Metabolic acidosis (confusion, quickened heartbeat, nausea, loss of appetite, somnolence)
Allergic reactions can occur if you have a hypersensitivity to zonisamide, sulfonamides, or any ingredient used in the formulation of Zonegran, then you should not use this medication. If you notice any skin rashes, or if swelling in the eyes, mouth, throat, or nose occurs, you should immediately contact medical emergency services.
Zonegran Side Effects in Adults
The side effects caused by Zonegran may be more severe in older adults. While most people who take this medication do not experience side effects, some can experience pronounced dizziness, lightheadedness, and lack of coordination.
If your doctor has prescribed Zonegran for you, always make sure to monitor your health and report any adverse effects to your doctor especially any that persist or worsen with time.
Zonegran Hair Loss
This medication is known to cause hair loss in some rare cases. Talk to your doctor if hair loss is a concern for you or if you notice thinning after starting to use this medication.
Drug Interactions
This medication can interact with other prescription medications in harmful ways. Always communicate with your doctor about which medications you are taking, prescribed or non-prescribed. There are approximately 97 drugs that are reported to have a major interaction with Zonegran.
Alcohol can increase the chances of a side effect affecting the nervous system from occurring, such as dizziness, drowsiness, lack of concentration, or impaired judgment. It is advisable to avoid using alcohol or to at least limit its use while taking this drug.
Dosage
The typical starting dose for Zonegran is 100 mg per day (taken once, twice, or four times depending on the strength of the tablets). The dosage is usually increased in two-week increments to 200, 300, and 400 mg per day. Take this medicine with water to help swallow the capsules. You may take it on its own or after a meal depending on your preference and/or your doctor’s instructions.
The dosage for you can vary depending on a number of factors, including the condition that it’s being used to treat, physiological factors, individual reactions to the drug, prevalence of other conditions, or use of other prescription or non-prescription drugs.
Be sure to commit to your doctor ALL information about your medical history and medications you are currently using or recently stopped using.
Warning: You should NOT stop using Zonegran immediately under any circumstances. This medication can cause seizures if its use is discontinued suddenly. If you want to stop using it, you MUST talk to your doctor to formulate a plan that allows you to safely stop using it gradually.
Storage
This should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place. Keep this medication out of the bathroom. Zonegran should be kept out of the reach of children.
