Zonegran
Side Effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention right away: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
If you experience any of these dangerous side effects, call your doctor right away:
-abnormal shifts in behavior or mood (anxiety, depression, hostility, irritability, paranoia);
-confusion and delusions;
-memory issues;
-balance or coordination issues;
-increased thirst or hunger;
decreased urination or increased frequency of urination;
-a swollen ankle or foot;
-trembling; or
-pain that is burning, tingling, or numb.
Zonegran side effects that are less severe include:
-drowsiness and vertigo;
-cloudy vision;
-dizzy spells;
-a decrease in appetite;
-vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea;
mouth dryness.
What other drugs will affect Zonegran?
If you are pregnant, avoid taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. Handling crushed or broken capsules should be avoided by women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant. Zonisamide can result in birth defects in a developing fetus. Discuss the dangers of taking zonisamide while pregnant with your doctor.
If you are nursing a child, do not take this medication. Zonisamide can harm a nursing baby because it passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding a child, avoid taking this medication without first consulting your doctor.
Elderly people may be more sensitive to this medication's side effects, especially drowsiness.
If you have any of the following conditions, or if you are allergic to zonisamide:
kidney illness;
liver illness;
porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system).
Conditions
-kidney stones;
-a history of depression or thoughts of suicide;
-a history of drug addiction orabuse; or
-if you are nursing a baby or pregnant.
FDA category C for pregnancy. It is unknown if zonisamide will harm a developing child. If you intend to become pregnant while taking this medication, let your doctor know right away. Zonisamide can result in birth defects in a developing fetus. Handling crushed or broken capsules should be avoided by women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant. Use reliable birth control while taking zonisamide and for at least a month after your last dose if you are a woman of childbearing age. How to prevent withdrawal symptoms when stopping the medication should be discussed with your doctor.
If you are expecting, do not take zonisamide. The unborn child could suffer harm. Use a reliable method of birth control, and let your doctor know if you get pregnant while receiving treatment.
Zonisamide can enter breast milk and harm a baby who is nursing. Using this medication while nursing is not advised.
The negative effects of this medication, particularly drowsiness, lack of coordination, balance issues, and falling, may be more noticeable in older adults.
How should I take Zonegran?
Observe every instruction on the prescription drug label. Never take this medication in excess or in a lesser quantity, or for an extended period of time.
Along with a full glass of water, take this medication.
Zonegran may be taken with or without food.
Avoid breaking, chewing, or crushing an extended-release capsule. Take the medication whole. It is designed specifically to let medication enter the body gradually.
Use a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon, to measure liquid medications. Ask your pharmacist for a dose-measuring tool if you don't already have one.
Usually, one dose of Zonegran is taken each day. Observe your doctor's instructions regarding how often you should take this medication and when you should take a break from treatment (typically three days per week).
Dosage And Administration
Zonegran is typically started at a dose of 25 mg once daily. Until the desired response is obtained, the dose may be raised in 25 to 50 mg increments, but no more frequently than every other day. The range of effective daily doses is 100 to 400 mg.
Take zonisamide as soon as you remember if you miss a dose. Skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule if your next dose is almost due. Never combine two doses at once.
Away from light and moisture, keep items at room temperature. Keep out of the bathroom. Keep children and pets away from all medications.