zonisamide (Zonegran) Uses, Side Effects & Dosage

What is zonisamide-oral, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

• Scientists do not known how exactly zonisamide works in the body. Zonisamide is presumed to work on the sodium and calcium channels in the brain cells where it controls electric-currents that are responsible for seizure activity.
• The FDA approved zonisamide in March 2000.
• The brand name for zonisamide is Zonergran.
• Zonisamide is available in generic form. You need a prescription to obtain zonisamide.

What is zonisamide-oral used for?

Zonisamide (Zonergan) is an anti-seizure medication. Zonisamide is primarily used to treat partial-seizures.

What are the side effects of zonisamide-oral?

Common side effects of zonisamide are:

• Dizziness

• Agitation

• Fatigue

• Confusion

• Loss of concentration

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea

• Diarrhea

• Stomach ache

• Headache

• Speech disturbance

• Weight loss

Serious side effects of zonisamide include:

• Psychiatric disorders such as
  schizophrenia
• Seizures
• Serious skin disorders such as Stevens-Johnson's
  syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.

Vascular (Multi-Infarct) Dementia
Browse our medical image collection to see examples of MRI brain scans, PET scans, and other imaging techniques used to diagnose and treat brain disorders
See Images

What is the dosage for zonisamide-oral?

The recommended starting dose of zonisamide is 100 mg/day. Doses may
be increased 100 mg/day every 2 weeks. The usual dosage varies from 100 to 600
mg/day, administered in 1 to 2 divided doses.

Safe and effective use of zonisamide is not established for children under
the age of 16.

Which drugs or supplements interact with zonisamide-oral?

Zonisamide increases the risk of lactic acid build up when
combined with metformin (Glucophage). If you experience sudden weakness, heavy
breathing, and increased drowsiness, contact your healthcare professional
immediately.

Orlistat (Xenical) should be used with caution with zonisamide because it
lowers the beneficial effects of zonisamide and increases the chances of
seizures. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty walking, nausea,
vomiting, and abnormal eye movements, contact your healthcare professional
immediately.

Latest Neurology News

• Most Marriages Survive a Spouse’s Brain Injury
• Why Handwriting Still Beats Typing, Videos
• Adults With ADHD May Face Higher Odds for Illness
• Autism & Drinking, Drug Abuse Can Be Dangerous Mix
• Scientists Track Spirituality in the Human Brain
• Want More News? Sign Up for MedicineNet Newsletters!

Daily Health News

• H5N6 Bird Flu Infection in China
• COVID Vaccine Misinformation
• Antibiotic-Resistant Pneumonia
• Mask Mandate Returns to L.A.
• Fermented Foods Help Microbiome
• More Health News »

Trending on MedicineNet

• Guillain-Barre Syndrome
• What Triggers Shingles?
• Normal Blood Sugar Levels
• Identify Tick Bites
• Why Is Autism Increasing?

Is zonisamide-oral safe to take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding?

• There are no adequate studies done on zonisamide to determine its safe and effective use in pregnant mothers.
• It is not known whether zonisamide is excreted in breast milk. It should be used with caution in females who are nursing.

What else should I know about zonisamide-oral?

What preparations of zonisamide-oral are available?

Capsules: 25, 50, and 100 mg.

How should I keep zonisamide-oral stored?

Store zonisamide capsules between 20 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F).