Brand Names: Zonegran

Generic Name: zonisamide (Pronunciation: zoe NIS a mide)

• What is zonisamide (Zonegran)?
• What are the possible side effects of zonisamide (Zonegran)?
• What is the most important information I should know about zonisamide (Zonegran)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking zonisamide (Zonegran)?
• How should I take zonisamide (Zonegran)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Zonegran)?
• What happens if I overdose (Zonegran)?
• What should I avoid while taking zonisamide (Zonegran)?
• What other drugs will affect zonisamide (Zonegran)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is zonisamide (Zonegran)?

Zonisamide is a sulfa drug with anti-convulsant effects.

Zonisamide is used together with other anti-convulsant medications to treat partial seizures in adults with epilepsy.

Zonisamide may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Zonisamide 25 mg-BAR

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What are the possible side effects of zonisamide (Zonegran)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: any form of skin rash; hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• the first sign of any skin rash, no matter how mild;
• increased or worsening seizures;
• rapid breathing or feeling short of breath with dry mouth, confusion, dizziness or weakness, numbness or tingling, chest pain;;
• fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeats;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms, white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips;
• problems with thinking or speech, trouble concentrating;
• nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• dizziness or weakness and hot, dry skin without sweating;
• urinating less than usual or not at all; or
• sudden back pain, stomach or side pain, pain or bleeding when urinating, bloody or dark urine.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness, headache, tired feeling;
• mild loss of appetite, weight loss;
• loss of balance or coordination;
• sore throat, cough; or
• blurred vision, ringing in your ears.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about zonisamide (Zonegran)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to zonisamide, or to other sulfa drugs such as sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), or sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, Cotrim, and others). A sulfa drug allergic reaction can be fatal.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Zonisamide can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Do not stop taking zonisamide without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. Stopping zonisamide suddenly may cause you to have seizures. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking zonisamide.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking zonisamide, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.