Zonisamide (By Mouth)

Zonisamide (zoe-NIS-a-mide)

Treats partial seizures in adults with epilepsy. May be used together with other anti-seizure medicines. Belongs to a class of drugs called sulfonamides ("sulfa" drugs).

Brand Name(s):

Zonegran
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to zonisamide or other sulfa drugs (such as Bactrim® or Septra®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule, Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Swallow the capsule whole. Do not break it open or chew it.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

• Use your medicine as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next dose.
• Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next regular dose.
• Do not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Keep this and all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• This medicine has some rare side effects that can be very serious. These can include skin rashes, liver problems, or blood problems. Be sure to discuss the possible side effects with your doctor.
• Call your doctor right away if your seizures get worse or start to happen more often.
• Do not suddenly stop using this medicine. If you need to stop using it, your doctor may want to decrease the amount of medicine gradually over several days. Stopping this medicine all at once could cause you to have seizures.
• This medicine can make you drowsy. Be careful if you drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that requires you to be alert.
• This medicine can cause kidney stones. Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day to help prevent kidney stones.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Black, tarry stools
• Blistering or peeling of skin
• Decreased sweating
• Fainting
• Fast or uneven heartbeat
• Fever, sore throat
• Painful or difficult urination, blood in your urine, or decrease in amount of urine
• Skin rash, hives, or itching
• Sores or ulcers in mouth or on lips, or red, irritated eyes
• Sudden and severe back or stomach pain
• Swelling in you face, throat, or lips
• Unusual bleeding or bruising
• Unusual, severe tiredness or weakness
• Wheezing or trouble breathing

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Depression or unusual thoughts
• Dizziness or lack of coordination
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Nervousness or irritability
• Sleepiness or fatigue
• Trouble concentrating or remembering things
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.