Zonegran (zonisamide) is a medication used to treat the seizures of epilepsy, a condition of disorganized electrical activity in the brain. According to Drugs.com, Zonegran is an anti-convulsant medication used to reduce the brain's electrical activity. Typically, a doctor will prescribe 25 or 100mg of Zonegran once or twice a day, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Common Side Effects
In a placebo-controlled study of 269 patients receiving Zonegran, the National Library of Medicine reports that 10 percent experienced a headache, 6 percent had stomach pain and 4 percent developed the flu. Additionally, 13 percent had anorexia (weight loss), 13 percent had dizziness, 9 percent developed nausea, 5 percent had diarrhea, 3 percent developed indigestion, and 2 percent developed constipation, dry mouth and bleeding. Drugs.com says that Zonegran may cause unsteadiness, sore throat, blurry vision and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). Inform your doctor when these side effects last for three to four days.
Serious Side Effects
According to the National Library of Medicine, Zonegran can cause such potentially fatal side effects as Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, hepatic necrosis and aplastic anemia. Stevens-Johnson Syndrome is a serious skin infection characterized by a blistering skin rash and widespread peeling. Hepatic necrosis refers to liver damage. Aplastic anemia refers to bone marrow (located in the pelvic bones and responsible for making blood cells) dysfunction.
According to MedlinePlus, Zonergran can lead to such troubling effects as prolonged seizures, suicidal thoughts, sudden back pain, dysuria (pain when urination), mouth sores, weakness, muscle pain, loss of consciousness and trouble sleeping. Call your doctor as soon as these side effects form.
Additional Concerns
Avoid Zonegran if you are hypersensitive to zonisamide. You may develop hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your face, lips or throat.
Do not combine Zonegran with itraconazole, erythromycin, carbamezapine, phenytoin, fluvoxamine or nefazodone. The combination may lead to the aforementioned side effects.
It is unclear whether Zonegran can harm a fetus or pass into breast milk. Inform your physician if you plan to breastfeed or become pregnant.
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