Why it is Prescribed
Zonisamide is used in combination with other medications to treat seizures in adults with epilepsy. Zonisamide is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
How it Works
Zonisamide comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to take zonisamide, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take zonisamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
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Why it is Prescribed
Zonisamide is used in combination with other medications to treat seizures in adults with epilepsy. Zonisamide is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
How it Works
Zonisamide comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day with or without food. To help you remember to take zonisamide, take it around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take zonisamide exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of zonisamide and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every 2 weeks.
Zonisamide controls epilepsy but does not cure it. It ...
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Other Uses
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose may include:
slow heartbeat
difficulty breathing
dizziness
fainting
loss of consciousness
Precautions
Before taking zonisamide,
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to zonisamide, celecoxib (Celebrex), diuretics ('water pills'), oral medications for diabetes, sulfa drugs, or any other medications.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and ketoconazole (Nizoral); antihistamines; carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), cimetidine (Tagamet); clarithromycin (Biaxin); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); danazol (Danocrine); delavirdine (Rescriptor); dexamethasone (Decadron, Dexpak), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac); ethosuximide (Zarontin), erythromycin (E.E.S., E-Mycin, Erythrocin); fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem); fluvoxamine (Luvox); HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir); ipratropium (Atrovent); isoniazid (INH, Nydrazid); medications for irritable bowel disease, motion sickness, Parkinson's disease, ulcers, or urinary problems; metronidazole (Flagyl); nefazodone (Serzone); oral contraceptives (birth control pills); oral medications ...
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Possible Side Effects
Zonisamide may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
drowsiness
loss of appetite
upset stomach
vomiting
weight loss
changes in taste
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Special Dietary Concerns
Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medicine.
Storage Conditions
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
