Compare Zonegran vs. Banzel
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Controls partial seizures.
Zonegran (zonisamide) is used with other medicines to help control partial seizures. It can't be used by itself.
Added to other medicines to control seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Banzel (rufinamide) is safe for children as young as 1 year old to control seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, but it cannot be taken by itself.
Upsides
- Available in generic.
- Can be given once a day, so it's easier to remember.
- You can take Zonegran (zonisamide) with or without food.
- Banzel (rufinamide) works well to control seizures when used with your other seizure medicines.
- If you have trouble swallowing, Banzel (rufinamide) is available in liquid and tablets can be crushed or cut into smaller pieces.
Downsides
- Zonegran (zonisamide) has to be used with other medicines to help control your seizures. It's not used by itself.
- Zonegran (zonisamide) is only approved in people age 16 or older.
- Zonegran (zonisamide) can cause kidney stones; so you have to make sure you drink plenty of liquids.
- Zonegran (zonisamide) can weaken your bones. Talk to your doctor about how to keep your bones strong.
- Other medicines used to control seizures can interact with Zonegran (zonisamide), so your doctor might have to change the dosing of your medications.
- Banzel (rufinamide) has to be taken with other medicines to control seizures.
- Banzel (rufinamide) is for seizures caused by a very specific condition, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
- The dose of Banzel (rufinamide) may need to be adjusted frequently. You have to stick to the schedule from your doctor on how much and when to take it.
- You have to talk to your doctor if you're interested in stopping Banzel (rufinamide). Stopping Banzel (rufinamide) suddenly can make your seizures worse.
- Some people may be allergic to Banzel (rufinamide).
Used for
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
- Liquid
Price
Lowest price
$20.90
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$3152.02
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Side effects
34possible side effects
- Sleepiness17%
- Loss of appetite13%
- Dizziness13%
- Headache10%
- Nausea9%
- Agitation or Irritability9%
- Fatigue8%
- Tiredness7%
- Stomach pain6%
- Difficulty controlling movements6%
- Confusion6%
- Difficulty with concentration6%
- Difficulty with memory6%
- Depression6%
- Trouble sleeping6%
- Double vision6%
- Diarrhea5%
- Speech difficulties5%
- Flu4%
- Difficulty controlling eye movements4%
- Prickling and tingling sensation4%
- Mental slowing4%
- Upset stomach3%
- Weight loss3%
- Anxiety3%
- Skin rash3%
- Constipation2%
- Dry mouth2%
- Bruising2%
- Nervousness2%
- Schizophrenia-like behavior2%
- Difficulties in verbal expression2%
- Stuffy nose2%
- Changes in taste2%
18possible side effects
- Headache27%
- Dizziness19%
- Fatigue16%
- Nausea12%
- Sleepiness11%
- Double vision9%
- Tremors6%
- Difficulty controlling eyes6%
- Blurry vision6%
- Vomiting5%
- Movement coordination problems4%
- Upper abdominal pain3%
- Anxiety3%
- Constipation3%
- Indigestion3%
- Back pain3%
- Difficulty walking3%
- Balance problems3%
Risks and risk factors
- Sulfa medicine allergy
- Allergy to sulfonamides such as Septra or Bactrim
- Lower blood cell counts
- Heat stroke and less sweating
- Under age 18
- Suicidal behavior
- Taking other medicines to control seizures
- Higher blood acid
- Diarrhea
- Kidney disease
- Severe COPD or lung disease
- Withdrawal seizures
- Suicidal behavior
- Taking other medicines to control seizures
- Sleepiness and movement problems
- Heart problems
- Familial short QT syndrome
- Allergic reactions
- Children under 12 years of age
- Withdrawal seizures
- Stopping Banzel (rufinamide) suddenly