Zonegran

(zonisamide)

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Controls partial seizures.

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Our bottom line

Zonegran (zonisamide) is used with other medicines to help control partial seizures. It can't be used by itself.

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Quick facts about Zonegran
  • Drug class: Neuro/psych
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (zonisamide)

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.
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What to expect from Zonegran, on one page

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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.
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What to expect from Zonegran, on one page

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How it works

Zonegran (zonisamide) is a sulfonamide. It's not exactly clear how it controls seizures, but it stops nerves from sending signals that can cause seizures.

Quick facts about Zonegran
  • Drug class: Neuro/psych
  • Rx status: Prescription only
  • Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (zonisamide)

Used for

Dosage forms

  • Pill
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Prices and coupons

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What to expect when you take Zonegran (zonisamide) for Partial seizures

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  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
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  • Effectiveness
  • Starts to kick in
    Full effects
  • First few hoursHours
    First few daysDays
    First few weeksWeeks
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  • Possible side effects
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Sleepiness
  • Suicidal behavior
  • Heat stroke
  • Dizziness
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Side effect rates for Zonegran (zonisamide)

From 499 clinical trials of Zonegran when taken for partial seizures
  • Sleepiness
    17%17%
    7%7%
  • Loss of appetite
    13%13%
    6%6%
  • Dizziness
    13%13%
    7%7%
  • Headache
    10%10%
    8%8%
  • Nausea
    9%9%
    6%6%
  • Agitation or Irritability
    9%9%
    4%4%
  • Fatigue
    8%8%
    6%6%
  • Tiredness
    7%7%
    5%5%
  • Stomach pain
    6%6%
    3%3%
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    6%6%
    1%1%
  • Confusion
    6%6%
    3%3%
  • Difficulty with concentration
    6%6%
    2%2%
  • Difficulty with memory
    6%6%
    2%2%
  • Depression
    6%6%
    3%3%
  • Trouble sleeping
    6%6%
    3%3%
  • Double vision
    6%6%
    3%3%
  • Diarrhea
    5%5%
    2%2%
  • Speech difficulties
    5%5%
    2%2%
  • Flu
    4%4%
    3%3%
  • Difficulty controlling eye movements
    4%4%
    2%2%
  • Prickling and tingling sensation
    4%4%
    1%1%
  • Mental slowing
    4%4%
    2%2%
  • Upset stomach
    3%3%
    1%1%
  • Weight loss
    3%3%
    2%2%
  • Anxiety
    3%3%
    2%2%
  • Skin rash
    3%3%
    2%2%
  • Constipation
    2%2%
    1%1%
  • Dry mouth
    2%2%
    1%1%
  • Bruising
    2%2%
    1%1%
  • Nervousness
    2%2%
    1%1%
  • Schizophrenia-like behavior
    2%2%
  • Difficulties in verbal expression
    2%2%
  • Stuffy nose
    2%2%
    1%1%
  • Changes in taste
    2%2%
0%
10%
20%
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50%
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80%
Where we got our data »

The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Zonegran.

Zonegran (zonisamide)
Placebo

People taking Zonegran felt side effect more

People taking Zonegran felt side effect less

No difference

Risks and Warnings for Zonegran (zonisamide)

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    • Higher risk if:
    • › Allergy to sulfonamides such as Septra or Bactrim

    If you're allergic to sulfa medicines, don’t take Zonegran (zonisamide), since you might have a severe allergic reaction. Talk to your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you notice a skin rash, high fever, or severe pain in your stomach.

Pharmacist Q&A

Zonegran (zonisamide) questions for

Frequently Asked Questions

This medication treats partial seizures in adults.

Who is this drug for?

This medication treats partial seizures in adults.

Common concerns from people taking Zonegran (zonisamide)

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Alcohol
  • Be very careful drinking alcohol or taking medicines for pain or anxiety while taking Zonegran (zonisamide) because your breathing can become dangerously slow.
Food
  • You can take Zonegran (zonisamide) with or without food.
Kidneys and liver
  • Rarely, Zonegran (zonisamide) can cause changes to the acid balance in your blood. If not treated in time, it can cause kidney stones, or weaken your bones and make them likely to fracture. Your doctor might do regular blood tests to make sure you're healthy.
  • Zonegran (zonisamide) can cause kidney stones; so you have to make sure you drink plenty of liquids.
Pain
  • If you're allergic to sulfa medicines, don’t take Zonegran (zonisamide), since you might have a severe allergic reaction. Talk to your doctor or go to the emergency room right away if you notice a skin rash, high fever, or severe pain in your stomach.