Zonegran (Zonisamide) is a prescription medication used to treat partial seizures (affecting one part), which may or may not be followed by a secondary generalization (seizure affecting all parts of the brain) in adults. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain. Lack of sleep, brain infection, a high fever, or head trauma may trigger seizures. Zonegran may be used alone or with other antiepileptic medicines. The active ingredient in Zonegran is Zonisamide. Zonisamide belongs to a class of drugs called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

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Get medical help immediately if you have signs of an allergic reaction while taking Zonegran. The most common side effects of Zonegran may include the following:
• Appetite loss;
• Concentration problems;
• Diarrhea;
• Dizziness;
• Double vision;
• Drowsiness;
• Feeling irritable or agitated;
• Light-headedness;
• Loss of coordination;
• Sleeping difficulties;
• Walking difficulties

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, including:
• Abdominal pain;
• Blood in urine;
• Changes in vision;
• Decreased sweating;
• Depression;
• Difficulty concentrating;
• Increased or worsening seizures;
• Memory problems;
• Mood problems;
• Painful urination;
• Sores in the mouth and throat;
• Suicidal thoughts

These are not all of the side effects of Zonisamide. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.

You should not take Zonegran if you are allergic to Zonisamide or any ingredient in Zonegran. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed;
• Are having surgery;
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• Are underweight;
• Have a bone disorder;
• Have been on a ketogenic diet;
• Have depression or suicidal thoughts;
• Have eye problems like glaucoma;
• Have kidney disease;
• Have liver disease;
• Live in a place with warm weather

Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Zonegran and other medicines, including amiodarone, ketoconazole, methazolamide, nelfinavir, nefazodone, clarithromycin, phenytoin, and verapamil. This drug may also interact with medications for motion sickness, irritable bowel disease, ulcers, and Parkinson’s disease. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Zonegran may harm an unborn baby. Use effective non-hormonal birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this drug. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. This drug passes into breast milk and may cause sleepiness or poor weight gain in your baby. Report new or worsening symptoms to your doctor. Zonegran may cause suicidal thoughts. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Do not drive or use machines that require you to be alert. Use Zonisamide precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop using the medicine without talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking Zonegran suddenly. Swallow the Zonisamide capsule whole and do not crush or chew. You can take this drug with or without food. Zonegran may make you sweat less, increasing your susceptibility to heat stroke. Avoid activities like intense exercise in hot weather or using hot tubs to prevent overheating. Keep your medicine out of sight and reach of children.

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