Zonisamide : Before Using

Zonisamide - Systemic

Brand Names

Zonegran Zonisamide *** Before Using *** How to Use *** Fore Safe Use *** Side Effects

Before Using

In deciding to use a drug, the chance of taking the drug must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you will make. For zonisamide, the following must be considered

Allergic reaction

Tell your family doctor if you have any unusual or allergy to zonisamide, or to sulfonamide antibiotics - for example, Bactrim"reg " or Septra"reg ". Also tell your family doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy care

Zonisamide has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in pets have shown that zonisamide causes birth defects and other serious problems with the pregnancy. Before taking this drug, make sure your family doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

Breast-feeding problem

Zonisamide has been shown to pass into breast milk. However, it is not known whether this drug causes problems in nursing babies. Mothers who are taking zonisamide and who wish to breast-feed must discuss this with their family doctor.

Use for Children

Safety and efficacy have not been established in child who are under 16 years of age and is not approved for use. Note:

Studies in child have shown that some children are at higher risk for oligohidrosis - decreased sweating and hyperthermia - unusually high body temperature, especially in warm or hot weather. This can sometimes result in heat stroke and hospitalization.

Elderly care

Many medication have not been studied specifically in elderly people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in adults people. Although there is no special info comparing use of zonisamide in the elderly with use in other age groups, this drug is not expected to cause various side effects or problems in older people than it does in adults people.

Drug interactions

Although certain medication must not be using together at all, in other cases two various medication may be using together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your family doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking zonisamide, it is especially important that your family doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:

Alcohol or
Carbamazepine "e.g. Tegretol "
Phenobarbital "e.g. Barbita or Mysoline "
Phenytoin "e.g. Dilantin "
Valproate "e.g. Depakote " Taking any of these medication with zonisamide may decrease the amount of zonisamide in the blood, causing an decrease in effectiveness and a possible increase in seizure frequency

Anticholinergics - drug for abdominal or stomach spasms or cramps or drying up a runny nose
Acetazolamide " Diamox "
Dichlorphenamide " Daranide "
Methazolamide " Neptazane " Side effects of zonisamide, such as dryness of mouth or heat intolerance, may be more likely to occur

Central nervous system depressants - medication that cause drowsiness Using these medication or alcohol with zonisamide may cause increased drowsiness

Other Information for using

The presence of other medical problems may effect the use of zonisamide. Make sure you tell your family doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

Kidney disease

Liver disease