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Product Overview
Zonisamide (generic Zonergran)
What is zonisamide? Zonisamide (generic Zonergran) is an anticonvulsant medication that treats certain types of seizures. Seizures as sudden surges in the electrical activity in the brain. They are a common symptom of epilepsy, a neurological disease that affects more than 3.4 million people in the United States
What are common side effects of zonisamide? While adverse reactions to zonisamide are uncommon, some patients who take the drug may experience mild side effects, including dizziness, drowsiness, trouble sleeping, lack of coordination, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and double vision.
Rare, more serious adverse events have also been known to occur. If you are concerned that zonisamide may be causing you to experience any number of adverse side effects, please contact your doctor or clinician.
This is not a complete list of side effects. For more information on adverse reactions you may experience while taking zonisamide, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage.
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Medically Reviewed By Dr. Allison Edwards, MD
Frequently asked questions about zonisamide
What is zonisamide?
Zonisamide is an anticonvulsant medication that treats certain types of seizures. Seizures as sudden surges in the electrical activity in the brain. They are a common symptom of epilepsy, a neurological disease that affects more than 3.4 million people in the United States
What is zonisamide used to treat?
Zonisamide is used to treat seizures in adults with epilepsy. Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain that causes recurring seizures. These seizures occur when the brain sends out the wrong signals to the body, which can lead to unusual sensations, emotions, and behaviors, as well as violent muscle spasms and a loss of consciousness.
Although there is no cure for epilepsy, medications such as Zonisamide can help control seizures in most adults.
How does zonisamide work?
Zonisamide is an anticonvulsant, which means that it decreases abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which helps to prevent seizures. Brain cells typically work (or “fire”) at a certain rate in order to function normally. When you have a seizure, these cells work too fast. Zonisamide stops the brain cells from working too fast, which can stop a potential seizure before it gets severe.
What are common side effects of zonisamide?
While adverse reactions to zonisamide are uncommon, some patients who take the drug may experience mild side effects, including:
Headache
Fatigue
Nausea
Vomiting
Lack of appetite
Changes in taste
Constipation
Diarrhea
Weight loss
Dry mouth
Dizziness
Confusion
Heartburn
Irritability
Double vision
Difficulty with short-term memory
Uncontrollable eye movements
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Difficulty concentrating
More serious side effects of Zonisamide should be reported to your doctor immediately. Serious side effects include:
Difficulty thinking
Seizures that are worse or last longer than before starting Zonisamide
Blistering or peeling skin
Skin rash
Back pain that wasn’t happening before starting Zonisamide
Some of these side effects may be indicative of metabolic acidosis, a serious condition when left untreated, which you are more likely to develop when taking Zonisamide. It’s important to contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the serious side effects listed here.
This is not a complete list of side effects. For more information on adverse reactions you may experience while taking zonisamide, please visit the National Institutes of Health’s DailyMed webpage.
How long does it take for zonisamide to work?
It may take up to two weeks to feel the full effects of Zonisamide. Do not stop taking Zonisamide without talking to your doctor first. Stopping zonisamide suddenly could cause your seizures to get worse.
What is a typical starting dose of zonisamide?
The typical starting dose of Zonisamide is 100 mg per day. Your doctor might increase your dosage gradually, no more often than once every two weeks.
Zonisamide may be prescribed to children in a smaller starting dose based on the child’s weight.
Can I get zonisamide over-the-counter?
Zonisamide is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.
Providers on Sesame can write a prescription – or refill an existing one – during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not zonisamide is right for you.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.
Can I get zonisamide online?
Yes! Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your online doctor prescription or refill ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.
Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your clinician.
What medications are available to treat specific types of seizures?
