For seizures.
Brand Name(s): Zonegran
Generic Name: Zonisamide
Instructions
Swallow the medicine without crushing or chewing it.
This medicine may be taken with or without food.
This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.
Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.
Drink plenty of water while on this medicine.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Contact your doctor if your seizures do not improve or worsen while on this medicine.
If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
Avoid becoming overheated during exercise or other activities. Try to stay cool in hot weather.
Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed, has thoughts of suicide, or shows changes in behavior.
This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.
During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.
Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 1 month after stopping to prevent pregnancy.
Always carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet indicating your medical condition.
Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- decreased appetite
- loss of balance
- diarrhea
- dizziness or drowsiness
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
- bleeding or bruising
- bone pain
- depression or feeling sad
- pain in the eye
- fainting
- fever
- fast or irregular heart beats
- signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
- kidney stones
- signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
- mood changes
- rapid breathing
- difficulty speaking
- suicidal thoughts
- decreased sweating
- swelling in the neck or throat
- blurring or changes of vision
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about ZONISAMIDE - ORAL
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.
