Zonegran (Zonisamide)

Zonegran (Zonisamide)
Zonegran (Zonisamide) used along with other seizure medicines (as adjunctive or add-on therapy) in the treatment of partial seizures in adults, contains the active substance zonisamide. It is available as capsules (25, 50 and 100 mg) and orodispersible tablets (25, 50, 100 and 300 mg). The common brand name for Zonisamide is Zonegran. Usually, your doctor will tell you to start by taking no more than 100 mg each day. After a while the doctor may tell you to take a larger dose to get better control of your seizures. Usually the doctor will tell you to take all the capsules at one time, or perhaps to take capsules twice a day.
It is used on its own in newly diagnosed adults and as an ‘add-on’ therapy in adults and children aged 6 years and above already receiving other antiepilepsy medicines. Swallow each capsule whole. Don’t bite it or break it open. It’s OK to take Zonisamide either with food or without food, but it’s important to take it the same way day after day. Drink plenty of liquids every day. Doing this may help to prevent kidney stones, a serious problem that affects a small number of people who take Zonisamide.Don’t take more than the doctor prescribes. Be sure to use only the amount of Zonisamide that your doctor prescribes.
Be especially careful if you get a new prescription for a different size of capsule. Don’t just continue to take the same number of pills as before. Dose increases may need to be made less frequently in patients with liver or kidney problems or those taking certain other medicines. Before stopping Zonegran, the dose should be decreased gradually. For further information, see the package leaflet. If you notice any of these problems, call the doctor’s office. Sometimes the doctor can help by changing the amount of zonisamide you take or how you take it. Don’t stop taking zonisamide or change the amount you take without the doctor’s guidance.