ZONEGRAN (ZONISAMIDE)

Take Care of Your Seizures with Zonegran

Zonegran is a prescription medication that is most often prescribed for the treatment of partial seizures for those over the age of 16 years with epilepsy. Your doctor may recommend taking Zonegran or generic Zonisamide in addition to other anticonvulsant meds to increase your chances of greatly reducing your seizures and the rate at which they occur. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

About Zonegran and How It Works

Zonegran works as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor to allow you effective control over your seizures. When taken as directed, Zonegran work by preventing sodium and calcium from entering nerve cells in your brain when they start firing too rapidly. This action slows down the electrical activity in your brain and prevents a seizure.

Zonegran is not a cure for epilepsy, but it can provide some relief from a partial seizure and allow you to continue through your day whether at home, school, or work, and reduce your risk of falling. You should not take Zonegran if you are allergic to sulfa drugs.

Conditions Treated by Zonegran

Normally, neurons generate electrochemical impulses that act on other neurons, glands, and your muscles to produce thoughts and actions. In individuals with epilepsy, the normal pattern of neuronal activity becomes disturbed which can cause convulsions, muscle spasms, and a loss of consciousness.

Partial seizures are confined to a specific area of your brain. A simple partial seizure can cause involuntary twitching or tics, slurred speech, and hallucinations while staying conscious and remembering what has just happened.

A complex partial seizure can cause unconsciousness while exhibiting the same symptoms with little or no memory of what took place. This type of seizure can pose a danger to the person seizing and possibly those nearby if it occurs while performing dangerous or risky activities. Some individuals start with a simple partial seizure that develops into a complex partial seizure and can have sensory disturbances that warns them of the possibility of losing consciousness. This can give them time to sit or stop what they’re doing beforehand and reduce their chances of injury to themselves or others.

Before You Take Zonegran

Ask your doctor if Zonegran is safe to take if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or you are breast feeding. Discuss other medical conditions and allergies you have with your doctor and provide a list of any OTC and Rx drugs you are taking, remembering to include herbal remedies and vitamin supplements. Some health conditions, allergies, and medicine may cause an unintended interaction if taken with Zonegran or generic Zonisamide.

Proper Use of Zonegran

Until you know how you will react to taking Zonegran, refrain from driving or taking part in any activities that require you to be alert and in control. Follow instructions as given by your doctor for the best results. Keep Zonegran out of children’s reach and never share your meds with anyone else.

Possible Side Effects of Zonegran

• Reduced appetite
• Mood or mental changes
• Trouble sleeping
• Memory problems
• Dizziness