Zonisamide

Uses

This medication is used with other medications to treat and control partial seizures (convulsions).

IUPAC name: 1,2-benzoxazol-3-yl methanesulfonamide

Drug class:  Sulfonamide anticonvulsant; carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Route of administration: Oral

Is it a drug that needs a prescription? YES

Is it an OTC drug? NO

Mechanism of action

This anti-epileptic medication works by reducing the abnormal activity of nerve impulses in the brain that causes seizures in epileptic patients.

 Side effects

It may cause dizziness, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, abdominal pain, mood changes, loss of coordination, difficulty in sleeping, confusion, vision problems, trouble with speech, decreased sweating, abnormal heart beats, painful urination, fatigue.

Precautions

Before using this medication, take the following precautions and notify your doctor:

If you are allergic to it, or to other anticonvulsant drugs, or if you have other allergies,

If you are taking any other medication (prescribed, non-prescribed, or herbal products),

When you have a history of liver disease, kidney disease (kidney stone), depression, mood changes, metabolic acidosis, diarrhea, lung problems (such as asthma, COPD),

If you’ve had any type of surgery,

Limit your alcohol usage while taking zonisamide since it increases your chances of developing blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. It may also cause a loss of alertness.

This drug’s adverse effects are more severe in older adults and children.

Use of this medication may affect your mental health.

This medication can reduce your body’s tendency to sweat and make it more difficult for your body to cool down when it gets heated.

You may develop kidney stones while using this medication. In order to avoid it, drink 2 liters of water daily.

Do not discontinue this medicine without consulting your doctor.

While taking this medicine, the efficacy of birth control techniques may be diminished.

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.