Zonisamide

Zonisamide is a drug that is approved for use with other medications to control partial seizures in people with epilepsy. The drug comes in the form of a capsule and is generally taken once or twice a day. Most people have no problems when taking it; however, side effects may occur. Common side effects include nausea, drowsiness, and headaches.

Zonisamide Drug Information

What Is Zonisamide?

Zonisamide (Zonegran^®) is a prescription medication used to treat partial seizures, a specific type of epileptic seizure. Seizures are divided into two major categories -- partial seizures (sometimes called focal seizures) and generalized seizures. Partial seizures occur in just one part of the brain, while generalized seizures affect both sides of the brain. Zonisamide is approved for use with other seizure medications to control partial seizures.

(Click What Is Zonisamide Used For? for more information, including possible off-label uses.)

Are There Side Effects?

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with zonisamide. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.

Common side effects include but are not limited to:

Drowsiness
Loss of appetite
Headaches
Agitation or irritability
Nausea.

(Click Side Effects of Zonisamide to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)

The following eMedTV articles describe specific side effects:

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