Sign inBefore taking zonisamide
Before taking zonisamide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have kidney or liver problems.
- If you have ever had kidney stones.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a group of drugs called sulphonamides.
How to take zonisamide
- Take your medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
- Try to take your medicine at the same times each day. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose miss out the forgotten dose and take the next dose on time.
- Do not stop taking zonisamide without speaking to your doctor first. They will want you to reduce your dose gradually.
Getting the most from your treatment
- Make sure you drink plenty of water while you are taking zonisamide, especially if you work in a hot environment or the weather is warm.
- While you are taking zonisamide, there is a small risk that you may develop mood changes, distressing thoughts and feelings about suicide. If this happens, tell your doctor straight away.
Can zonisamide cause problems?
Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.
| Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine | What can I do if I experience this |
| Nausea | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast. |
| Diarrhoea | Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids |
| Constipation | Eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fruit and fibre, and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day |
| Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, poor concentration, problems with vision | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness |
Other side effects include feeling irritable, feeling depressed, problems with speech, lack of appetite, weight loss, fever, kidney stones, being sick, problems sleeping, seeing or hearing things that are not real, heat stroke, itching, bruising, anxiety, slowed thinking, visual changes, 'pins and needles', shakiness, kidney stone disease, tiredness and flu-like symptoms.
Important: If you experience a skin rash, unexplained bruising, bleeding, muscle pain or fever, a sore throat or mouth ulcers make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.
How to store zonisamide
- Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
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