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Zonisamide


  • Do not stop taking zonisamide without speaking to your doctor first. They will want you to reduce your dose gradually.
  • 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.
  • 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.

About zonisamide

Type of medicine Antiepileptic
Used for Epilepsy
Also called Zonegran
Available as Capsules

Zonisamide controls the convulsions (fits) suffered by people with epilepsy by reducing the activity of the central nervous system. It is usually given with other medicines for epilepsy.

Before 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.

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
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.

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


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
4120		 DocRef:
dils3909		 Last Updated:
11 Apr 2007		 Date of Next Review:
10 Apr 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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