You should not use Zonegran if you are allergic to zonisamide, or to other sulfa drugs such as sulfamethoxazole (Gantanol), sulfisoxazole (Gantrisin), or sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, Sulfatrim, SMX-TMP, and others). A sulfa drug allergic reaction can be fatal.
Taking Zonegran can cause permanent vision loss. Tell your doctor right away if you have any eye pain or redness or any changes in your vision.
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking zonisamide. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.
Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Zonegran may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Do not stop using this medicine without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using Zonegran suddenly. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using Zonegran. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You may not be able to take Zonegran if you have ever had a severe allergic to a sulfa drug.
To make sure Zonegran is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver disease;
kidney disease;
high levels of ammonia;
stomach flu or illness causing diarrhea;
a growth disorder;
a bone disorder that causes soft or weak bones or low bone mineral density;
depression, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
if you have ever had metabolic acidosis (too much acid in your blood); or
if you have been on a ketogenic diet (high-fat, high-protein, low-carb).
Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Zonegran. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.
Zonisamide may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of zonisamide on the baby.
You should not breastfeed while using Zonegran.
Zonegran is not approved for use by anyone younger than 16 years old.
How should I take Zonegran?
Take Zonegran exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Zonegran can be taken with or without food.
Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
While using Zonegran, you may need frequent blood tests.
Do not stop using Zonegran suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.
Do not share this medicine with another person, even if they have the same symptoms you have.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
