Zonimid

Zonisamide is an antiepileptic medication. It prevents seizures in patients with epilepsy by suppressing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

In Depth Information for Zonimid Products

Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Take a healthy diet along with regular exercise.
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/ laptop.
- Take your medication on time.
Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
Drink plenty of water while taking Zonimid to reduce the risk of kidney stones and heat stroke. Inform your doctor if you have sudden pain in your stomach, pain on urinating, or if you find blood in your urine.
It may cause loss of appetite and weight. Monitor your weight regularly.
Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
Zonimid is used along with other medicines to help control your seizures.
Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you.
Dress lightly during hot climates or when exercising and check carefully for signs of decreased sweating or heat stroke.
Drink plenty of water while taking Zonimid to reduce the risk of kidney stones and heat stroke. Inform your doctor if you have sudden pain in your stomach, pain on urinating, or if you find blood in your urine.
It may cause loss of appetite and weight. Monitor your weight regularly.
Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts or behavior.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.
Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.
Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.
Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:
- Take a healthy diet along with regular exercise.
- Practice yoga every day.
- Get enough sleep at nighttime.
- Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/ laptop.
- Take your medication on time.

Patient Concerns about Zonimid Products

Frequently asked questions about Zonimid Products

Q. What happens if I stop taking Zonimid 100 Capsule?

Do not stop taking Zonimid 100 Capsule without talking to your doctor. Stopping Zonimid 100 Capsule suddenly may cause serious problems, including seizures that will not stop.

Q. My friend, who was on Zonimid 100 Capsule, developed severe muscle pain with fever. What could this be due to?

Severe muscle pain or weakness, with or without fever, could be due to Zonimid 100 Capsule. Consult your doctor immediately. The doctor may suggest some blood tests to check your levels of serum creatine phosphokinase and aldolase enzymes. Elevated levels of these enzymes may prompt the doctor to discontinue Zonimid 100 Capsule.

Q. What are the effects of Zonimid 100 Capsule in children?

Zonimid 100 Capsule works well in children and is well tolerated by most of them. The common side effects in children include problems with thinking or behavior, followed by stomach upset. One dangerous side effect of Zonimid 100 Capsule in children is decreased sweating with fever. This affects children but not adults and is more common in summers.

Q. I have been taking Zonimid 100 Capsule for epilepsy since a month, but now I feel that my life has come to an end and sometimes I want to harm myself. Is it because of the medicine? What should I do?

Though uncommon, Zonimid 100 Capsule may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Sometimes, it can also be due to the disease itself. You should immediately consult your doctor who will consider discontinuing Zonimid 100 Capsule. We recommend that you take the help of your friend or relative to go to the hospital.

Q. Does Zonimid 100 Capsule cause weight loss?

Yes, Zonimid 100 Capsule may cause weight loss. If you lose weight, consult a dietician for dietary supplement or try to increase your food portions. In case you lose a lot of weight, consider discontinuing Zonimid 100 Capsule after consulting your doctor. Weight loss may be more serious in children, so be cautious and keep monitoring the weight.

Q. Does Zonimid 100 Capsule affect the working of birth control pills?

No, Zonimid 100 Capsule does not interfere with the working of birth control pills.

Q. Does Zonimid 100 Capsule have any effect on kidneys?

Yes, if you are at a risk of developing kidney stones, taking Zonimid 100 Capsule may increase that risk. Stones can lead to further kidney damage. The symptoms of kidney stones include severe sharp pain in lower abdomen or back pain. Increase your fluid intake which can reduce the risk of kidney stones. Consult your doctor if you get any such symptoms.

Information last updated by Dr. Varun Gupta, MD Pharmacology on 3rd Dec 2024.
The medicine details are for information purpose only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicine.