Has your doctor prescribed Zonisamide for you or someone in your family for epilepsy? If so, it is very important to be fully informed about this medication. Because having a correct understanding of any medication while using it will help you get the most out of it and avoid unnecessary problems. Today, let's talk briefly about Zonisamide.
What is Zonisamide?
Simply put, Zonisamide is a medicine that is used to control and prevent epilepsy, a condition that causes seizures in our country. It comes in the form of a suspension. This condition occurs when the nerves in our body's nervous system, especially the brain, become overactive. So what this medicine does is calm those overactive nerves. This is how this medicine controls the seizures.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you start using this medicine, you should definitely tell your doctor about these things, as they are very important for your safety.
- If you have kidney disease .
- If you have liver disease .
- If you have been told that your blood bicarbonate level is low.
- If you have a lung disease .
- If you have had suicidal thoughts in the past or are having such thoughts now.
- If you have an allergy to Zonisamide, sulfa medications , or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant .
- If you are a breastfeeding mother .
Talking to your doctor about these things without hiding them will greatly help him determine the most appropriate and safest treatment for you.
The medicine should be used in the right way.
To get the most out of this medication, it is essential to use it as directed.
- Shake the bottle well: Since this is a liquid, you need to shake the bottle well every time you use it. This will mix the ingredients well and ensure you get the correct dosage.
- Correct measurement: Use a special syringe, cup, or dropper marked in milliliters (ml) to measure the medicine. Do not use teaspoons or tablespoons that you find in your kitchen. They are not very accurate.
- With or without food: This medicine can be taken before or after food. However, some people may experience a slight stomach upset after taking this medicine. If this happens, it is better to take the medicine with some food.
- At the same time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day as much as possible. This will help keep the levels of the medicine in your body consistent.
- Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly: Do not stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you to. Stopping it suddenly can make your condition worse. If you need to stop, your doctor will tell you how to do it, which means gradually reducing the dose.
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Overdose | If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice. |
| If you miss a dose of medication (Missed Dose) | Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose. |
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
While using this medicine, it is very important to pay attention to changes in your body.
- Drowsiness and alertness: This medication may make you feel drowsy, dizzy, or have trouble concentrating. So, until you know exactly how this medication affects you , don't do anything that requires alertness, such as driving, working at heights, or operating machinery. Drinking alcohol can increase these side effects.
- Severe skin reactions: This is very important. Serious skin reactions can occur even weeks after starting this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have a fever, body aches, red or purple skin rash, which then turns into blisters and the skin starts to peel off, or if you have sores inside your mouth, swelling of your face or lips, or swollen lymph nodes in your neck or armpits.
- Mental health: Some people may experience mood changes, such as sudden anger, agitation, increased depression, or suicidal thoughts, while taking this medication. If you or someone in your family experiences these changes, do not ignore them. Seek medical advice immediately.
- Pregnancy: If you are planning to become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor about this because this medicine can cause serious birth defects in your baby.
- Eyesight: If you experience sudden eye pain or changes in vision (such as blurred vision or seeing rings around lights), notify your doctor immediately.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like all medicines, this one can have side effects. However, not everyone gets them. The table below will give you a clearer idea of these.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Severe skin reactions | Red/purple rashes, blisters, peeling skin, and mouth sores that come with the fever. |
| Kidney stones | Blood in the urine, pain when urinating, severe pain in the back or pelvis. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, increased depression, sudden changes in mood. |
| Aplastic Anemia | Unusual tiredness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, increased bleeding or bruising. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness/dizziness | Drowsiness / Dizziness |
| Appetite | Loss of appetite |
| Loss of balance | Loss of balance or coordination |
| Speech or memory difficulties | Difficulty with paying attention, memory, or speech |
Take-Home Message
- Zonisamide is a medicine used to control seizures (epilepsy). Take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed dose.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you have.
- If you notice anything like skin lesions or severe changes in mood along with the fever, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medication may cause drowsiness, so be careful when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving.
- If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before starting this medication.
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