While Zonisamide is FDA-approved for the treatment of partial seizures in adults with epilepsy, it is also commonly used by leading specialist obesity clinicians and weight clinics off-label to help promote weight loss by reducing appetite and cravings.
Zonisamide typically comes in a capsule form with dosages starting at 25 mg. Dosing instructions vary according to weight, tolerability and other factors and should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Zonisamide is only FDA-approved to treat seizures. Prescribing medications are up to a medical provider’s discretion and may not be appropriate for everyone.
DO NOT take zonisamide if you have an allergy to sulfa drugs. A potentially fatal reaction can occur including a life threatening skin rash or a blood cell condition.
Before using zonisamide, tell your healthcare provider about your medical history, especially if you have:
Talk to your healthcare provider if you are planning to become pregnant or if pregnant or breastfeeding. Avoid alcohol and stay well hydrated while taking this medication. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or perform any hazardous task until the effects of this medication are known to you. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience eye pain, changes in vision, eye swelling or redness, yellowing of the eyes, confusion, difficulty concentrating, suicidal thoughts, memory problems, trouble thinking clearly, agitation, irritability, speech problems, decreased sweating, sudden flank pain, painful urination, dark urine, increased fatigue, skin rash, faintness, easy bruising, irregular or fast heartbeat, bone pain, rapid breathing, dizziness, or stomach pain that is severe or that lasts more than a few days.
Many people experience no side effects while taking zonisamide. The most common side effects of zonisamide include:
Other possible side effects include:
These symptoms may subside after your body adjusts to the medication.
As with other medications, zonisamide can interact with certain medications, including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (such as acetazolamide), orlistat (if using zonisamide for a seizure disorder), phenobarbital, primidone, rifamycins, glucocorticoids, and St. John's wort.
Please consult the pharmaceutical packaging for a full list of side effects, warnings, interactions and additional information. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your healthcare provider because some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped.
To report suspected adverse reactions to topiramate contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In case of emergencies, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
