Zonegran Withdrawal: An Introduction
Zonegran® (
zonisamide) is a prescription medication for
epilepsy used to control partial
seizures. As with most
seizure medications, you should not stop taking Zonegran without your healthcare provider's approval. Also, stopping the drug too quickly is not recommended. Although Zonegran is not addicting and is not likely to be abused, stopping it too quickly can cause seizures to become worse.
Symptoms of Zonegran Withdrawal
The most significant symptom of Zonegran withdrawal is seizures. Suddenly stopping the drug can increase your risk of seizures and can cause dangerously long seizures (known medically as
status epilepticus).
Limiting Zonegran Withdrawal
Usually, your healthcare provider will suggest that you wean off Zonegran slowly in order to avoid seizures or other symptoms of Zonegran withdrawal. Even if you are switching to another
epilepsy medication, your healthcare provider may still recommend stopping Zonegran slowly. The exact way your healthcare provider suggests you do this will vary, depending on your
Zonegran dosage, how long you have been taking Zonegran, and whether you are starting a new seizure medication.
If you stop taking Zonegran before you have reached an effective dose of your new medication (or if your new medication does not work for you), you are still at risk for seizures. Be sure to talk with your healthcare provider before stopping Zonegran. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you notice any bothersome symptoms after stopping it.
