zonisamide-oral (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, allergies (especially to sulfa drugs/sulfonamides). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. This medication can cause decreased sweating. Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather, saunas, or during exercise or other activity since heatstroke may occur, especially in children. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: other anti- seizure medication (e.g., carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), rifampin, St John's wort, azole antifungals (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), HIV medications (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir), amiodarone, cimetidine, macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin), nefazodone. Also report use of drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines or tricyclics), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anticholinergics (e.g., benztropine, hyoscyamine), acetazolamide, methazolamide. Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include slow heart beat, weakness, fatigue, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Epilepsy Treatment - Information on Epilepsy treatment includes how epilepsy is treated, drug therapy, side effects, and surgery.
- Seizure (Epilepsy) - Learn about epilepsy, or seizure disorder. Causes include head injury, trauma, prenatal injury, poisoning, medications, stroke, heart attacks, alcoholism, infection, and more. Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment information is included in the information.
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