Do not use Zonegran (zonisamide)
You should not use this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to zonisamide. You may not be able to use this medication if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction to a sulfa drug such as sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole, or sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim, Septra, Sulfatrim, SMX-TMP or SMZ-TMP, and others).
This medication is not approved for those who are under the age of 18.
Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required
To ensure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, stomach flu or illness causing diarrhea, a growth disorder, a bone disorder that causes soft or weak bones or low bone mineral density, a history of depression or suicidal thoughts or actions, if you have ever had a metabolic acidosis, or if you have been on a ketogenic diet.
Risks
You may find yourself with suicidal thought when first starting this medication. Your doctor should schedule regular checkups to check on your progress. Caregivers should be aware of this risk and also monitor you for changes in mood or behavior.
Animals studies have shown that this medication can cause birth defects and infant death. It hasn’t been established if these same effects would occur in a human fetus, however, it safest to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on becoming before starting treatment. Use effective birth control while using this medication. If you become pregnant during treatment, do stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. The benefit of this drug may outweigh the risk towards the baby.
This medication is known to pass into breast milk and can harm a nursing infant. Do not breast feed while using this medication.