starting zonegran

I have been on Zonegran (varying amounts) with Keppra for 18 months now, having tried countless other AEDs over the past 14 years. I found in the beginning, and with each increase, the side effects such as loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea were very noticeable/frequent but I persevered and they levelled off. The side effects that do stick around, for me is the weight loss - extremely noticeable - I have dropped two dress sizes very quickly which is slightly annoying as I had a pretty good wardrobe beforehand and now have nothing to wear nor the money to replace it! Also became very depressed but this was probably due to external factors, not helped by the 'are you anorexic?' questions! But now I am used to it and happy. As somebody else has mentioned, I have found my memory and concentration levels have suffered noticeably - I find it hard to read a book, my favourite activity, as I can no longer follow what is happening, and my mind wanders constantly in conversation making some interactions awkward/difficult. Have had memory tests done by a neuropsychologist which confirmed it is well below normal for my age (I'm 29). Just to point out - prior to going on Zonegran, I was extremely academic etc and never had this trouble. I don't notice the memory problems as much in the last few months but perhaps I have just become used to it. I am sorry I am painting such a bleak picture - I have stayed on it for 18 months which is a lot longer than most other ones I have tried and I like it a lot better and want to stick with it. I have A LOT more energy than any other AEDs I have been on. I don't spend most of my life asleep! I can't say my seizures are improving but then that could be the Keppra and my neuro is working to find an alternative for me. My epilepsy has always been drug resistant. Please give it a try, you never know what will work for you, not everybody gets the side effects, I always seem to get them all unfortunately but you could be lucky with it. Mine cleared up after a while, with AEDs you just have to have patience! Good luck!

I've been on Zonegran now for 8 years and it's the only one (knock on wood) that I haven't had a problem with.  I went through 7 different meds before I finally tried Zonegran.  I was on 100mg at 1st too, but the dr. had to up my dosage to 400mg cause 100mg wasn't nearly enough.  The only side effects I really noticed was weight loss...i was in hs so everyone thought I was anorexic cause the decrease in weight is really noticeable (not complaining), but thats the only real side effect I ever noticed.  Later on in 2004 the dr. added Trileptal and then later switched the trileptal to keppra.  I don't recall any side effects being too severe with the trileptal, but keppra is a nightmare.  Good luck with the Zonegran though...it has worked great for me. 

Hi Peaches I've been on Zonegran now for about 6 months. Started it after a dreadful experience on Keppra. I can't really report any bad side affects. A bit sleepy at first, but not too bad. Maybe a bit down too, but I think that's more due to the fact that I can't drive at the moment and not so much the meds. My problem is not the side effects, but more that I don't think they are really doing the job for me. I used to have a tonic clonic seizure once every year like clock work. Suddenly I started having them randomly. I was always on Lamictal. Then last year when this all started they added Keppra - nightmare. Worst ever side affect imaginable. And now I'm on Lamictal and Zonegran, but am still have random seizures. Am off to see a top notch neuro next week to look at other meds. But as far as Zonegran as side effects I wouldn't worry and would give it a bash. Hope it goes well - I know they all affect us differently and believe me I know the fear of dreaded side affects. Sue