Zonisamide (Zoneg2an)

Someone from the epilepsy foundation will likely be responding to you with a direct link to the specific medication that you are referring to that has some more information on it. But, from personal experience, I’ll just say that as with all AEDs...there is a risk of side effects but the risk of seizures is usually greater than the risks of the medications and many people don’t have all of the side effects and if they do, they often adapt to the medication if it is titrated appropriately which is what your doctor is trying to do for you. I am highly sensitive to medications and have multiple drug allergies so I don’t tolerate AEDs well which is why it’s been hard for me to find a good combination of medications. But, that’s not necessarily the case for everyone. Interestingly, the one medication that I am now on that many other people complain about...I have zero side effects. So, the point is...each medication affects each person differently and you need to be talking with your doctor about your concerns if the medication isn’t tolerated well. Remember the goal is no seizures, no side effects! 

Hi Anthgreene, Thank you for posting. We cannot determine how your body will react to these medications. As Gianna mentioned in her comment, treatment and medications varies for each individual and the goal of treatment with medicines should be –No Seizures and No Side Effects.However, we know that some individuals may experience too many side effects, that are very bothersome or cause other health problems. It’s important that you’re continuing to follow-up with your healthcare team to express your concerns and if you experience any side effects, any changes in seizure types/frequency, symptoms, behaviors and moods to determine what individual treatment plan is best for you. To learn more about the medications you’re taking and about seizure medication side effects, please visit: : https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effectsYou may want to consider keeping a journal, or diary. My Seizure Diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for tracking seizures, managing medications & side effects, setting reminders, recording medical history, moods, behaviors, triggers, and other personal experiences, which can be shared with your healthcare team. Additionally, you may always contact our 24/7 Helpline, where trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources.1-800-332-1000, or contactus@efa.org.    epilepsy.com/helpline   

My husband is on that Med and it makes him nasty, verbally abusive and irritable. Everyone’s chemistry is different. He takes it along with Lamictal. I want him to change meds because it’s impacting our family.