Zonisamide

Course Summary

Zonisamide is an antiepileptic drug available for use with children and adults. Zonisamide is considered a broad-spectrum anticonvulsant with proven efficacy in randomized, controlled trials as add-on therapy for focal and generalized seizures. There has been clinical experience that indicates that zonisamide is an effective monotherapy for seizures, as well. Zonisamide is also being used as off-label drug therapy for disorders such as alcohol use, bipolar disorder, and binge-eating disorder. Zonisamide is generally known to offer improved versatility with less side effects than other antiepileptic drugs; however, a greater clinical understanding of zonisamide is needed. Rare, life-threatening reactions to zonisamide have been reported. These reactions include Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.