Zonisamide Linked to Metabolic Acidosis

Younger Patients Affected More Severely and More Frequently

Following a review of updated clinical data, The Food and Drug Administration issued information today on the risk for metabolic acidosis in some patients taking the anti-convulsant agent zonisamide (Zonegran).

Zonisamide is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures in adults with epilepsy. Metabolic acidosis is a disturbance in the body's acid-base balance that results in excessive acidity of the blood.

Metabolic acidosis can result in hyperventilation, and non-specific symptoms such as fatigue and anorexia, or more severe symptoms including cardiac arrhythmias or stupor. Chronic metabolic acidosis can have adverse effects on the kidneys and on bones, and can retard growth in children. Patients with predisposing conditions or therapies, including renal disease, severe respiratory disorders, diarrhea, surgery, ketogenic diet, or certain other drugs may be at greater risk for developing metabolic acidosis following treatment with zonisamide. The risk of zonisamide-induced metabolic acidosis appears to be more frequent and severe in younger patients.

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Last updated on Apr-11-10

READER COMMENTS

Posted by
Vicki Fletcher
on January 22, 2023

I was in my late 60's and was prescribed Zonisamide for my essential tremors and epilepsy. After 1 yr to the date, I found myself stumbling and weaving to the bathroom for more frequent urination. Something bad changed. I was losing all coordination and control.
Before I could make it back to my PCP, I found myself fallen unconscious on the floor 5 days in a row. Taken to the hospital. Told I was severely dehydrated. Should not have been alive my potassium was barely there.
I am now wondering if it's too late to sue.

Posted by
Autumn
on July 22, 2022

My situation is totally different . I was placed on this medication during the time I was pregnant and was prescribed 25mg. However I haven't been on medication since 2019. I was later prescribed 100mg while I was 21 weeks pregnant and was told I shouldn't operate a vehicle while not taking the medication. I began taking the medication on June 12 and 13 and stop . I later began to have some complications that cause me to go into labor just two days after take the 100 MG doses. I am know terrified of all medication after losing my only child.

Posted by
Addie
on May 21, 2022

My situation is more complicated since it made me worst I just receive the letter yesterday walgreens kept giving the medecine. 05/20/2022. My Clotting disorder never was resolved. My Brain went on fired because of my pseudo tumor celebri

Posted by
laura
on December 19, 2019

still on 25mg morning and night. Neuro wont take my symptoms in connection to zonisamide serious. weight 97 cant think, eat, cant balance electrolytes. if this is still active i want to know how to get Dr to look at this serious and how this case is going

Posted by
Tanya Lopez Turner
on July 17, 2019

I was diagnosed with Epilepsy only 6-8 months ago. I was given ZONISIMIDE. Within a matter of DAYS I developed anorexia and cacecia. My body would not tolerate ANY FIOD! I immediately called my neurologist to tell him I had fist sized knots rolling around my stomach. I was told to stay on the med and let it work. 30 days later I was rushed to New York City to get answers at the ER. I was told I had 98% liver function.. An audio immune disease and muscle deterioration. The dosage was high and my strength low. I was in a wheelchair at the airport due to shakes and confusion. I could not stand for more than 15 minutes and I also lost all body fat and muscle. I was a top hairstylist and busy traveling to celebrity clientele. I am now unable to work behind a chair and have lost so much business due to the drugs Zonisimide and Depakote that I am now classified as handicap. Please tell me what can be done. I am STILL trying to gain back the weight lost. I went from 125 pounds to about 80 pounds. It looks as if I will NEVER be who I was because of what was prescribed. As I said.. I'm not sure what to do as I await an answer from SSI. I cannot support myself as a result. I need advise please.

Posted by
SUSAN CHESEMAN
on October 18, 2018

My son Is 17 years old and has epilepsy. He was prescribed Zonisamide for this and had to stop due to pain in his stomach and problems eating foods without upsetting his stomach that has caused problems with his gallbladder that is requiring possible surgery.

I would appreciate any assistance that you may be able to offer.

Thank you,

Susan Cheseman

Zonisamide Linked to Metabolic Acidosis

Younger Patients Affected More Severely and More Frequently

Legal Help

READER COMMENTS

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