I have been taking carbatrol for the last few years for partial complex seizures. I am changing to zonegran, but cannot find out very much information about it. Anyone have experience with this med? Would appreciate the help.

[This message has been edited by DesertRain (edited 03-01-2003).]

My experience with Zonogram was not very good...However, keep in mind we are all different individuals, what works for one person may not work for another...I understand that many people taking Zonogram have had positive experience...While taking Zonogram I experienced many of the listed side effects...It's Ok to get feedback and advice from others, but not forget YOU MAY HAVE A TOTALLY DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE....THIS MAY BE THE RIGHT MEDICATION FOR YOU... Good Luck....

DesertRain,

For sure Niunia is right, everyones experience and opinion is unique. All I can tell you about Zonegran is to relate my own experience...

I've been taking Dilantin for over 20 years. Complex partial, with auras on a regular basis and grand mal's that seem to run in cycles.

Last June, my neuro added Zonegran (500) along with Dilantin (450) and now I don't even have aura's anymore. I used to have auras at least 2..3 times per week, every week for over 20 years!!!

Side-effects, maybe I'm a fool for not doing heavy research into the side effects of Zonegran, but I figure it this way...

I am so damn thrilled to be able to live without the constant threat of aura, and whether or not it will evolve into a grand mal, that whatever side effects go with it are probably well worth it. Besides, Zonegran can't be any worse than Dilantin ("The Devil's drug").

Best of luck to you...

- kipp77

Thanks for the info. One thing that I have learned about seizures since I began having them following brain surgery 6 years ago, is that they are individual to each one's experience. It's great when they are under control and well worth having to take medication. At one point, I was on 4 meds at one time, including depakote and dilantin. Talk about zombie. At least I have only been on one drug for the last few years. Does anyone really ever get used to seizures?

Everything was better for awhile, then 2 weeks ago, I had a seizure, losing consciousness... I live by myself, so... who knows what kind of symptoms were happening. The odd thing about this one is that I had so much abdominal and chest pain. There had been many times with partial seizures in the few months before. The doc checked for cardiology problems.

Anyone else have pain with their seizures?

Everyone take care and hang in there,
DR

OUr experience was pretty good on Zonegran compared to Dilantin(rages, seizures, could not think well) Depakote, (rages were worse, depression, weight gain, seizures) Tegretol, allergic reaction, zonegran could think better if kept on doses below 500, some moodiness, had partials but few generalized seizures. Next try for us may be Keppra neuro says, but I think I want to stay with Zonegran. He is under going testing to see if he is a brain surgery candidate..

Why did you have brain surgery? - to remove focus?? Are you seizures the same or different since surgery?

Had brain surgery to remove a tumor... sorry for the confusion... DR

Please tell me more about your tumor and surgery. My 8 year old daughter also has a tumor and is being considered for surgery. Where was your tumor located, what type, where did you have your surgery done, etc? Anything at all would be greatly appreciated. How old are you? Thank you in advance. As you can imagine, I'm extremely anxious about this.

My son was put on zonogran today. He is only 18 mo. with severe absant seizures (up to 10 per hour). Does anybody have info on side effect and or danders of this drug, especially in a toddler? please help jerimy

Jerimy, You wanted to know about Zonegran.. my daughter (age7) has been on this for over a year she takes 800 mg a day... yes it does help. It didn't stop all seizures, but then they are trying to treat 5 different seizures. It has also helped her concentrate more than other meds have. Mood swings are less too. Downside is that she doesn't sweat, so always have to watch her carefully in the hotter months. Hopefully this will help your son..... Good Luck!!

Originally posted by JERIMYM:
My son was put on zonogran today. He is only 18 mo. with severe absant seizures (up to 10 per hour). Does anybody have info on side effect and or danders of this drug, especially in a toddler? please help jerimy
My 8 yr old daughter has been on Zonegran for approx.6 -8 months. She is doing very well! She also experiences many absent seizures(220 about every 20 minutes) I only notice her seizures at nite. She does have a few bad days (tends to tire easily and becomes overheated)but overall is doing much better! Good luck..keep in touch