What do you think about zonogran? - Epilepsy Message Board

DesertRain · 02-27-2003, 10:42 PM

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).]

niunia · 02-28-2003, 08:04 PM

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....

kipp77 · 02-28-2003, 10:18 PM

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

DesertRain · 03-01-2003, 01:22 AM

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

kayakmom · 03-01-2003, 06:35 AM

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..