Zonegran (Zonisamide)
I'm having difficultly finding people who have recently tried zonegran for migraines. I have chronic hemiplegic migraine and started zonegran a week and a half ago. So far, I've had no side effects that I can tell, but I've also had a bad head cold. I am not as sick as I was on topamax, which is good and had two days last week with no migraine or headache what so ever. If this doesn't work or doesn't help enough, my migraine specialist is moving to Botox shots.
If there is anyone who has used zonegran as a preventative, I'd appreciate your input.
Thanks,
Ali
Hi Ali,
Hemiplegic migraine (HM) is a rare form of migraine disease often treated with verapamil. You may want to talk to your doctor about this medication. Let me give you some information HM; https://migraine.com/migraine-types/hemiplegic-migraine/
I took Zonegran for migraine prevention. In fact, I actually tried two different trials of it. The first time if I remember correctly, it seemed to work for a bit, but when the dose was increased I had some very unpleasant side effects that didn't go away.
Fast forward to my second attempt, and again it helped a bit, but when we tried to increase the dose (300mg I believe) I became severely depressed which is a potential side effect with any antiseizure medication.
Hopefully others will be in soon to share their experiences with you too.
Hi there!
I also have used Zonegran for Migraine prevention twice. The first time, it worked very well. When I had to add some other medications for my heart, they were also meds that can be used for Migraine prevention, so I discontinued the Zonegran. Later on, when I tried Zonegran a second time, it didn't work. That can happen - a drug can work once, but not work again when you go back to it.
The only side effects I had the first time was mild stomach discomfort for a few days each time I increased the dosage. The second time, I had cognitive side effects when I went above 200 mg a day.
Hope this helps,
TeriThank you so much for sharing your experiences with zonegran. I've had HM since is was 13 and am know quite a bit about them now. My new migraine specialist is amazing and has given me great information about HM too.
As for zonegran, I started to become dizzy yesterday, can not sleep more then three hours a night for the past 2-3 nights, I am extremely hyperactive and my anxiety has shot through the roof. Oh well. I did give it a try and we'll see what's next. I'm pretty sure it's Botox shots.
Thank you again for sharing and I truly love this site. I'd be lost without it.
AliAli,
How long did you try the Zonegran? Just wondering because side effects can definitely stop as our bodies become a bit more used to the meds.
Good luck,
Teri
