Topamax V Zonegran (or other)

[rhiz]

Hi there, been a while.
I came off Keppra to try Topamax/Topiramate after demanding to my neuro that I was taken off Keppra as in the year I'd been on it I'd started having tonic-clonic seizures instead of my usual "jerks" (as we call them) and although they've controlled the larger seizures better I'm still having my myoclonic shakes every few days
As much as I'd like to sit around and wait another 6 months for this that and the other to happen and a phone call from my neuro, I don't like Topamax. I'm a zombie, I can't focus on anything, I'm starting to wear down now and as it's a liver enzyme inducer I can't take anything contraceptive-wise that doesn't add to my zombie-ness and depressive symptoms

As I'm only a Juvenile Myoclonic Zonegran is a suitable drug (as far as I'm aware in the UK anyway) and it's the most similar one to Topamax but means I can live my life as a young woman without having to make unpleasant choices. I did consider Zonegran before Topamax but Topamax seemed a better choice.
Have any of you guys had experience with the two or even just Zonegran, anything I should be aware of? Obviously most of the side effects seem to be similar anyway but I know everyone's different.

I'm unsure of what other "non-liver enzyme inducing" drugs there are. I have tried Lamictal and I will not take Epilim for a few reasons.
I have been blindsighted a little bit by Topamax and Zonegran the last few years so I would welcome any other suggestions as I don't know much about other medications.
These days I have to tell my neuro to change my medication if I've had enough, Ive been waiting for a call off my specialist for 2 months now. But the fact is I'm years on and still seizing so enoughs enough! Last time my GP changed my meds for me. NHS not so great round here!

 

[Nakamova]

Zonegran did not work well for me. It caused eating problems -- both as an appetite suppressant and because of a very painful sour stomach that resulted. I also had cognitive issues while on it, which I haven't had before or since. If you do try it, make sure you are checked before and during for metabolic acidosis, one of the potential side effects. See http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety...mationforHeathcareProfessionals/ucm095251.htm

Some CWE threads about Zonegran/Zonisamide:
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f23/zonegran-9859/
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f23/your-experiences-zonegran-10133/
http://www.coping-with-epilepsy.com/forums/f23/anyone-else-take-zonisamide-17726/

And the askaptient site for Zonegran:
http://www.askapatient.com/viewrating.asp?drug=20789&name=ZONEGRAN

 

[QueenieKP]

I had some mild cognitive issues at lower doses. It did reduced my Myclonics by half but did have issues when they tried to ramp me up to the therapeutic range on Zonismide, But we are all different and it could work well for you.

If you do choose it do keep in touch with neuro and gp about any side effects.

Good luck x

 

[nightowl47]

I have been on regular Depakote since I was around 17, then in 2008 got switched over to Depakote ER 3000 mg daily, then in 2006, Topamax was added, it did mess me up, "zombie like feelings" so requested that I be taken off. Then in 2010, Vimpat was added, all it did was cause me to gain weight which is a side effect. So got off that, doctors in a teaching hospital, out of Birmingham University Alabama, in, 2011, finally decided to take me off Vimpat, lower my Depakote ER to 2000 mg daily then added Zonegran/Zonisamide 400 mg daily.
The Zonegran, has allowed me to lose all that weight gained while on the Vimpat , plus a bit more, however, I did start getting gastrointestinal problems with it, but nothing major, other than that, side effects have been, insomnia mostly and I started developing some depression, but I think it comes with the territory of being disabled too, so tried several types of meds for sleep/ anxiety or depression, finally now on Cymbalta, 30mg daily and I have no side effects, WOW!!!
With the Depakote ER, side effects are weight gain, shaking of the arms and hands periodically & I can't control it, vision wanting to sleep in the afternoon. It has also caused early osteoporosis & arthritis and hair loss, concentration issues.
With the Zonegran, insomnia, mild depression, Moody, thirsty a lot, hair loss, memory, jumpy and like taking afternoon naps. Now that's just me. Everybody is very different. My seizures are constantly ongoing from left brain to right & back. I have Grand-mal, tonic-clonic, partial, nocturnal, staring, episodes as well as I have no auras before a seizure. My meds right now are doing what they can, I hope. Again, each person is different, sometimes, you just have to try it to see what works for you, and do much RESEARCH on the meds. Best wishes, Terri