Heavy Kevy
Stalwart
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Is there one thing that makes Zonisamide different from Onfi, Lamotragine, Briviact?
ChatGPT: Zonisamide 2
- Thread starter Heavy Kevy
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Highlights thread as a discussion with ChatGPT
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Yes, there are several key differences between Zonisamide and the medications you mentioned (Onfi, Lamotrigine, and Briviact) despite the fact that they all belong to the same broad category of anticonvulsant drugs. Here are some of the distinguishing features:
1. Mechanism of action: Zonisamide has a unique mechanism of action compared to the other medications you mentioned. While Lamotrigine and Briviact primarily work by inhibiting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, Zonisamide's exact mechanism is not fully understood but is believed to involve multiple actions, including sodium and calcium channel blockade and modulation of specific neurotransmitter systems.
2. Indications: Zonisamide is primarily approved for the treatment of certain types of epilepsy, including focal (partial) seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. On the other hand, Briviact is approved for adjunctive treatment of focal seizures in adults and adolescents, while Lamotrigine is used to treat a range of seizure types and bipolar disorder.
3. Side effects: While all medications have the potential for side effects, the specific side effect profiles can vary. Common side effects of zonisamide may include somnolence (sleepiness), dizziness, headache, and loss of appetite. Onfi carries a risk of sedation and behavioral side effects, and Lamotrigine is known for causing hypersensitivity reactions such as rash. Briviact's common side effects include somnolence, sedation, dizziness, and headache.
4. Dosage and administration: The dose, frequency, and administration of these medications can vary. Zonisamide is usually taken once or twice daily, while Lamotrigine may require a more gradual titration to achieve the target dose due to the risk of rash. Briviact and Onfi may also have specific dosing instructions that should be followed.
It's important to note that these differences are not exhaustive, and individual responses to medications can vary. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or a neurologist who can provide comprehensive information and guide you in selecting the best treatment option based on your specific condition and medical history.
1. Mechanism of action: Zonisamide has a unique mechanism of action compared to the other medications you mentioned. While Lamotrigine and Briviact primarily work by inhibiting the release of excitatory neurotransmitters, Zonisamide's exact mechanism is not fully understood but is believed to involve multiple actions, including sodium and calcium channel blockade and modulation of specific neurotransmitter systems.
2. Indications: Zonisamide is primarily approved for the treatment of certain types of epilepsy, including focal (partial) seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. On the other hand, Briviact is approved for adjunctive treatment of focal seizures in adults and adolescents, while Lamotrigine is used to treat a range of seizure types and bipolar disorder.
3. Side effects: While all medications have the potential for side effects, the specific side effect profiles can vary. Common side effects of zonisamide may include somnolence (sleepiness), dizziness, headache, and loss of appetite. Onfi carries a risk of sedation and behavioral side effects, and Lamotrigine is known for causing hypersensitivity reactions such as rash. Briviact's common side effects include somnolence, sedation, dizziness, and headache.
4. Dosage and administration: The dose, frequency, and administration of these medications can vary. Zonisamide is usually taken once or twice daily, while Lamotrigine may require a more gradual titration to achieve the target dose due to the risk of rash. Briviact and Onfi may also have specific dosing instructions that should be followed.
It's important to note that these differences are not exhaustive, and individual responses to medications can vary. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or a neurologist who can provide comprehensive information and guide you in selecting the best treatment option based on your specific condition and medical history.
Zonisamide must be chemically different from Lamictil. I was allergic to that since it is closely related to Tegretol. Within a few days of starting it, I could feel the same type of rash breaking out on my upper back that began w/Tegretol. I'm not having any allergies to Zonisamide--just some of the regular side effects.