Zonisamide drug treatment for seizures

[Melissa]

Posting for a friend:

Anyone have their dog on zonisamide for seizures? Looking for info....long term side effects, issues you've had, is it helping.....anything. Maybe even alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs, i don't know....im freaking out a little

Thanks

[April S.]

My doodle was on Zonisimide, we did not see any side effects from it.   My vet told us that this is an "addon" and is normally used in conjunction with another drug like Keppra, Phenobarbital or Potassium Bromide.  The down-side is if you want to wean off of zonisimide, it can be very very hard.   My doodle was on keppra XR and zonisimide and her seizures were not controlled.  We lost her on Tuesday.... she was a very rare case where none of the medications worked and she had permanent brain damage from a grand mal last year.  Good luck to you.  

[Melissa]

I am so deeply sorry for your loss **hugs**
Thank you for the information, I'll pass it along to my friend who is dealing with this issue. 

[Debbie and Toby]

I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers to you and your family.

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

Sorry to hear about your loss. We lost Mariner (the inspiration for this group) in October-know how hard it is. 

[Debbie and Toby]

Our Toby has had seizures for 9 years, he is on phenobarb, potassium bromide and gabapentin. We have been in discussions to add to or change his meds as he still has seizures about every 2 months and clusters. Our vet has said if needed he would consider adding keppra. I have not  heard anything about zonimaside,  but I will ask next time we see the vet. I have a friend in Georgia that is using cbd oil to treat seizures and anxiety in her dog,  recommended by their holistic vet, claims it has worked really well, however, I would NOT recommend this without consultation and guidance from your vet.