RSD Alert
|
||||||||||||||||||
| If you came to this site direct from a Search engine and don't know about Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, please take time to visit our Home page and learn about RSD. |
RSD Alert is a voluntary
organisation publishing RSD/CRPS
information, mostly provided
by our readers.
Every approved medical drug works for some people but not for others.
Don't be alarmed by what you read. If in doubt consult your medical
advisor.
To make personal contact with one of the RSD Alert Team click CONTACT.
To pass on information for publication in "Drugs on RSD Alert"
click Submit Info.
|
Drugs |
Drugs on RSD Alert
(notes and comments from correspondents) |
Excegran |
|
Description |
Proprietary name used inJapan for the drug marketed in Europe and USA as Zonegran. Provided in capsule form. This anti-epileptic drug is normally used to treat partial seizures in adults but has also been shown to be effective in some forms of neuropathic pain. Its generic name is zonisamide. |
Side effects(Don't be unduly alarmed. All drugs cause side effects for some patients) |
Abdominal pain, agitation, appetite loss, bloody or dark urine, confusion, co-ordination problems, decreased sweating or a rise in body temperature, depression, difficulty in concentrating, disorientation, dizziness, drowsiness, fever, headache, irritability, mouth sores, nausea, pain when urinating, skin rash, sore throat, speech or language problems, sudden back pain, tendency to bruise easily, unusual thoughts. |
Warnings(These are standard cautions but may not be applicable to your case) |
Do not take Zonegran if you are allergic to sulfa drugs (e.g. Bactrim® or Septra®). Avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery. May cause birth defects (inform your doctor if you are or are likely to become pregnant. This drug should be discontinued in patients who develop a rash. |
Comments |
|
|
Zonegran were bad news. They put me in a 'mental fog' and it
took me forever to realize what was causing it. The rash went
away after a week, however the tiredness I was feeling as a result
of them turned into confusion and seemed to take my thought process
away. (Hard to explain.) I stopped taking the Zonegran and I now
am feeling more clear headed and have had less flare ups. I'm
done experimenting with pills! I always seem to have bad side
effects and they don't do anything for the pain, so forget it.
My main goal now is more aggressive physical therapy along with
HBOT*. But, I wanted to let you know
about the Zonegran. (And I was only taking one pill at night,
thankfully didn't step up to taking two of them.) Cheryl -
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA I took Zonegran, and the first three times there was a definite increase in RSD pain after the dose accompanied by a very thick mental fog (considering the dose of 1/2 of 100 mg. capsule). It was not like my daily memory trouble, but the kind of mental fog one gets from a general anesthetic or narcotics they are unaccustomed to taking. I have decided not to "fool around" with a drug that was increasing my pain and, with my doctor's permission, stopped it. I am sure now what I think about the drug: No good for RSD. However, each patient is individual, and it may be of use to someone. Amanda - Pennsylvania, USA My doctor ramped me up to 300 mg of Zonegran a night. It did not help the pain, did help headaches, but worst of all caused petite mal seizures. The doctor abandoned my care immediately when the seizures started. I weaned myself off the drug and am seeking a new doctor. Maybe zonegran has helped some people, and I wish them the best, but I was in a fog, forgetful, in constant pain... pretty much more a mess than before the drug. Donna - Arlington, Texas Remember - RSD/CRPS is rooted in the nervous system. The discovery that epilepsy drugs may have beneficial effects for RSD patients does not imply that they have epilepsy. |
|
|
www.rsdalert.co.uk
for correspondence click CONTACT |
|