Abstract
The efficacy of zonisamide, a new antiepileptic drug, was studied in 36 children with refractory epilepsy. The mean age of these patients was 13 years and two months. Zonisamide was administered as add-on treatment to the preexisting anticonvulsant regi-men. The average follow up period was 9.5±7.5 months. Seizure frequency significantly reduced in 8 patients (22%), of whom 3 experienced greater than 75% reduction and 5 a 50-75% reduction in seizure frequency. Analyzing the results according to seizure types, improvement in seizure control was observed in 6 of 24 patients (25%) with partial seizures, and 2 of 3 patients with generalized tonic clonic seizures. Addition of zonisamide had no effect on tonic, myoclonic, atypical absence or atonic seizures. The mean dosage and serum anticonvulsant concentration were 7.8±4.6 mg/kg, and 24.8±9.2μg/ml, respectively in effective cases. Side effects were observed in 21 (58%) of 36 cases. These were most commonly drowsiness, loss of appetite, and mild mental slowing. Two patients developed a transient psychosis. All side effects disappeared after a decrease in dosage or on withdrawal of zonisamide.
