The owner reported 7 days later that no GTCS was witnessed while the episodic abnormal behavior remained at the same intensity and frequency. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. doi: 10.1016/0272-0590(88)90158-3, 19. Complete blood count (CBC), serum biochemical analysis, and urinalysis were within the reference intervals. Oh wow I just read this post after writing about my Apollo's horrible ataxia. Prospective study of zonisamide therapy for refractory idiopathic epilepsy in dogs: Paper. No other ASDs such as phenobarbital or potassium bromide, listed as first-line ASDs in dogs, were prescribed. Carbamazepine is not recommended for use in dogs because of a rapid induction of hepatic enzymes that eliminate the drug quickly. doi: 10.1111/ane.12016, 20. Spencers last two clusters have changed. Especially since he started with a cluster, and had another cluster when they tried to drop the dose, it sounds like this is a dog that will need to . Feeding. Track the occurrence of seizures while your pet is taking this medication to help monitor how well this medication is working. Prior to the referral, this dog had been managed with ZNS starting at 2.5 mg/kg per os (PO) q12h then gradually increased in the dose up to 5 mg/kg q12h with the trough blood concentration at 21.2 g/ml over the 15 months. Stopping suddenly may result in withdrawal symptoms, including life-threatening seizures. Keep us posted on how she's doing. Bermejo PE, Ruiz-Huete C, Anciones B. Zonisamide in managing impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease. In that situation, many healthcare providers recommend waiting at least 6-12 months after surgery before reducing medication. Dogs on a high salt diet may require dosages of 5080 mg/kg/day to maintain adequate serum concentrations, because high chloride intake increases bromide loss in the urine and lowers serum bromide concentrations. Zonisamide may cause hyperammonemia (too much ammonia in the blood), which may damage the brain and can be life-threatening. Charalambous M, Brodbelt D, Volk HA. Packer RMA, McGreevy PD, Pergande A, Volk HA. The elimination half-life is extremely long (24 days) in dogs; therefore, it takes ~4 mo to achieve steady state kinetics. In general, a maintenance antiepileptic drug (AED) should be considered in animals that have had more than one or two seizures within a 6-mo period (assuming these seizures were not caused by repeated toxin exposure) or in animals that have had more than one seizure of unknown cause on any particular day. Interestingly, 51.2% of LEV-attributed PAE symptoms in humans resolved with dose decrement, whereas only 15.4% patients of ZNS-attributed PAE symptoms resolved with dose decrement and the rest (85.6%) of ZNS-attributed PAE symptoms required complete cessation of ZNS (38). (2004) 13:S5965. J Vet Intern Med. Doses may be doubled in early stages and increased by 25%50% in later stages. Pediatr Neurol. This dog was managed well with PB (2 mg/kg q12h) and LEV (20 mg/kg q8h) with no observable epileptic or aggressive behavior episodes for 13 months until this dog died of an unrelated condition. (2016) 30:47790. Charalambous M, Pakozdy A, Bhatti SFM, Volk HA. While the dog remained herself over the next 3 days during hospitalization after reintroduction of ZNS, the exact same episodes relapsed on the night after discharge. What If I Have a Seizure While I Exercise? To minimize the risk of increased seizures and maximize the benefit, weaning should be done slowly and under the guidance of an epilepsy specialist. Brodie MJ, Duncan R, Vespignani H, Solyom A, Bitenskyy V, Lucas C. Dose-dependent safety and efficacy of zonisamide: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in patients with refractory partial seizures. Read More This calendar, in conjunction with serum AED levels, can be used as a guide for dosage and drug treatment changes. J Vet Intern Med. In dogs, phenobarbital and bromide are considered first-line maintenance AEDs, but levetiracetam and zonisamide are often used as well. Dermatol. (2004) 40:28591. Cardiovascular defects were prominent in both rats and dogs. This sulfonamide-based anticonvulsant restricts the propagation and spread of seizures and suppresses epileptogenic focus activity. The owner reported the same abnormal behavior episodes relapsed within 12 h after re-introduction and gradually deteriorated over the next 3 days. o [alopecia OR hair loss ], , DVM, DACVIM-Neurology, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Your veterinarian may monitor your pets blood zonisamide levels. In foals, phenytoin has erratic plasma concentrations. Phenytoin (diphenylhydantoin) is no longer recommended for maintenance use in dogs, cats, or foals because of undesirable pharmacokinetic properties. University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Austria, Cave Veterinary Specialists, United Kingdom. Felbamate is a dicarbamate AED that exerts its anticonvulsant effects through multiple mechanisms, including potentiating GABA-mediated neuronal inhibition, inhibiting voltage-sensitive neuronal calcium and sodium channels, and blocking N-methyl-d-aspartatemediated neuronal excitation. Phenobarbital causes physical dependence, and thus abrupt withdrawal may cause "barbiturate withdrawal" seizures. In this study, CAE was described as cognitive slowing, memory deficits, and language dysfunction, and PAE was described as depression, aggressive behavior, psychosis, irritability, or suicidal ideation (24). With limited available evidence supporting its efficacy in the veterinary field, this medication has been widely used for anti-seizure purpose in dogs and in humans (27). They are effective at stopping prolonged seizures or clusters of seizures. Bromide can be formulated into a solution of various concentrations (100 mg/mL, 200 mg/mL, 250 mg/mL are convenient ones) or into tablets or capsules. This drug stabilizes the brain cells and prevents the unregulated electrical discharges in the brain that cause. I'm so sorry that you had to go through all of this, but so happy to hear that she's coming home! doi: 10.2147/NDT.S4063, 5. As adjunct therapy with phenobarbital, potassium bromide can be administered at 2040 mg/kg/day, PO, either as one dose or divided into two or more doses; the sodium bromide dosage is slightly lower at 1730 mg/kg/day, PO. Nevertheless, one report indicated that dogs with seizures that are not well controlled with phenobarbital may respond better to primidone (eg, psychomotor seizures). Adverse effects classified as type 4 have not been reported (7). 2 In addition to the treatment of several generalized epilepsy syndromes, it may also play a role in managing obesity, migraine, and motor dysfunction in Parkinson disease (PD). (If cost is an issue, however, a sample is best checked in 4 mo when steady-state concentrations have been reached.) In dogs, the dosage can be increased every 2 wk in increments of 20 mg/kg if therapeutic benefit has not been noted. Kubota M, Nishi-Nagase M, Sakakihara Y, Noma S, Nakamoto M, Kawaguchi H, et al. Erythema multiforme associated with zonisamide in a dog. To do this, it may be the right choice to change or lower the number of medications you are taking. Rare side effects include liver disease, urinary stones, and aggression. (2015) 26:3912, e89 doi: 10.1111/vde.12237, 15. Walker RM, DiFonzo CJ, Barsoum NJ, Smith GS, Macallum GE. J Vet Pharmacol Ther. White JR, Walczak TS, Marino SE, Beniak TE, Leppik IE, Birnbaum AK. In addition, aggression has been reported in a research setting investigating chronic toxicity of ZNS in dogs (18). Epilepsy Res. In most cases, the risk of stopping medication slowly is low. There are important risks to think about when stopping seizure medications. The Merck Veterinary Manual was first published in 1955 as a service to the community. We've had her blood tested and the PB is at the proper levels in her system. Within another week, the abnormal behavior episodes completely disappeared. Don't really have much to add to what has been said, other than to say welcome and I will keep you all in my prayers. No significant changes in the environment were reported. Phenobarbital has a long record of safety, efficacy, low cost, and convenience in regard to monitoring serum concentrations. This dog had no pre-existing abnormal behavior problems before and no seizure episodes were witnessed in association with these behavior episodes. We think the potassium bromide caused the pancreatitis, but we don't know for sure. Zonisamide - induced urinary lithiasis in patients with intractable epilepsy. The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. Psychiatric adverse effect associated with anti-seizure drugs has been well-recognized in human medicine. doi: 10.1111/cns.12418, 6. While most of the human patients developed PAE or CAE in the first 3 months of exposure to ZNS and resulted in discontinuation of ZNS within 5 months, some human patients developed PAE or CAE after many months after ZNS treatment was started, often in association with late dose increment of ZNS (24). Her prognosis is guarded. Bromide is an effective maintenance AED in cats, but the incidence of adverse effects does not warrant its routine use unless there is no other choice. When used in combination with phenobarbital, bromide toxicity can be seen at concentrations of 23 mg/mL (2030 mmol/L). i will go on this drug once i come off topamax I've been on topamax forever! Primidone is not recommended for use in cats because of toxicity concerns. Although some of it is metabolized by the P450 enzyme system, much is excreted unchanged in the urine. Ideally use the same brand of food that the mother dog eats. It has also been used to treat aggressive behavior problems ( see Psychotropic Agents Psychotropic Agents Anxiolytics, antipsychotics, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers used to treat human behavioral disorders are being used more commonly in veterinary medicine as adjuncts to behavioral modification read more ). By doi: 10.3988/jcn.2007.3.4.175, 4. Another report described that psychiatric adverse events (PAEs) and cognitive adverse events (CAEs) were the most frequently identified reasons for terminating ZNS therapy in 433 epileptic patients who received ZNS (24). Doing this may increase your risk of having more frequent and/or severe seizures. Epilepsy Behav. Antiepileptic drugs' tolerability and safety - a systematic review and meta-analysis of adverse effects in dogs. The nightly episodic aggression completely disappeared within 5 days after discontinuation of ZNS. Oral phenobarbital has been used in ruminants at 11 mg/kg/day and in horses at 311 mg/kg/day. Withdrawal symptoms may include increased seizures, anxiety, and panic attacks if you miss one or more doses. Further studies are warranted to provide more insights in behavior change associated with ASDs in animals. o [ canine influenza] Dogs receiving concurrent drug therapy known to induce hepatic microsomal enzymes (ie, phenobarbital) require nearly twice the dosage of zonisamide to achieve and maintain serum concentrations than dogs receiving zonisamide alone. In dogs not on drugs that induce hepatic microsomal enzymes, the dosage is 5 mg/kg, PO, bid. Skip the dose you missed, give it at the next scheduled time, and continue with the regular dosing schedule, OR. Doing this will keep you safe and help you manage your seizures to the best of your ability. Because it does not undergo hepatic metabolism, bromide is useful in dogs with liver disease. by MK's mom Sat Aug 09, 2014 7:24 pm, Post Chronic toxicity of the anticonvulsant zonisamide in beagle dogs. Check with your doctor right away if you have nausea or vomiting that continues, an increase in the frequency of seizures, loss of appetite, swelling of the face, tiredness and weakness, or yellow eyes or skin. Dewey CW, Guiliano R, Boothe DM, Berg JM, Kortz GD, Joseph RJ, et al. (2006) 68:S39. This medication should be used with caution in nursing mothers, as it is unknown at this time if zonisamide is excreted in maternal milk. by ShilohsMom Wed Aug 13, 2014 8:19 am, Post (2011) 25:115660. Murata M, Hasegawa K, Kanazawa I. Zonisamide improves motor function in Parkinson disease: a randomized, double-blind study. In dogs, the initial dosage is 1015 mg/kg, PO, tid. The recommended dose and monitoring strategy are as follows: oral starting dose at 37 mg/kg every 12 hours (q12h) or 710 mg/kg q12h in dogs with co-administered hepatic microsomal enzymes inducers such as phenobarbital, serum concentrations should be aimed between 10 and 40 mg/L according to the human target range, and the serum concentration measurements should be performed at least 1 week after treatment initiation or dosage adjustment given the approximate elimination half-life of 15 h (6, 7). Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Zonisamide for neuropathic pain in adults. Zonisamide was approved for use in epilepsy in Japan in 1989 and in the United States in 2000. Enter search terms to find related veterinary topics, multimedia and more. Epilepsy centers provide you with a team of specialists to help you diagnose your epilepsy and explore treatment options. J Vet Intern Med. If they are not available, follow their directions in contacting an emergency facility. Phenobarbital 2.5 mg/kg orally q12h was prescribed without loading. (2018) 24:14752. by SpencerBhumi Sun Jun 30, 2013 4:03 pm, Post No similar episodic aggression was witnessed in association with dose adjustments or addition of other ASDs including PB, potassium bromide, and LEV. For the most part, people who continue to have seizures despite taking two or more medications at appropriate doses may not benefit by adding medications without removing others. Severe signs of toxicity are easily treated by IV administration of 0.9% sodium chloride, which promotes renal excretion of the bromide ion. Reported type 2 adverse effects include two cases of acute toxic liver injury, three cases with dermatologic lesions, and one case of renal tubular acidosis (1317). Give her as little as possible until you are sure that she is still not having seizures. Long-term efficacy and safety of zonisamide monotherapy in epilepsy patients. Cephalalgia. (2010) 75:5138. Other reported adverse effects include fatigue, headache, psychiatric symptoms, cognitive disturbances, diplopia, weight loss, diarrhea, ataxia, oligohydrosis, urolithiasis, and rash (1924). All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. 2015 ACVIM Small animal consensus statement on seizure management in dogs. The severity of episodic aggression was determined based on the client's oral description at each follow-up; 100% at the initial presentation. In humans, dose-related adverse effects of ZNS include somnolence, dizziness, decreased appetite or anorexia, and nausea (5, 19, 20). by SpencerBhumi Sat Jul 13, 2013 9:17 am, Post For longterm maintenance in cats and dogs, phenobarbital may be given at 24 mg/kg/day, PO, bid. Monotherapy is preferred, but if the drug level is well into the middle or high therapeutic range, it may be necessary to consider the addition of another AED. (2007) 3:17580. Zonisamide monotherapy for idiopathic epilepsy in dogs. I'm . If adverse effects occur, the dosage should be reduced to 20 mg/kg, bid, and increased to 20 mg/kg, tid, gradually. Ackermann AL, Frank LA, McEntee MF, May ER. If you miss giving your pet a dose, give the next dose as soon as you remember, but if it is closer than 12 hours before the next scheduled dose, either: Never give your pet two doses at once or give extra doses. There have been no clinical studies to date, and only limited information is currently available. Its use in cat and dogs to treat seizures is 'off label' or 'extra label'. Our cases showed clinical apparent direct association with ZNS and correlation with dose adjustment in case 1 and case 2. Severe bromide toxicosis (bromism) is characterized by lethargy, disorientation, delirium, and ataxia progressing to quadriplegia and coma. (2009) 5:24959. 8:763822. doi: 10.3389/fvets.2021.763822. Zonisamide was abruptly discontinued 4 days after re-introduction, which resulted in resolution of the abnormal behavior episodes within 24 h. No other modifications in other medications were made during this ZNS re-introduction trial. Veterinarians may prescribe Zonisamide to treat seizure disorders such as epilepsy. Our 5 y.o. Please note that we cannot make specific recommendations for individual dogs - for this, please consult your veterinarian. Basset/Beagle mix was officially pegged with epilepsy about 2 months ago after she started having multiple seizures in a day. Upon the initial visit, the physical and neurological examinations were overall unremarkable. This case report describes three dogs with presumptive idiopathic epilepsy presented for abnormal behavior episodes. 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Nj, Smith GS, Macallum GE ~4 mo to achieve steady state kinetics zonisamide are often used well..., Anciones B. zonisamide in managing impulse control disorders in Parkinson disease: randomized... 0.9 % sodium chloride, which promotes renal excretion of the anticonvulsant zonisamide in beagle dogs statement on seizure in... Brain and can be increased every 2 wk in increments of 20 if... Pancreatitis, but so happy to hear that she 's coming home having... The reference intervals follow-up ; 100 % at the proper levels in her system off I.