Zonisamide: physician and patient experiences

This study evaluates information regarding physician and patient experiences with zonisamide obtained from the early access and support for epilepsy (EASE) program. Both physicians and patients completed initiation questionnaires regarding seizure history and antiepileptic drug (AED) use. Physicians were advised to initiate zonisamide at 100 mg/day and titrate either to a clinical response or a maximum dosage of 600 mg/day. After > or = 2 months of zonisamide therapy, physicians and patients were asked to complete follow-up questionnaires that included questions regarding seizure frequency, seizure severity, and quality of life. Initiation questionnaires and follow-up questionnaires were submitted by 80 physicians for 163 patients. According to these data, seizure control, functional status, and other symptoms of epilepsy were improved in 57.4% (93/162), 37.1% (59/159), and 30.6% (48/157) of patients, respectively. Physicians intended to continue zonisamide therapy in 77.4% (123/159) of patients. Ninety-six patients submitted both initiation and follow-up questionnaires. Seizure control, seizure severity, and quality of life were improved in 53.6% (45/84), 58.8% (50/85), and 62.1% (54/87) of patients, respectively. These patients, most of whom were refractory to other AEDs, generally had positive experiences with zonisamide.