Find out detailed description, uses, directions of use, side effects, warnings and precautions, frequently asked questions about ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER
ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER is an anti-epileptic medicine used to treat epilepsy. It helps prevent certain types of seizures (fits). It is also prescribed for a painful condition of the face, head, and neck known as trigeminal neuralgia and diabetes-related nerve pain (diabetic neuropathy).
ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER must be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time every day. The dose and how often you need to take it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. It may be increased gradually. Many other medicines can interfere with this medicine so tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure it is safe.
You can take this medicine with or without food but take it regularly at the same time each day to get the maximum benefit. It is important to take this medicine for as long as you are advised, even if you feel well. Missing even a single dose may trigger a seizure and, if you stop taking it abruptly, your condition may get worse.
The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, feeling dizzy, tired or drowsy, unsteadiness (balance disorder), constipation, dry mouth, and itching. Some people may develop blurring of vision and slurred speech. Most of the side effects are not serious. However, let your doctor know straight away if you notice a skin rash or if your mood becomes depressed or if you develop any thoughts about harming yourself.
Earlier taking ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER, tell your doctor if you have any heart problems, kidney or liver disease, difficulty in urinating, or any mental illness like depression. These conditions may affect your treatment. You may be advised some blood tests (eg. CBC) before starting treatment and then periodically thereafter, to monitor your progress.
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Warning & Precautions:
Alcohol
UNSAFE
ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER is unsafe to use during pregnancy as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. However, the doctor may rarely prescribe it in some life-threatening situations if the benefits are more than the potential risks. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER is safe to use during breastfeeding. Human studies suggest that the drug does not pass into the breastmilk in a significant amount and is not harmful to the baby.
Driving
UNSAFE
ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
FAQs:
Q. How quickly does ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER start working?
Your symptoms may take 1-2 weeks to improve. However, in some cases, it may take even longer. Consult your doctor if your condition doesn't improve or if you have any doubts regarding your condition.
Q. Is ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER an analgesic? What is it used for?
No, ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER is not an analgesic and should not be used for regular aches or pains. It is an anti-epileptic medicine which is used to treat fits (seizures). It is also used in the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (intense facial nerve pain). In addition to that, ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER is used to control mood disorders when other medicines fail to work.
Q. What should I tell my doctor before taking ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER?
Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medicines including medicines for epilepsy or seizures, medicines used to thin your blood (e.g., warfarin), medicines to control bacterial infection (e.g., chloramphenicol, metronidazole and doxycycline) and medicines to control viral infection (e.g., nelfinavir). Also, let your doctor know if you take asthma medicines (e.g., theophylline and montelukast), birth control pills, etc. It is important to tell your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Further, you should tell the doctor if you have ever had liver problems, kidney problems, lung problems or porphyria (a rare blood pigment disorder).
Q. What are the long-term effects of ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER?
The long-term side effects of ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER vary from person to person. While some people can take ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER safely for several years, some may develop side effects on using it for long term. These side effects include osteoporosis and osteopenia in which the bones become weak and can get easily fractured. Therefore, if you have been prescribed ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER for a long term, get your bone density checked at regular intervals, maintain a healthy diet and exercise daily.
Q. What should I avoid while taking ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER?
ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER may make you sleepy or you may feel dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery. Alcohol consumption should be avoided since taking both together may cause excessive sleepiness.
Q. How do I stop taking ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER?
You should stop ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER only after consulting your doctor. It is advised to gradually decrease the dose of ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER so that the condition for which you are taking it does not recur.
Q. How can I look for early symptoms of suicidal thoughts and actions?
Pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts or feelings. Retain all follow-up visits with your doctor as scheduled. Call your doctor as needed, especially if you are worried about any symptoms.
Q. Can the use of ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER lead to weight gain? If yes, how can it be managed?
Affirmative, ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER causes weight gain as a common side effect. This could be due to an increase in appetite. You can manage your weight by eating a healthy diet, consuming low calorie food and including more vegetables and fruits in your diet. Also, regular physical exercise will be very helpful.
Q. Can the use of ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER affect my sex life?
Though rare but ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER may cause decreased sexual desire. It may also impair male fertility as it may reduce sperm count and/or motility. Consult your doctor if you develop these symptoms.
Q. I am taking ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER for trigeminal neuralgia. For how long do I need to take it?
Once the medicine relieves your pain, talk to your doctor who will gradually reduce your dose. ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER can be possibly stopped if there is no recurrence of pain after taking the reduced dose for several weeks.
Q. How can I reduce the side effects of ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER?
Side effects of ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER can be reduced by starting it at a low dose. The doctor may gradually increase the dose, until an effective dose is reached.
Q. When should I go for a laboratory test when taking this medicine?
Earlier starting treatment with ZEN Retard 300 Tablet ER, your doctor may ask you to get regular blood tests, liver function test, and in some cases, even a urine test. You may need to take these tests from time to time during your treatment. This is quite usual and nothing to worry about.
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