Zonisamide (Zonegran) to Treat Alcohol Use Disorder

Zonisamide (Zonegran) is a sulfonamide anticonvulsant demonstrated to modulate gamma-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) and glutamatergic neurotransmission. It is being investigated as a treatment to reduce alcohol consumption in patients with heavy drinking behaviors or AUD.

Approved medications to treat AUD have shown limited effectiveness, and only one-third of patients achieve full remission with available therapies. While the exact mechanism of action is unknown, zonisamide purportedly reduces GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission in the brain, both of which help mediate alcohol's effect on the brain. Treatment with zonisamide might also ameliorate...