The effect of zonisamide on memory processes - A preclinical study.

Objective: Zonisamide is an antiepileptic drug with a perspective of a broader use. Although it is regarded as a relatively safe drug, zonisamide might cause disorders of the central nervous system. The study assessed the influence of zonisamide on spatial and emotional memory in adult Wistar rats.

Methods: Morris water maze test was used to examine the effect of zonisamide administered p.o. as single dose (50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg) or repeatedly (50 mg/kg) on spatial memory. The impact of zonisamide administered as above on emotional memory was assessed in the Passive avoidance test.

Results: Zonisamide mainly in a high acute dose impaired the spatial memory, whereas when administered repeatedly, its effect was observed only in the initial phase of the study. Emotional memory disturbances were noted only during repeated administration of zonisamide.

Conclusion: Zonisamide may impair memory and learning processes in rats but the results are varied and depend on the type of memory.