Medicine Identification Chart

Diamox^®

generic name: acetazolamide -- a-CEET-a-ZOL-a-myde

Manufacturer: Lederle Laboratories

Diamox (DI-a-mox) was introduced as an antiepileptic drug in 1952. It has been used to treat a variety of seizure types, including generalized tonic clonic, absence, and as add-on therapy for partial seizures. It may also be prescribed to treat catamenial epilepsy (epilepsy related to the menstrual cycle).

Tolerance may develop over 3 - 6 months. However, it may become effective again after withdrawal.

Reported side effects include lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea, and, occasionally, kidney stones. Due to the similar mechanism of kidney stone formation, caution should be used when prescribing Diamox with topiramate and zonisamide, and the patient is urged to drink several glasses of water daily.

Safety in pregnancy has not been established. Women who are taking this medication and who wish to become pregnant should discuss treatment options with their physicians before the pregnancy begins.

Not everyone experiences side effects. There may be other side effects not appearing above. For a complete list, consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. More detailed sources of information on side effects include the drug's prescribing information sheet, the Physician's Desk Reference, or pharmaceutical company which produces the drug.