Treat Migraines With Zolmitriptan
Buy your Zolmitriptan treatment* online in a few simple steps, without having to see your doctor. Our virtual care service connects you to highly trained clinicians who can assess your health needs and safely prescribe your treatment.
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MEDICAL INFORMATION
Zolmitriptan Key Facts
Other Related Names or Treatments
Zomig
About Zolmitriptan
Zolmitriptan is classed as a selective serotonin receptor agonist, or triptan. It is thought to work by reversing the widening of blood vessels in the brain, helping to ease the symptoms of migraine. Zolmitriptan is most effective when used at the start of a migraine attack.
Zolmitriptan is available with a prescription only. NowPatient offers Zolmitriptan as a treatment for migraines only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.
Key facts of Zolmitriptan
- For the treatment of migraine attacks
- Zolmitriptan has some common side effects which include drowsiness and nausea
- It can be dangerous if you take Zolmitriptan with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
Who is Zolmitriptan not suitable for?
Zolmitriptan may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Zolmitriptan if you:
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to Zolmitriptan
- Have heart problems such as chest pain (angina), heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, or heart disease
- Have liver disease or kidney disease
- Have a history of epilepsy
- Have hemiplegic or basilar migraines
- Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressants
- Are taking other triptan medicines
- Are taking cimetidine
- Are taking ergot-type medications such as dihydroergotamine or ergotamine, or its derivatives, methysergide
- Are taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) such as eletriptan, serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressants, or St. John’s wort
How and where to get Zolmitriptan?
You can buy Zolmitriptan safely and securely from NowPatient. You can start a consultation today for free and if you qualify for treatment, you only pay for the cost of the medication. Delivery is made to your home or office from our registered pharmacy.
Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of migraines, you can discuss if Zolmitriptan is a suitable treatment option for you.
At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.
Dosage and strength for Zolmitriptan for migraines
Zolmitriptan is available as oral tablets, oral disintegrating tablets, and a nasal spray, in doses of 2.5 and 5 mg. when used for migraine attacks.
Information about how to take Zolmitriptan for migraines
The recommended dose of Zolmitriptan is one 2.5 mg tablet at the first sign of a migraine headache. If your headache returns, a second dose may be taken after 2 hours, but do not take more than 10 mg within a 24-hour period. If you’re first dose gives no pain relief, do not take a second dose without speaking to your doctor first.
If oral tablets can not be taken, Zolmitriptan nasal spray 5mg may be administered as soon as possible after the onset of migraine into one nostril only, followed by 5 mg after at least 2 hours, if required. As with the tablets, do not take more than 10 mg within a 24-hour period.
You are advised to read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication or speak to a healthcare professional for medical advice.
What happens if you take too much Zolmitriptan?
If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Zolmitriptan and you experience any of the following side effects:
What are the side effects of Zolmitriptan?
Side effects of Zolmitriptan are split into common and serious.
Common side effects include:
- Drowsiness
- Chest pain
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Dizziness
If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.
If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.
- Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air and have shortness of breath)
- Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
- Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Someone faints and cannot be woken up
Always report adverse effects to the MHRA yellow card reporting system. You can read more about this here How and where do I report side effects of my medication? – NowPatient
Information about taking Zolmitriptan at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements
There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Zolmitriptan. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements.
Can Zolmitriptan taken for migraines be taken long term?
You should not use Zolmitriptan for more than 10 days per month. Speak to your doctor if your migraine does not go away, or if you have migraines or cluster headaches on a regular basis.
Is there a herbal Zolmitriptan?
No. Herbal Zolmitriptan does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.
Can women use Zolmitriptan?
Women can take Zolmitriptan for the treatment of migraine attacks. It is not known if Zolmitriptan passes into breast milk. Speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or suspect you are pregnant, before taking Zolmitriptan.
Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Zolmitriptan?
You can eat and drink normally when taking Zolmitriptan, but you should avoid alcohol during a migraine attack.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with migraines?
- Maintain regular sleep patterns
- Exercise
- Eat regular healthy meals
- Reduce your stress
- Avoiding triggers
Alternatives to Zolmitriptan
Alternatives for the treatment of migraines include other triptans such as almotriptan, frovatriptan, rizatriptan, naratriptan and sumatriptan, or painkillers such as paracetamol, aspirin, or ibuprofen.
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Medical Disclaimer
NowPatient has taken all reasonable steps to ensure that all material is factually accurate, complete, and current. However, the knowledge and experience of a qualified healthcare professional should always be sought after instead of using the information on this page. Before taking any drug, you should always speak to your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider.
The information provided here about medications is subject to change and is not meant to include all uses, precautions, warnings, directions, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or negative effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a particular medication does not imply that the medication or medication combination is appropriate for all patients or for all possible purposes.
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FAQs
Answers to Popular Questions About Zolmitriptan
What is Zolmitriptan?
Zolmitriptan is a triptan medication used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura. It is available as standard tablets (2.5 mg and 5 mg), orodispersible (melt) tablets (2.5 mg and 5 mg), and a nasal spray (5 mg). The brand name is Zomig. Zolmitriptan is a prescription-only medicine in the UK. The orodispersible tablet is particularly convenient as it dissolves on the tongue without water, making it useful when nausea prevents swallowing tablets.
How does Zolmitriptan work?
Zolmitriptan is a selective serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist. It constricts dilated intracranial blood vessels, reduces neurogenic inflammation by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides from trigeminal nerve endings, and blocks pain signal transmission. Zolmitriptan has an active metabolite (N-desmethylzolmitriptan) that also has potent 5-HT1B/1D activity, contributing to its sustained clinical effect.
How is Zolmitriptan different from Sumatriptan?
Both are effective triptans for migraine. Zolmitriptan has better central nervous system penetration and produces an active metabolite, which may contribute to its efficacy. The orodispersible tablet formulation is unique to zolmitriptan (among commonly prescribed triptans) and offers convenience when water is unavailable or nausea is problematic. Zolmitriptan nasal spray has a faster onset than sumatriptan nasal spray. Clinical effectiveness is broadly similar between the two. If one triptan does not work, switching to another is often beneficial.
How do I take Zolmitriptan?
Take one zolmitriptan tablet (2.5 mg) at the onset of migraine headache. Swallow standard tablets with water. Orodispersible (melt) tablets should be placed on the tongue where they dissolve — no water needed. If the migraine improves but returns, a second dose can be taken after at least 2 hours. Maximum dose: 10 mg in 24 hours. If the first dose does not work at all, do not take a second dose for that attack. Your prescriber may increase your dose to 5 mg per dose if 2.5 mg is insufficient.
How do I use Zolmitriptan nasal spray?
Remove the cap from the nasal spray device. Block one nostril by pressing it gently with a finger. Breathe out gently through the mouth. Insert the nozzle into the other nostril, aim slightly outward, and press the plunger while breathing in gently. Remove and breathe gently through the mouth. One 5 mg spray per attack. A second spray may be given after 2 hours if needed. Maximum 10 mg (two sprays) in 24 hours.
What are the side effects of Zolmitriptan?
Common side effects include tingling, warmth, heaviness, throat tightness, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, dry mouth, and muscle weakness. The nasal spray may cause an unpleasant taste and nasal discomfort. These are typical triptan sensations and are usually mild and temporary. If you experience severe chest pain or signs of allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.
Who should not take Zolmitriptan?
Zolmitriptan is contraindicated in people with ischaemic heart disease, Prinzmetal’s angina, previous stroke or TIA, peripheral vascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, or moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Do not use within 24 hours of other triptans or ergotamine. Do not use with MAO-A inhibitors. Caution in patients taking SSRIs or SNRIs due to theoretical serotonin syndrome risk.
How can I get Zolmitriptan?
Zolmitriptan requires a prescription from your GP, neurologist, or online service such as NowPatient. It is available as standard tablets, orodispersible tablets, and nasal spray. NowPatient provides online consultations for migraine sufferers with home delivery.
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