What Is Zolmitriptan?

Zolmitriptan is a popular migraine treatment, which belongs to a class of medications known as triptans. Triptans are not the same as pain killers, instead they work by reversing the changes in the brain which can cause migraines. By reversing these changes, Zolmitriptan works to treat the cause of the migraine as well as reducing the symptoms.

How does Zolmitriptan Work?

Zolmitriptan works by stimulating receptors called serotonin (or 5HT) receptors that are found in the brain, which causes the blood vessels in the brain to contract. The narrowing of the blood vessels reverses the widening, which is thought to be one of the causes of migraines.

When should I take Zolmitriptan?

Zolmitriptan should be used when simple analgesics such as paracetamol, aspirin, ibuprofen or these simple analgesics combined with codeine are not effective. Zolmitriptan can be used by people who experience less than 10 episodes of migraine each month. Zolmitriptan should be taken at the beginning of a migraine, but it should not be taken to prevent a migraine, rather only to treat one.

How do I take Zolmitriptan?

It does not matter if you take Zolmitriptan with or without food. Take Zolmitriptan with some water. One dose of Zolmitriptan should be taken at the beginning of migraine onset. Taking this treatment with fizzy water can help it to work faster. If you experience an aura (visual disturbance), wait until this is over before taking Zolmitriptan.

If after 2 hours your migraine is not completely better, or has come back, you can take another tablet. Do not take more than 10mg Zolmitriptan in 24 hours.

You should only take a second dose if the first dose was at least somewhat effective, but it did not completely relieve your migraine symptoms or your headache came back. You should not take a second Zolmitriptan dose if the first dose did not work, but you can try taking Zolmitriptan again for a future migraine.

Will I experience any side effects when I take Zolmitriptan?

There is the potential for all medications to cause side effects. However, the particular side effects experienced will vary from person to person. Zolmitriptan is safe and effective for the majority of people who are eligible for treatment with it. Some common side effects that may be associated with Zolmitriptan can include nausea, vomiting, tiredness/drowsiness, or dizziness. If you have any concerns about side effects, please talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

What is an Overuse headache and what should I do?

A medication overuse headache, or a rebound headache, can be caused by the overuse of the drugs used to treat migraines. This is why it is very important that you speak to your doctor if you need to take more than 10 doses of Zolmitriptan tablets in a month. Your doctor may instead need to discuss prescribing you preventative medication that you can take regularly to help prevent migraines.