Overview:

About Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan treats migraines with or without aura. This drug belongs to a class known as triptans. Triptans work by constricting the widened blood vessels that cause migraine, resulting in alleviation of migraine pain and symptoms. Zolmitriptan is generally a well tolerated triptan.

How does zolmitriptan work?

The exact cause of migraines is unknown, but it is associated with the widening of blood vessels in the brain. Zolmitriptan works by constricting these vessels in the brain, reversing the effects of the migraine, resulting in alleviated migraine symptoms. Zolmitriptan takes about 45 minutes to become effective so it is important to take it as soon as you feel the migraine coming on.

Taking zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan works best if you take it as soon as you feel the migraine coming on. It should not be taken before the migraine in the aura phase. A second tablet can be taken 2 to 3 hours after your first tablet if you have not noticed benefits, however no more than 2 tablets should be taken for the same migraine and no more than 2 tablets should be taken in a 24 hour period. Zolmitriptan is available as a 2.5mg tablet. Zolmitriptan starts to alleviate symptoms after 45 minutes of taking the tablet.

Zolmitriptan vs Zomig

Zolmitriptan is the generic version of Zomig, which is the branded version. Both contain the same active ingredient, which is Zolmitriptan, both work in the same way and both are just as effective. Although both are medically the same, personal preference is a factor to consider as some people may prefer the branded version to the generic.

Alternative medication

Not all medication works the same for everyone. Although triptans work in a similar way, you may have to try 3 different ones on 3 different occasions before finding the most effective one for yourself. Other treatments available here at ashcroft pharmacy include:

• Sumatriptan
• Imigran
• Rizatriptan
• Maxalt Melt
• Zomig

These are just the triptans that are available to buy. Other medications that may help alleviate symptoms of migraines are painkillers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin and also anti sickness medication such as buccastem M. These are available to buy over the counter at most pharmacies.

Author

References:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1372.pdf

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1372/smpc

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/

https://migrainetrust.org/understand-migraine/

https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/zolmitriptan.html

Directions:

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Zolmitriptan should be taken at the onset of a migraine, it will not work in preventing migraines, so do not take it unless you have a migraine. If your headache returns after taking zolmitriptan, you may take another tablet given that at least 2 hours have passed. Do not take another dose of zolmitriptan if the first dose did not work at all. It may be used again for a future migraine. Do not take more than 10mg of zolmitriptan in 24 hours. Do not take in combination with other triptans.

Side Effects: 

Common side effects of zolmitriptan includes:

• Nausea & vomiting
• Dizziness
• Flushing
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Tingling of fingers and toes

However, many of these effects may be due to the migraine itself.

Once your order has been approved by our UK medical team it will be dispatched via Royal mail. All orders are sent using a tracked and signed for service.

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Orders placed after the cut-off on Friday will be delivered on Tuesday.