Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan is a medication used to treat migraine attacks. It belongs to a group of medications called triptans, also known as selective serotonin receptor agonists. When used during a migraine attack, it helps relieve and prevent further pain. Zolmitriptan works by narrowing blood vessels in certain areas of your brain. This can help decrease migraine pain and related symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light and noise.

Like all triptans, zolmitriptan is a rescue medication. It is intended to treat a migraine once it has started. It will not prevent future migraine attacks.

It is important to remember that zolmitriptan is a rescue medication, intended to treat a migraine once it has started. It will not prevent future migraine attacks. You should not take zolmitriptan if you have used another triptan medication within the past 24 hours.

Be sure to discuss your medical history, current medications, and any concerns with your provider so they can determine whether zolmitriptan is right for you. Tell your medical provider if you suffer from heart disease or any other heart issues, or if you’ve ever had a stroke. Let your provider know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Zolmitriptan may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so you should avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medication affects you.

The most common side effects of zolmitriptan are neck/throat/jaw pain, dizziness, paresthesia (feelings of tingling or numbness), somnolence, warm/cold sensation, nausea, heaviness sensation, and dry mouth. More serious side effects include chest pain or tightness, weakness on one side of the body, and severe abdominal pain or bloody diarrhea. If you experience severe side effects, please seek immediate in-person medical care.

It's important to tell your provider if you are taking any other medications, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or if you have any allergies. If you start using any new medications while taking zolmitriptan, let your provider know. Check with your provider before stopping or starting any of your current medicines.

Zolmitriptan should not be taken with Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) or other medications that affect serotonin levels, including antidepressants and certain allergy medications. Zolmitriptan should also not be taken within 24 hours of certain migraine headache medications such as ergotamines, triptans, or tricyclic antidepressants.

Zolmitriptan works best if it is taken at the first sign of a migraine attack. You may take one additional dose two hours after the first dose if your migraine returns or does not improve, but do not use more than 10 mg in 24 hours.

There is some risk of rebound headaches or more frequent headaches than before you started taking Zolmitriptan. This is frequently caused by taking too much zolmitriptan over a certain period of time. If you have concerns over how many headaches you're getting, especially when using zolmitriptan, contact your provider.