Zomig (zolmitriptan) is a medication in the triptan class of drugs used to treat migraine headaches and the symptoms associated with migraines, such as auras. In some forms it's also useful in alleviating cluster headache pain.

Zomig is one of the best-selling migraine treatments in the world. It is not effective on hemiplegic or basilar migraines, or tension headaches.

Stopping Migraines with Zomig:

While no one knows exactly why some people get migraines, it is known that when a migraine is happening certain blood vessels in the brain become swollen. Zomig constricts those blood vessels, relieving pressure on the brain. The medication also blocks pain signals and inhibits production of chemicals believed to contribute to symptoms such as auras, light sensitivity, or nausea.

Used properly, Zomig is effective for the majority of migraine sufferers:

• Tablets are taken as needed when symptoms first begin. It will not prevent a migraine from happening if taken prior to symptoms.
• Ideal dosage will be determined by the physician prescribing Zomig. Tablets come in 2.5 mg; usually 1 or 2 tablets is one dose.
• Tablets can be split in half if a smaller dose is desired.
• Take tablets with water or some other fluid. Eating is not necessary, but may help prevent nausea.
• If tablets are vomited up within 30 minutes of administration, another dose should be taken.
• Effects are usually felt within 30 minutes, but peak at 2 hours.
• If the headache persists or returns after 2 hours, a second dose may be taken as long as 10 mg are not exceeded in a 24 hour period.

A certain percentage of patients do not respond to Zomig. If this medication proves ineffective against migraines, a doctor can recommend other treatments to try.

Zomig is also available in orally dissolving tablets (ODT) and in a nasal spray.

Treating Cluster Headaches:

Like other triptan medications, zolmitriptan is somewhat helpful for relieving cluster headache pain. However, tablet form is the least effective means of administration for cluster headaches; absorption into the blood stream is too slow.

Orally dissolving tablets are somewhat more effective than tablets, but nasal spray is even more powerful and fast acting.

Cluster headache sufferers typically find the best relief with triptan injections, such as offered by Imitrex.

Zomig is not approved for cluster headache relief in all areas.

Special Precautions:

As with all medications there are certain risks associated with Zomig use. Some patients are not ideal candidates and have a higher chance of experiencing severe adverse reactions:

• History of liver, kidney, or heart disease
• Blood circulation problems
• Recent heart attack or stroke
• Very high blood pressure
• High risk of developing coronary heart disease

Never mix migraine treatments unless instructed to do so by a physician -- too much of this type of drug may cause potentially life-threatening reactions.

It is not known if Zomig is harmful to unborn or nursing babies. It should be used with extreme caution by pregnant or nursing mothers.

Zomig does interact with some other medications. Though serious side effects are unlikely, effectiveness of one or more the medications may be reduced. This is particularly true of antidepressants. For a complete list of possible interactions, read the leaflet included with the product or speak to a doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects:

Most side effects are mild and pass quickly:

• Skin sensitivity
• Fatigue
• Muscle aches
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heart beat
• Dry mouth

Rarely some patients are allergic to the ingredients in this medication. Symptoms include swelling of the face, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing, or a rash or hives. Allergic reactions warrant emergency medical attention.

Ingredients:

Active ingredient: zolmitriptan

Inactive ingredients: lactose anhydrous, macrogols, sodium starch glycolate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, iron oxide yellow CI77492