Zolmitriptan Tablets

About zolmitriptan tablets

Key points

• Take around 30 minutes to work 
• Relieves both migraines with and without auras  
• Prescription treatment 

Buy zolmitriptan tablets online

Zolmitriptan are fast-acting migraine tablets. This treatment is part of the "triptan" class of medication and used to treat different types of migraines. In the UK, you can also buy zolmitriptan under the brand name Zomig. Zolmitriptan is available in tablet form, or as a nasal spray. 
 

What is zolmitriptan? 

Zolmitriptan is an effective migraine treatment used to relieve both migraines with and without aura. Zolmitriptan decreases the inflammation of blood vessels in the brain that a migraine causes. It is also able to prevent pain signals from being sent to the brain and prevent the release of natural substances that can cause migraine symptoms. 

How does zolmitriptan work?  

Zolmitriptan works by constricting blood vessels in the brain, preventing pain signals from being transmitted. It also works by stopping the release of chemicals which cause pain, nausea and other migraine symptoms.  

What are zolmitriptan tablets used for? 

Zolmitriptan helps to relieve pain caused by migraines. It is also effective at treating other migraine symptoms such as:   

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Light sensitivity 
• Sound sensitivity

It is important to note that zolmitriptan does not reduce the frequency of migraines or prevent you from getting them in the future. If you suffer from migraines regularly, it is best to seek medical advice. 

How long does zolmitriptan take to work? 

Zolmitriptan tablets take around 30 minutes to work. They are also available in the branded version as a nasal spray (Zomig nasal spray) or orodispersible tablets (Zomig tablets) that have a faster onset of action.

Zolmitriptan dosage instructions

The starting dose for zolmitraptan is 2.5mg to be taken at the onset of a migraine. Another 2.5mg can be taken after 2 hours, if the migraine recurs. Do not take a second tablet to treat the same migraine attack.  

If response to the 2.5mg tablet is limited, your doctor or pharmacist may advise you to try the 5mg tablets. Do not take more than 10mg in a 24 hour period.  

The zolmitriptan dosage amount that you take is dependent on several factors, including:  

• Your age 
• Other medication you may be taking 
• Your response to the treatment 

Before taking zolmitriptan, always make sure to discuss with your pharmacist or doctor as to the correct dosage that you should take. 

How to take zolmitriptan 

You should wait for migraine pain to begin before you take zolmitriptan, even if you experience warning signs (aura). This is because zolmitriptan is less effective if taken in the aura stage.  

If full relief has not been achieved, or the migraine has returned and it has been two hours since you took the first tablet, you may take a second tablet. 

Before you begin taking zolmitriptan, you should always read the information leaflet. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.

Zolmitriptan side effects

Not everyone will experience side effects, but they are possible.  

Common (affecting up to 10% of users): 

• Tingling in your fingers and toes  
• Sensitive skin when touched 
• Sleepiness, dizziness or feeling warm 
• Headache 
• Uneven heartbeat 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Stomach pain 
• Dry mouth 
• Muscle weakness or muscle pain 
• Feeling weak 
• Pain or pressure in the throat, neck, arms and legs, or chest 
• Problems swallowing 

These side effects are usually mild and go away after a short time. 

Uncommon (affecting up to 1% of users): 

• Rapid heartbeat 
• Blood pressure increase 
• Increase in frequency or amount in peeing  

Serotonin syndrome is a rare, life-threatening condition reported in some cases, when Zolmitriptan is taken with certain depression medicines. 

Signs of serotonin syndrome include: 

• Agitation or restlessness 
• Fever 
• Excessive sweating 
• Tremor 
• Uncoordinated movement of limbs or eyes 
• Uncontrollable jerking of muscles 
• Twitching and muscle rigidity

Zolmitriptan warnings

Zolmitriptan may not be suitable for some people. It is important that you speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication if you: 

• Are at risk of getting ischaemic heart disease – greater if you’re a smoker, have high blood pressure or levels of cholesterol, diabetes or a family member has ischaemic heart disease 
• Have been told that you have Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (abnormal heartbeat) 
• Have liver problems 
• Experience headaches which are not like your usual migraine 
• Take any medicine for treatment of depression 

Taking too much zolmitriptan can cause daily headaches or worsen your migraines.  

Zolmitriptan is not recommended for people over 65 or for children and adolescents under 18 years.

Zolmitriptan and pregnancy

No significant birth defects have been found in pregnant women who use zolmitriptan. You should discuss the benefits and risks of zolmitriptan with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant. 

Zolmitriptan and breastfeeding

Zolmitriptan levels in breastmilk are low, so the amounts that infants ingest are small. No significant risk to infants has been found by studies to date. However, you should withhold breastfeeding for 12 hours. You should speak to your doctor before taking zolmitriptan if you are breastfeeding.  

Zolmitriptan interactions

It is important to inform your doctor if you are taking or recently taken any other medicines before you take Zolmitripton.  

Caution should be taken with the following:   

• Triptan medication 
  • Before taking zolmitriptan leave 24 hours - if you take a triptan other than zolmitriptan (such as sumatriptan or naratriptan) 
  • After taking Zolmitriptan leave 24 hours - before taking any other triptans 
• Ergotamine or ergot-type medication 
  • Before taking zolmitriptan leave 24 hours - if you take medicines containing ergotamine or ergot-type medicines  
  • After taking Zolmitriptan leave 6 hours - to take ergotamine or ergot-type medicines. 
• Medicines used to treat depression  
  • MAOIs such as moclobemide 
  • SSRIs such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, fluvoxamine or sertraline 
  • SNRIs such as venlafaxine or duloxetine.  
• Other medicines 
  • cimetidine (for indigestion or stomach ulcers) 
  • a quinolone antibiotic (such as ciprofloxacin).  

You should not take St. John’s wort. If you already take it, stop taking it and tell your doctor or pharmacist. 

Zolmitriptan alternatives

Zomig nasal spray is a good alternative for people who cannot take Zolmitriptan tablets. It contains the same active ingredient. 
 

Zolmitriptan vs sumatriptan 

• Sumatriptan is available in the UK, under the brand name Imigran 
• Both zolmitriptan and sumatriptan work in a similar way 
• No significant differences between the two have been found in clinical studies 
• Zolmitriptan may be slightly more effective for people experiencing migraines associated with menstruation 
• Both medicines are available in tablet and spray form, with sumatriptan tablets coming in 25mg, 50mg, and 100mg 
• Zolmitriptan is also available as an orodispersible tablet 
• Read what our customers have to say on our sumatriptan reviews page 
• Our guide discusses sumatriptan in greater detail 

Zolmitriptan vs rizatriptan 

• Rizatriptan is also sold under the brand name Maxalt in the UK 
• Rizatriptan tablets come in 5mg and 10mg doses and sold at a similar price point 
• Both zolmitriptan and rizatriptan are selective serotonin receptor agonists in the triptan group of drugs and work in a similar way 
• Zolmitriptan and rizatriptan have some of the same potential side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, fatigue, burning sensation, and a mild headache 
• Zolmitriptan can take as long as an hour to relieve symptoms, whilst rizatriptan is effective in no longer than 30 minutes 
• Rizatriptan is normally taken as one 10mg tablet, as opposed to 2.5mg or 5mg of zolmitriptan

How to prevent migraines

You should take this medicine as soon as a migraine headache starts. 

There are certain lifestyle changes which can be made to prevent a migraine, such as: 

• Avoid certain foods which may be triggering your migraines 
• Drink plenty of water  
• Limit caffeine and alcohol 
• Keep a healthy weight 
• Eat meals regularly  
• Maintain an exercise routine 
• Improve sleep quality 
• Manage stress levels

Zolmitriptan ingredients

Active ingredient: zolmitriptan 

Inactive ingredient: lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate (Type A), magnesium stearate 

Sources

NHS, 2024. Migraine: Treatment. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/treatment/ [Accessed 15 May 2024].