Zomig

Zolmitriptan, often sold under the brand 'Zomig', is a migraine medication that is designed to deliver instant relief from a migraine attack. You take it when you feel the symptoms developing during the main headache stage, it does not work as a preventative. You should only take this treatment if you have been diagnosed with migraine by a medical professional.

Here at HealthExpress, you can buy both Zolmitriptan (Zomig) tablets and nasal spray for migraine treatment.

The active ingredient of the same, Zolmitriptan, belongs to a group of medications known as ‘triptans’ or selective serotonin receptor agonists (5-HT1 agonists), alongside Sumatriptan (Imigran), Almotriptan (Almirall), Naratriptan and Rizatriptan. They all work in exactly the same way.

Triptans work to ease the symptoms of a migraine attack including nausea, headache and sensitivity to light and sound. Zomig and other triptans work by stimulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger in the brain). This reduces inflammation and constricts the blood vessels in the brain, as migraine is believed to be caused by swelling of the brain’s blood vessels.

You can take Zolmitriptan the form of tablets, orodispersible tablets or a nasal spray for those who struggle to swallow tablets during a migraine attack. They are all effective in treating migraine, but you must take them as soon as symptoms start or once the migraine attack is underway. However, you cannot use Zolmitriptan to prevent migraines occurring.

It’s important you take Zolmitriptan exactly as prescribed. The maximum dosage is 10mg. If you exceed that dose, please seek immediate medical advice even if you don’t feel unwell. Full instructions for both the tablets and the nasal spray can be found in the respective patient information leaflet, available in the box with your medication or to download online.

Zolmitriptan tablets

Zolmitriptan tablets are available in a 2.5 or 5 mg dose.

• take one tablet as soon as you feel symptoms developing or during the migraine attack
• swallow the tablet with a drink of water
• for the orodispersible tablets, one tablet should be placed on the tongue and allowed to dissolve
• you may take another tablet if migraine symptoms are still present after 2 hours, or return within 24 hours

Zolmitriptan nasal spray

The Zolmitriptan nasal spray is available in a 5mg dose.

• one 5mg dose should be sprayed into one nostril, it doesn’t matter which nostril you use
• you may take another dose after 2 hours if symptoms are still present or if symptoms return within 24 hours

Please read the instructions and refer to the diagrams in the patient information leaflet carefully before applying.

Brief instructions are as follows:

1. Blow your nose gently before use.
2. Remove protective cover, gently hold the nasal spray between your finger and thumb but do not press the plunger yet.
3. Block one nostril by pressing your finger to the side of your nose.
4. Insert nozzle into the other nostril as far as it feels comfortable to do so.
5. Tilt your head back slightly and close your mouth.
6. Breathe gently in through your nose and press the plunger firmly with your thumb at the same time. You may hear it click.
7. Keeping your head tilted, remove the nozzle from your nose.
8. Breathe gently through your mouth for 5 - 10 seconds, the inside of your nose may feel wet but this is normal and doesn’t mean the spray hasn’t worked.

Like all prescription medicines, Zolmitriptan can cause some side effects. However, common side effects are mild and go away quickly.

Common side effects include:

• taste disturbance
• tingling in your fingers, toes or skin that is sensitive to touch
• feeling sleepy, dizzy or warm
• uneven heart beat
• nose irritation, such as a nosebleed or sensitivity
• feeling or being sick
• stomach pain
• dry mouth
• muscle weakness or pain
• heaviness, tightness, pain or pressure in the body
• problems swallowing

Some more severe side effects are rare but may include an allergic reaction (swelling, itchy rash) or chest pain (angina). A more comprehensive list of side effects is available in the patient information leaflet. If you experience any worrying or prolonged symptoms, please seek immediate medical advice.

Some people should not take Zolmitriptan if they have certain pre-existing conditions, as Zolmitriptan can exacerbate them.

You should not take Zolmitriptan if you:

• are allergic to zolmitriptan or other triptans
• have high blood pressure
• have a history of heart problems such as a heart attack or stroke
• are taking other medications for migraine

In addition, some people should speak to a healthcare professional before taking it, especially if you have:

• been told you are at risk of developing heart disease such as if you smoke, are overweight, have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (condition that causes an irregular heartbeat)
• liver problems
• have chronic headaches that feel different to your usual migraines

It’s important that you disclose what medications you are taking to your prescriber, including both prescription and over-the-counter medications. This is because Zolmitriptan can interact with the other medications you’re taking, including:

• other medications for migraines
• certain antidepressants
• cimetidine - for indigestion or stomach ulcers
• quinolone antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin)
• St John’s Wort - a herbal medicine

If you’re not sure what medications you take and whether Zolmitriptan is suitable for you, you should speak with a healthcare professional before taking it.

You can buy Zolmitriptan (Zomig) tablets and nasal spray online here at HealthExpress, provided you have previously been diagnosed with migraine by a medical professional. All you have to do is fill out a confidential medical questionnaire, which will be reviewed by one of our registered doctors. Once they have approved you for treatment, your medication will be delivered with free, next-day delivery.