Zomig (Zolmitriptan) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Migraine »

What is a migraine headache?

A migraine headache is a form of vascular headache. Migraine headache is caused by vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels) that causes the release of chemicals from nerve fibers that coil around the large arteries of the brain. Enlargement of these blood vessels stretches the nerves that coil around them and causes the nerves to release chemicals. The chemicals cause inflammation, pain, and further enlargement of the artery. The increasing enlargement of the arteries magnifies the pain.

Migraine attacks commonly activate the sympathetic nervous system in the body. The sympathetic nervous system is often thought of as the part of the nervous system that controls primitive responses to stress and pain, the so-called "fight or flight" response, and this activation causes many of the symptoms associated with migraine attacks; for example, the increased sympathetic nervous activity in the intestine causes nausea, vomiting,...

Read the Migraine article »

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Zomig

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Zomig Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

ZOLMITRIPTAN - ORAL

(zol-meh-TRIP-tan)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Zomig

USES: Zolmitriptan is used to treat migraines. It helps to relieve headaches, pain, and other symptoms of migraines, including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light/sound. Prompt treatment allows you to get back to your normal routine and may decrease your need for other pain medications. Zolmitriptan does not prevent future migraines or reduce how often you may get a migraine.

Zolmitriptan belongs to a group of drugs called "triptans." Migraines are thought to occur when certain blood vessels in the brain become swollen (dilated). This drug works by helping blood vessels in the brain to return to normal size. It may also block pain signals in the brain.

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start using zolmitriptan and each time you get a refill. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Take this medication by mouth, with or without food, at the first sign of a migraine as directed by your doctor. If there is no improvement in your symptoms, do not take any more doses of this medication before talking to your doctor. If your symptoms are only partly relieved, or if your headache comes back, you may take a second dose after 2 hours or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than 10 milligrams in a 24-hour period.

If you have certain conditions that increase your risk of heart disease and you have never taken this medication before, you may need to be monitored for rare but serious side effects (e.g., chest pain) when you take the first dose. Your doctor may ask you to take the first dose in the office. See Precautions section for more information.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.