Zolmitriptan

Information about Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan uses

Zolmitriptan is used in Acute migraine headache. It relieves the symptoms of migraine and prevents the attack from becoming worse.

How zolmitriptan works

Migraine headaches occur due to the dilatation (swelling) of blood vessels in the head. Zolmitriptan works by narrowing these blood vessels, thus relieving the migraine headache.

Common side effects of zolmitriptan

Dryness in mouth, Nausea, Vomiting, Weakness, Dizziness, Sleepiness, Paresthesia (tingling or pricking sensation), Headache, Hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity), Warm sensation, Abdominal pain, Difficulty in swallowing, Palpitations, Anaphylactic reaction, Angina pectoris, Polyuria, Tachycardia, Abnormal liver function tests, Frequent urge to urinate, Ischemic colitis, Myocardial infarction, Angioedema (swelling of deeper layers of skin), Urticaria, Coronary vasospasm, Splenic infarction, Muscle weakness

Available Medicine for Zolmitriptan

Zolmist
₹786
Cipla Ltd
1 variant(s)
Zolpax
₹537
Alteus Biogenics Pvt Ltd
1 variant(s)
Zolitas
₹50 to ₹75
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
2 variant(s)
Zolmit
₹22
Admit Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd
1 variant(s)
Zolvent
₹537
Chemo Healthcare Pvt Ltd
1 variant(s)

Expert advice for Zolmitriptan

You have been prescribed Zolmitriptan for treatment of migraine headaches.
Some tips that may help avoid a migraine attack:
- Have your meals at the same time everyday
- Avoid bright lights and extreme temperatures
- Avoid loud music and noisy places
- Avoid chocolates, cheese, processed food, alcohol and smoking
- Get enough sleep and avoid stress
It may cause sleepiness. Don't drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.
Notify your doctor if your migraine occurs more often after starting the medication.
Notify your doctor if you have stomach pain, headache, bloody diarrhoea or worsening high blood pressure.
Inform your doctor if you have a history of heart disease or stroke.
This medication does not prevent migraine attacks from happening.

Frequently asked questions for Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan

Q. How soon should I take Zolmitriptan when attack starts?

Once your migraine headache has started, take Zolmitriptan as soon as possible. Do not use it to prevent an attack. Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Q. Can Zolmitriptan increase my Blood Preasure?

Yes, Zolmitriptan can cause an increase in blood pressure. However, it is does not occur in everyone. But, you should keep a check on your blood pressure during therapy with Zolmitriptan.

Q. What are the symptoms of headache caused due to medication overuse?

If you are having frequent or daily headaches despite (or because of) the regular use of headache medications, it is suggestive of medication overuse headache. You should consult your doctor who may discontinue the medication for sometime.

Q. What are the symptoms of Zolmitriptan overdose?

Taking an overdose of Zolmitriptan may cause fainting, dizziness, slow heartbeat, change in electrical activity of the heart, vomiting and inability to retain urine or stools.

Q. Can Zolmitriptan be used for the prevention of migraine attacks?

No, Zolmitriptan is not used for the prevention of migraine attacks or cluster headaches. It should only be used where a clear diagnosis of migraine has been established.

Q. What should I tell my doctor before taking Zolmitriptan?

Before taking Zolmitriptan, you should tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, liver or kidney disease or a family history of heart disease. You should also inform your doctor if you smoke, have had your menopause, or are a man aged 40 years or more. Let your doctor know if your headache is associated with dizziness, difficulty in walking, lack of coordination or weakness in the leg and arm. Your doctor should also know if you are taking medicines to treat depression such as sertraline, escitalopram oxalate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, or duloxetine. It is also important to inform your doctor if you have had short-lived chest pain and tightness.

Q. What triggers migraine attacks?

Migraine may be triggered by several factors. Some of the common triggers are caffeine withdrawal, changes in hormone levels during menstruation or with the use of birth control pills. Migraine also gets triggered with changes in sleep patterns, such as not getting enough sleep, drinking alcohol, missing meals, or smoking. Rigorous exercise or other physical stress, loud noises or bright lights, odors or perfumes, or exposure to smoke and stress and anxiety may also act as a trigger.

Q. I have been prescribed Zolmitriptan. Can I take other migraine medicines similar to Zolmitriptan with it?

Zolmitriptan belongs to a family of tryptamine-based drugs called Triptans. You should not take another triptan along with Zolmitriptan. Taking two triptans together may trigger a heart attack and may also result in an increase in blood pressure.

Q. Does migraine run in families?

Migraines may run in families. Migraines occur more often in women than men. It has been noticed that some women, but not all, have fewer migraines when they are pregnant.

Q. How do I know migraine attack is about to start?

Some people develop aura before getting a migraine attack. It may include visual problems, such as seeing flashing lights, zig-zag patterns or blind spots, numbness, dizziness, or a tingling sensation like pins and needles, or feeling off balance. You may also have difficulty speaking and loss of consciousness, although this is unusual.

Q. When should I start taking the medicines used to prevent migraine?

Medicines for prevention of migraine are usually used if you have tried avoiding possible triggers but are still experiencing migraines. You may also be prescribed these medicines if you experience very severe migraine attacks, or if your attacks happen frequently.

Q. Can Zolmitriptan cause liver damage?

No, Zolmitriptan does not cause liver damage, but you should let your doctor know if you have any liver problem, before taking Zolmitriptan.