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|Zolmitriptan Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan

Generic name: Zolmitriptan
Brand names: Zomig

Why is Zolmitriptan prescribed?

Zolmitriptan relieves migraine headaches. It"s effective whether or not the headache is preceded by an aura (visual disturbances such as halos and flickering lights). For most people Zolmitriptan provides relief within 2 hours, but it will not abort an attack or reduce the number of headaches you experience.

Migraines are thought to be caused by expansion and inflammation of blood vessels in the head. Zolmitriptan ends a migraine attack by constricting these blood vessels and reducing inflammation.

Most important fact about Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan is for use only on common and classic migraine headaches. It should not be used for other types of headache, including certain unusual types of migraine. It has not been tested for cluster headaches, a type of severe headache more common among men.

How should you take Zolmitriptan?

Take Zolmitriptan as soon as your first symptoms appear. If the headache comes back after your first dose, you may take a second one 2 hours later. However, if the first dose has no effect at all, do not take a second one unless your doctor advises it, and never take more than 10 milligrams in a day. If taking an orally disintegrating Zolmitriptan ZMT tablet, do not remove it from the blister pack until just before use, then immediately place it on your tongue, where it will dissolve in the saliva. Do not break the tablet. Throw away any unused tablets already removed from the blister packaging.

--If you miss a dose...

Zolmitriptan is not for regular use. Take it only when you are having a migraine attack.

--Storage instructions...

Store Zolmitriptan at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture. Throw away any remaining tablets after the expiration date printed on the package. Also discard any leftover medicine if your doctor decides to stop treatment with Zolmitriptan.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Zolmitriptan.

• More common side effects may include:
  Chest pain or tightness, cold sensation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, feeling of heaviness in the chest or elsewhere, indigestion, jaw pain or tightness, nausea, neck pain or tightness, pain, skin tingling, sweating, throat pain or tightness, warm sensation, weakness

Why should Zolmitriptan not be prescribed?

You should not take Zolmitriptan if you have certain types of heart disease, including angina (chest pain), a history of heart attack, and certain heart irregularities. Also avoid the drug if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Do not use Zolmitriptan within 24 hours of taking an ergotamine-based migraine medication such as Cafergot, Ergostat, or Sansert, or a drug in the same class as Zolmitriptan, such as Imitrex.

Avoid using Zolmitriptan within 2 weeks of taking a drug classified as an MAO inhibitor, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.

If Zolmitriptan gives you an allergic reaction, do not take it again.

Special warnings about Zolmitriptan

If the first dose of Zolmitriptan does not relieve your symptoms, ask your doctor to reevaluate you; migraine may not be the problem.

Although the danger is very remote, this type of medication has been known to trigger serious and even life-threatening heart problems in people with heart disease. If you have a heart disorder, make sure the doctor knows about it. Do not take Zolmitriptan if you suffer from irregular heartbeat.

Very rarely, Zolmitriptan has caused serious intestinal problems. See your doctor immediately if you have bloody diarrhea or stomach pain.

If you have risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may ask you to take your first dose of Zolmitriptan in the office, and may want to monitor you carefully thereafter. Risk factors that signal the need for caution include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, excess weight, diabetes, and a strong family history of heart disease or hardening of the arteries. Heart disease is also more likely in postmenopausal women and men over 40.

Use Zolmitriptan with caution if you have liver or kidney disease. These conditions could alter the effect of the drug. If you have a history of seizures, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Also, if you develop any trouble with your eyes, alert your doctor. There is a possibility the problem could be related to Zolmitriptan.

If you experience pain or tightness in your chest or throat when using Zolmitriptan, tell your doctor. If the chest pain is severe or does not go away, seek medical attention immediately. These pains could be symptoms of a previously undetected heart condition.

If you develop shortness of breath, wheezing, a throbbing heartbeat, swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips, or a skin rash, skin lumps, or hives after taking Zolmitriptan, call your doctor immediately, and do not take any more of the drug without your doctor"s approval.

If a headache feels different from your usual migraine, check with your doctor before using Zolmitriptan.

If you must avoid phenylalanine, do not use the orally disintegrating Zolmitriptan ZMT tablets, which contain this substance.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zolmitriptan

Remember that Zolmitriptan should never be combined with the following drugs (see "Why should Zolmitriptan not be prescribed?"):

MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressant drugs Nardil and Parnate
Ergotamine-type drugs such as Cafergot, D.H.E. 45 Injection, Ergostat, and Sansert
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)

If Zolmitriptan is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either may be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Zolmitriptan with the following:

Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Oral contraceptives
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Propranolol (Inderal)
Sertraline (Zoloft)

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Zolmitriptan during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Although researchers have not confirmed it, Zolmitriptan may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. Check with your doctor before using Zolmitriptan while breastfeeding.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The recommended starting dose is no more than 2.5 milligrams. Higher doses have little additional effect, but tend to cause more side effects. If the headache returns, the dose may be repeated after 2 hours. Do not exceed 10 milligrams in a day.

If you have liver disease, your doctor will prescribe a lower dose and closely monitor your blood pressure.

CHILDREN AND OLDER ADULTS

The safety and effectiveness of Zolmitriptan have not been established in children and adults over 65.

Overdosage

The only known symptom of Zolmitriptan overdose is drowsiness. However, any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.