Brand
name: Zomig ( Zolmitriptan )
Pronounced: ZOE-mig
Generic name: Zolmitriptan
Why is Zomig prescribed?
The uses of Zomig ( Zolmitriptan ) include:
Zomig is manufactured by AstraZeneca Inc. Zomig is a medicine that is
used as a cerebral vasoconstrictor targeting relief from migraine headache
attacks as they occur. It will not prevent or reduce the number of
attacks you experience.
Zomig 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 Zomig 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. Zomig ends a migraine attack by constricting
these blood vessels and reducing inflammation.Zomig 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 Zomig 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. Zomig ends a migraine attack by constricting
these blood vessels and reducing inflammation.
Most important fact about Zomig
Zomig 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 Zomig?
Take Zomig 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
Zomig 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...
Zomig is not for regular use. Take it only when you are having
a migraine attack.
--Storage instructions...
Store Zomig 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 Zomig.
Zomig side effects
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 Zomig.
* 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 Zomig not be prescribed?
You should not take Zomig 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 Zomig within 24 hours of taking an ergotamine-based
migraine medication such as Cafergot, Ergostat, or Sansert, or
a drug in the same class as Zomig, such as Imitrex.
Avoid using Zomig within 2 weeks of taking a drug classified as
an MAO inhibitor, such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.
If Zomig gives you an allergic reaction, do not take it again.
Special warnings about Zomig
If the first dose of Zomig 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 Zomig if you suffer
from irregular heartbeat.
Very rarely, Zomig 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 Zomig 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 Zomig 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 Zomig.If you experience
pain or tightness in your chest or throat when using Zomig, 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 Zomig, 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 Zomig.
If you must avoid phenylalanine, do not use the orally disintegrating
Zomig ZMT tablets, which contain this substance.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Zomig
Remember that Zomig should never be combined with the following
drugs (see "Why should Zomig 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 Zomig 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 Zomig 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 Zomig 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, Zomig may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing
infant. Check with your doctor before using Zomig while breastfeeding.
Recommended dosage for Zomig
