Zomigon

zolmitriptan

Zomigon is used to treat severe migraine headaches. Many people find that their headaches go away completely after they take Zomigon. Other people find that their headaches are much less painful, and that they are able to go back to their normal activities even though their headaches are not completely gone. Zomigon often relieves symptoms that occur together with a migraine headache, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound.

What is Zomigon?

Zomigon contains zolmitriptan, which is one of the more recent medications designed specifically for migraine.

Zolmitriptan causes constriction of the blood vessels and thereby relieves the pain of a migraine headache. Migraine headaches are believed to result from dilation of the blood vessels in the brain. While zolmitriptan is very effective in relieving migraine headaches, it does not prevent or reduce the number of headaches if taken prophylactically. Zolmitriptan also reduces substances in the body that can trigger headache pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.

Before taking Zomigon

Before taking this medicine, consult with your doctor about all other medications you are taking (especially of other medicine for migraine or depression) and also tell him about your medical history and condition. Some medicines and other substances may interact with each other and cause severe side effects. Zolmitriptan should not be given to patients who have symptoms of cardiovascular disease.

How should I take Zomigon?

Zomigon will only treat a headache that has already begun. It will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks. Several changes in the brain that are involved in the development of migraine attacks have been identified. Migraines are believed to result from nerve activity and swelling of the blood vessels in the brain. Zomigon acts at several of these sites that are thought to be involved in producing migraine symptoms, such as the blood vessels in the brain and the nerves involved in the signalling of the headache.

Zomigon is taken at the first symptoms of a migraine attack, it is not for everyday use. It is not intended for the prophylactic therapy of migraine or for use in the management of hemiplegic or basilar migraine. Zomigon is not an ordinary pain reliever. It should not be used to relieve any kind of pain other than migraine headaches.

Zomigon side effects

Zomigon is generally well tolerated. Across all doses, most adverse reactions are mild and transient and do not lead to long-lasting effects. Several of the adverse events appear dose related; notably paresthesia, sensation of heaviness or tightness in chest, neck, jaw, and throat, warm and cold sensations, dizziness, somnolence, and possibly asthenia and nausea. Prescribers should be aware of the possibility of long-term ophthalmologic effects.

Precautions

Zolmitriptan should not be used within 24 hours of treatment with another 5HT1 agonist, or an ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medication. Concurrent administration of MAO A inhibitors or use of zolmitriptan within 2 weeks of discontinuation of MAO A inhibitor therapy is contraindicated. Zomigon is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to zolmitriptan or any of its inactive ingredients. It also contains aspartame, and should be avoided by anyone sensitive to that ingredient.

Zomigon should only be used where a clear diagnosis of migraine has been established.

Zolmitriptan should be administered with caution to patients with diseases that may alter the absorption, metabolism, or excretion of drugs, such as impaired hepatic function. Zolmitriptan should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when zolmitriptan is administered to a nursing woman.

Zolmitriptan should not be given to patients who have symptoms or findings consistent with ischemic heart disease, coronary artery vasospasm, including Prinzmetal's variant angina, or other significant underlying cardiovascular disease, it should not be given to patients with uncontrolled hypertension, hemiplegic or basilar migraine.

Notes

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Zomigon. If you have any other questions, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.