Zomig

Introduction

Written by Kirstyn Hill, PharmD, MPH
Medically reviewed by Rosanna Sutherby, PharmD
Updated on September 20, 2023

Zolmitriptan (zohl mi TRIP tan) is a generic medication prescribed for the treatment of migraine headaches. Zolmitriptan belongs to a group of drugs called serotonin receptor agonists or triptans.

These approved uses differ based on the form of zolmitriptan your doctor prescribes.

This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of zolmitriptan. To find coupons for zolmitriptan oral disintegrating tablet, see this article.

Side effects of zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of zolmitriptan and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about zolmitriptan’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for zolmitriptan listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of zolmitriptan are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of zolmitriptan you take.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about zolmitriptan’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for zolmitriptan listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Zolmitriptan oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• neck, throat, or jaw pain
• dizziness
• paresthesia (a feeling of “pins and needles” or tingling)
• weakness
• mild allergic reaction*

Zolmitriptan nasal spray’s mild side effects include:

• unusual taste
• paresthesia (a feeling of “pins and needles” or tingling)
• hyperesthesia (increased sensitivity to sensation, especially touch, pain, and temperature)
• dizziness
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for zolmitriptan” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of zolmitriptan are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about zolmitriptan’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for zolmitriptan listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, zolmitriptan’s serious side effects include:

• chest, jaw, neck, or throat tightness
• cardiovascular (heart and blood vessel) issues, such as heart attack and stroke
• serotonin syndrome, a serious condition where there is too much serotonin in the body
• increase in blood pressure
• severe allergic reaction†

 * For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for zolmitriptan” section.

Common questions about zolmitriptan

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about zolmitriptan.

Is zolmitriptan similar to sumatriptan?

Yes, zolmitriptan and sumatriptan (Imitrex, Tosymra, others) are both triptans used to treat migraine headaches after they start. Sumatriptan is also approved to treat cluster headaches.

Both zolmitriptan and sumatriptan are available as an oral tablet and nasal spray. Zolmitriptan is available as an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) as well. Sumatriptan is also available as an injection given under the skin and a nasal powder. The side effects of zolmitriptan and sumatriptan are similar.

If you’d like to know more about how zolmitriptan and sumatriptan compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

How does zolmitriptan work? And how long does it take to start working?

Zolmitriptan treats sudden migraine episodes by attaching to serotonin receptors in the blood vessels within the skull. Zolmitriptan helps lower the swelling of the blood vessels around the brain. The swelling is what is thought to cause pain during a migraine headache. You should feel relief within 1 hour of taking zolmitriptan.  

If you’d like to know more about how zolmitriptan works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Uses of zolmitriptan

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as zolmitriptan for certain conditions. Approved uses for zolmitriptan are described below.

Use for migraine

Doctors may prescribe zolmitriptan oral tablet or orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) for the treatment of migraine headaches. It’s used for this purpose in adults. Doctors may also prescribe zolmitriptan nasal spray for the treatment of migraine headaches in adults and children 12 years and older. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

Migraine episodes are intense headaches caused by problems with nerve signaling, balance of chemicals, and blood vessels in the brain. The pain may be felt on one side of the head or all over. You may also have nausea, vomiting, or be sensitive to light and sound.

Some people also have auras, which are symptoms that happen before the actual headache begins. Auras can involve problems with your vision, speech, movement, or sensation. Examples of auras include:

• seeing shapes or light flashes
• losing your vision temporarily
• feeling a tingling sensation in your arms, legs, or face

If not treated, migraine episodes can last for a couple of hours to a few days. Zolmitriptan doesn’t prevent migraine episodes from happening. Instead, it helps with sudden symptoms by shrinking blood vessels in the brain that develop during a migraine episode.

Interactions and warnings for zolmitriptan

Below you’ll find information about zolmitriptan’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of zolmitriptan

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you use zolmitriptan, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for zolmitriptan” section below.

Warnings for zolmitriptan

Some people should not take zolmitriptan, and others should take it cautiously.

Zolmitriptan could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether zolmitriptan is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of zolmitriptan you take.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for zolmitriptan, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Zolmitriptan can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to zolmitriptan or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe zolmitriptan. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to zolmitriptan, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of zolmitriptan

If you take zolmitriptan by mouth OR use zolmitriptan, you should not take more zolmitriptan than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve used too much zolmitriptan, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and zolmitriptan

Information about zolmitriptan and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Zolmitriptan and pregnancy

It’s not known whether zolmitriptan should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking or using this medication.

Zolmitriptan and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether zolmitriptan should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking or using this medication.

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about zolmitriptan or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Does zolmitriptan cause long-term side effects?
• Are there alternative medications that I can take for migraine?
• What drug interactions should I avoid while taking zolmitriptan?

Resources

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Zolmitriptan spray, metered (2019). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/aeaf98d1-f3a2-4015-afca-c399e25ec6e2/spl-doc
• Zolmitriptan tablet, film coated. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/9212b076-b1ae-4c06-bd56-0ae3c5c9acdf/spl-doc
• Zolmitriptan tablet, orally disintegrating. (2022). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/a734b368-6008-441c-ab44-5634e46be9a4/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.