Zomig nasal spray contains the active ingredient zolmitriptan, which is a type of medicine called a serotonin (or 5HT) agonist. This type of medicine is also commonly known as a ‘triptan’. It is a painkiller specifically used to relieve migraine attacks

Although the cause of migraine attacks is not fully understood, it is thought that widening of blood vessels in the brain causes the throbbing pain of migraine headaches.This medicine relieves this pain by causing the blood vessels in the brain to narrow.

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What cause migraine?A brief overview

Migraine headaches tend to have some marked differences from other headaches, which helps your doctor determine which type of headache you have. There are also several different types of migraine headaches. In general terms, migraine attacks are experienced as a headache of at least moderate severity usually on one side of the head and occurring with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and noise (though some people experience migraine without headache).

The headache is usually made worse by physical activity. Migraine attacks usually last from 4 to 72 hours and in most cases there is complete freedom from symptoms between attacks.
The exact cause of migraines is not yet known, but it is thought that migraines are the result of abnormal brain activity which temporarily alters nerve signals, chemicals and blood vessels in the brain.

Around half of all people who experience migraines also have a close relative with the condition, suggesting that genes may play a role. For some disorders, genes play a particularly important role and migraine is a good example. We know this from clinical practice because we often see migraine running in families, and this is confirmed in formal scientific studies. In most cases a single gene defect or mutation probably does not cause migraine, instead it results from several different genes all coming together.

Headache is an almost universal experience; most of us have some kind of headache at some time in our lives. The classification system of headaches used by the medical profession is one of the longest in medicine, with many types and causes.

Headaches are unpleasant pains in your head that can cause pressure and aching. The pain can range from mild to severe, and they usually occur on both sides of your head. Some specific areas where headaches can occur include the forehead, temples, and back of the neck. A headache can last anywhere from 30 minutes to a week.

One of the most common causes is called tension-which is a type of headache is the most common — 90% of all headaches fall into this category. This headache have triggers that include stress, muscle strain, and anxiety. Tension headaches generally feel like a tight band of pain around your head. And might be caused by tender muscles in the head and neck. When you are stressed or tired, the muscles in your head and neck become sore and tender. When these muscles become tense, the pain travels up to your head and you feel it as a headache.

Headaches can vary greatly in their duration, cause and severity. A hangover headache, for example goes within a few hours and headaches associated with an infectious illness improve when the illness is over.
It is really important to identify the type of headache you have so you can get the right sort of treatment and advice. A headache can be the result of a whole variety of factors such as head injuries, infections and other medical conditions.

How does Zomig nasal spray work?

Zomig nasal spray contains the active ingredient zolmitriptan, which is a type of medicine called a serotonin (or 5HT) agonist. This type of medicine is also commonly known as a ‘triptan’. It is a painkiller specifically used to relieve migraine attacks.

Although the cause of migraine attacks is not fully understood, it is thought that widening of blood vessels in the brain causes the throbbing pain of migraine headaches. Zolmitriptan relieves this pain by causing the blood vessels in the brain to narrow.

Zolmitriptan works by stimulating receptors called serotonin (or 5HT) receptors that are found in the brain. A natural substance called serotonin normally acts on these receptors, causing blood vessels in the brain to narrow. Zolmitriptan mimics this action of serotonin by directly stimulating the serotonin receptors in the brain. This narrows the blood vessels and so relieves the pain of migraine headaches.
The dose of zolmitriptan should be taken as early as possible after the migraine headache has started, though it is also effective if taken at a later stage during the migraine attack.

Zomig nasal spray is administered into one nostril to relieve a migraine attack. The medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream through the blood vessels lining the nose and starts to work within about 15 minutes. It may be particularly useful for people who feel sick or vomit during their migraine attack, as it is not taken by mouth.

Can I buy Zomig nasal spray online in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to purchase this drug online after a quick consultation on chat or a phone consultation. This medicine is not prescription free and therefore you must always have a prescription from your doctor to start the treatment. Never start such treatment without talking to a doctor, and do not buy this medicine online from pages that do not require a doctor’s consultation. These are unauthorized online pharmacies and can sell fake versions of the drug.

If you are fit for the treatment, you will receive it directly by mail from an approved pharmacy in the UK.

How do i use this medicine?

Always use this medicine as prescribed from your doctor for optimal results of the treatment, if unsure contact your doctor or pharmacist for further questions.

  • Use this medication at the first sign of a migraine as directed by your doctor, usually 1 spray into one nostril.
  • Avoid spraying into your eyes.
  • Blow your nose gently before using this medication.
  • Remove the protective cap, and block one nostril by pressing firmly on either side of your nose.
  • Place the tip of the spray device into the other nostril and breathe in gently as you press the plunger.
  • Keep your head tilted slightly back, remove the tip from your nose, and breathe gently through your mouth for 5 to 10 seconds.
  • Your nose may feel wet inside and you may notice a slight taste after using the spray. This is normal.

If there is no improvement in your symptoms, do not take more doses of this medication before talking to your doctor. If your symptoms are only partly relieved, or if your headache comes back, you may use another dose at least two hours after the first dose. Do not use more than 10 milligrams in a 24-hour period.

Is there any side effects?

Stop using zolmitriptan and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

  • feeling of pain or tightness in your jaw, neck, or throat;
  • chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling;
  • sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
  • sudden severe headache, confusion, problems with vision,…

Like with all medicines, this medicine can come with some side effects, although it might not affect everyone, it’s important to know about the possible side effects that might occur.
The most common side effects include:

  • Taste disturbance.
  • Discomfort in the nasal cavity.
  • Sensation of tightness, pressure, tingling, heaviness, heat or pain in any part of the body, including the chest and throat (see warning above).
  • Dry mouth.
  • Nausea.
  • Muscle pain and weakness.
  • Abnormal sensations or disturbance of sensation, eg pins and needles.
  • Dizziness.
  • Sleepiness (somnolence).
  • Weakness or loss of strength (asthenia).
  • Increased heart rate (tachycardia).
  • Awareness of your heart beat (palpitations).
  • Headache.
  • Hives.
  • Swelling of the face, lips or tongue (angioedema).
  • Increases in blood pressure.

If any of these side effects become bothersome or don’t improve, talk to your doctor. For a complete list of possible side effects, see the package leaflet. If you get any side effects, report to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This include any possible side effects not listed above.

Zomig nasal spray contraindications

In order to ensure the safety of this treatment, always make sure to disclose all the relevant info to your doctor and this includes other medicines you might be taking at the moment and other medical conditions that you might be affected by.
Hypersensitivity to this medicine is a contraindication. In addition, this cream should not be used if you have the following:

  • is allergic to its ingredients
  • is under 18 or over 65
  • has a high risk of heart or liver disease
  • has heart or vascular problems
  • has moderate or severe hypertension or mild uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • has had a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
  • is currently taking medication like ergotamins or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Talk to your doctor if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, before taking sumatriptan. It might not be suitable for you.