Zolmitriptan Orodispersible is a fast-acting migraine treatment for those who struggle to swallow medication in tablet form. Zolmitriptan has similar effectiveness and mechanism of action to other leading migraine relief medications such as Sumatriptan and Imigran. Zolmitriptanvis a type of medicine called a serotonin (or 5HT) agonist.

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What cause migraines?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.

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.

How does Zolmitriptan-orodispersible work?

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 belongs to a group of medicines called triptans. Triptans aim to reverse changes in the brain that can cause migraines. It is thought that the swelling of blood vessels in the brain, which causes the build-up of pressure. Zolmitriptan Orodispersible stimulates the serotonin receptors in the brain, encouraging the blood vessels to contract and ease this pressure.

Through this process, Zolmitriptan Orodispersible can work to treat migraine attacks at source. This medication has also been found to ease symptoms of severe migraine attacks such as noise sensitivity, light sensitivity, nausea and neck pain can be eased with Zolmitriptan Orodispersible.

Can I buy Zolmitriptan online in the UK?

Yes, it is possible to purchase this drug online after a quick consultation on chat or a phone. 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 by your doctor for optimal results of the treatment, if unsure contact your doctor or pharmacist for further questions.

If you are taking tablets: the usual dose is one 2.5 mg tablet as soon as the headache phase develops. Take the tablet with a drink of water. Your doctor may subsequently increase your dose to two tablets if this is considered necessary. If your migraine at first improves but then comes back, you may take a further dose, providing it is at least two hours after the initial dose. If the first tablet has no effect, do not take a second dose for the same attack, as it is unlikely to work.

If you have been prescribed orodispersible tablets (Zomig® Rapimelt brand), these tablets have been designed to dissolve on your tongue rather than be swallowed. They can be helpful if you get sickness with a migraine. Peel open the foil packaging and gently remove a tablet. Place it on your tongue and allow it to dissolve in your mouth before you swallow. If your migraine at first improves but then comes back, you may take a further dose, providing it is at least two hours after the initial dose. If the first tablet has no effect, do not take a second dose for the same attack.

If you using the nasal spray: use one spray into one nostril as soon as the migraine headache starts. If your migraine at first improves but then comes back, you can use the spray again providing it is at least two hours after your first dose. If the first spray has no effect, do not use a second dose for the same attack. Do not use more than two sprays in 24 hours. To use the nasal spray, remove the protective cover and block one nostril by pressing on it with your finger. Insert the nozzle of the spray into the other nostril and breathe in through your nose as you squeeze the plunger to release the dose. The spray contains only one dose.

Is there any side effects?

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:

  • Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting), stomach pain
  • Feeling dizzy, sleepy, or tired
  • Feelings or tightness or heaviness, particularly in the throat or chest
  • Tingling feelings, the sensation of having a ‘thumping’ heart (palpitations), dry mouth, feeling hot or flushed, muscle ache or weakness
  • Unpleasant taste (if using the nasal spray), problems swallowing

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.

Zolmitriptan 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 medication 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 Zolmitriptan. It might not be suitable for you.