What is Zolmitriptan?

Zolmitriptan is used to treat migraine and belongs to a group of medicines called triptans (5-HT, receptor agonists). Migraines, usually identified by a throbbing at the front or on the side of the head, can affect a large number of people on a daily basis, and the root cause can often be difficult to interpret. Much like Sumatriptan, Zolmitriptan can also provide a fast-acting relief to the symptoms of more severe migraines, which can include nausea, sensitivity to light and sound and stiffness in the neck and shoulder area. It is available as a nasal spray and in orodispersible form, for those who have trouble taking tablets.

What is a migraine?

A migraine will usually start as a headache with throbbing at the front or on the side of the head. As the migraine develops, the location of the pain may change and become more intense. Depending on the severity, the symptoms may include; nausea and vomiting, sensitive to light, visual problems, sensitive to smells, reduced concentration levels, sweating, abdominal pain, feeling generally unwell and occasionally leading to diarrhoea. The symptoms associated with a migraine can vary between individuals and in severe cases can last a couple of days.

How the medication works

Migraine symptoms may be triggered by a temporary swelling of blood vessels in the head due to a temporary chemical imbalance in the body. Zolmitriptan counters this chemical imbalance by stimulating receptors in the brain that result in a reduction in the swelling of the blood vessels, thereby relieving the intense pain felt during a migraine.