Zomig

What is Zomig?

Zomig, containing the active ingredient zolmitriptan, belongs to a class of medicines called selective serotonin receptor agonists (or, more informally, triptans). Triptans like Zomig are licensed specifically for relieving the symptoms of migraine. You take it as soon as you start to get symptoms, and it typically gets to work to help you feel better in under two hours. 

Zomig won’t prevent or reduce the number of migraines that you get, and it won’t provide relief for other headaches or pain.

It’s available as either tablets or a nasal spray, which may be a better option for you if you struggle to swallow tablets.

How does Zomig work?

The exact cause of migraines isn’t fully understood, but it’s thought that temporary changes to your brain cause its blood vessels to widen. Often this can be due to a ‘trigger’, but sometimes they can appear without a reason or warning.

Zomig works to reverse the effects of migraines by binding to the serotonin receptors on your brain and narrowing your blood vessels. This then reduces the transmission of pain signals and eases your symptoms.

What doses of Zomig are there?

You can get Zomig in either 2.5mg or 5mg doses. The dose that you’ll be prescribed will depend on your health needs, your symptoms and the form of treatment that you want to take. Zomig tablets are only available in 2.5mg doses, the nasal spray is only available in 5mg doses and the rapimelts tablets are available in both doses.

How to take Zomig tablets

You should always follow the advice of our clinician when taking Zomig.

To take it, simply swallow one tablet whole, with water, once your symptoms have started. If the migraine is still present, or returns, you can take another tablet after two hours. Don’t take more than two tablets or 10mg in a day unless you’ve been told otherwise by your clinician.

How to take Zomig rapimelt

Same as the tablet, you can take a rapimelt as soon as your migraine starts. Take one tablet and put it on your tongue. You don’t need to take it with water as it will melt on your tongue and you can swallow normally. If you still have a migraine, or it returns, you can take another rapimelt after two hours. Don’t take more than two rapimelts or 10mg in a day unless discussed with your doctor.

How to use Zomig nasal spray

Zomig spray comes in ready-to-use spray units. Each unit contains 5mg of zolmitriptan, and is for single-use only. The recommended dose is to use one spray in just one of your nostrils - it doesn’t matter which one. If the migraine is still present or returns, you can take another dose after two hours. Don’t use more than two sprays (10mg) in one day.

To use Zomig spray:

• gently blow your nose
• remove the protective cover
• hold the spray with your thumb underneath and two fingers either side of the nozzle
• block one nostril by placing your finger on one side of your nose
• put the nozzle into the other nostril, as far as feels comfortable
• tilt your head back slightly and close your mouth
• whilst breathing in gently with your nose, press the plunger firmly with your thumb. The plunger might feel stiff, and you may feel a click
• remove the nozzle from your nose whilst keeping your head tilted back
• breathe gently through your mouth for five to ten seconds. You may feel some liquid inside your nose, this is normal and doesn’t mean that it hasn’t worked

How long does it take Zomig to work?

Zolmitriptan, the active ingredient in Zomig, has a rapid onset of action - with significant headache relief observed in clinical trials in under 45 minutes for the tablet, and even faster for the nasal spray - which can get to work within 15-30 minutes of taking it.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Zomig?

If you take too much Zomig, or accidentally swallow the contents of the nasal spray, you should seek medical help and advice straight away. If the nasal spray gets into your eye, wash it out straight away with clean water.