Imagine that you suddenly get a severe headache, like a migraine. You can't look at the light, and your head hurts when you hear a sound. Some people even vomit. At times like these, we want relief as soon as possible, right? Today we are talking about a special medicine that doctors recommend to control such severe migraines. Its name is Zolmitriptan. The special thing about this is that it is a pill that can be dissolved in the mouth without water and drunk.
What is this Zolmitriptan?
Zolmitriptan is a medicine that is used to control the pain of migraines. It belongs to a group of drugs called Triptans. Simply put, when a migraine occurs, some of the blood vessels in our brain become unnecessarily large, that is, they dilate. This medicine works by restoring those dilated blood vessels to normal. It also helps block the pathways that carry pain signals to the brain.
The important thing is that this is not a medication that prevents migraines from occurring. It is only used to control migraines once they have already started and are causing pain.
This medicine can also be used for other medical reasons, so if you have any questions, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before deciding whether this medication is right for you and safe, it's important to give your doctor a complete description of your health. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Health condition or habit | Why should you care? |
|---|---|
| If you are a smoker | Because smoking increases the risk of heart disease. |
| If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol | These conditions may be exacerbated because this medicine affects the blood vessels. |
| If you have diabetes | Diabetes can damage blood vessels. |
| If you have had a previous stroke or heart rhythm disorder | There is a risk of recurrence of these conditions with this medicine. |
| Liver or kidney disease | The process of removing medication from the body may be affected. |
| Circulation problems in the fingers and toes | Medication can make this condition worse. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding | You should discuss the possible effects on the child with your doctor. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods, or substances | You should also be aware of the possibility of an allergic reaction to Zolmitriptan. |
How should I use the medicine?
This is a pill that dissolves in the mouth, so the method of use is a little different. It's very easy, just follow these steps.
1. Keep the pill in the packet until it's time: Keep the pill in the sealed blister pack until you're ready to take it.
2. Take the pill with dry hands: Hands should be very dry. Carefully open the packet and take out the pill. If the pill is broken or crushed, discard it and get a new one.
3. Dissolve in mouth: Place the tablet on your tongue. It will begin to dissolve. Then swallow. Do not crush or chew this tablet.
4. No water required: This pill does not require water to be taken. Therefore, it can be easily used anywhere.
Important: Do not take more medication than your doctor tells you to.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
Imagine you have taken too much medicine. If you suspect that , immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital without delay. This is very important.
Remember, this medicine has been prescribed for you by your doctor. Never share it with anyone else, even if your symptoms are similar to yours.
Other medicines that should not be used with Zolmitriptan
Some medications can cause dangerous reactions when taken with Zolmitriptan. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking, including vitamins and herbal remedies.
| Never take Zolmitriptan with these | |
|---|---|
| Other Triptan-type migraine medications | For example: medications like sumatriptan, rizatriptan, naratriptan. |
| Ergot Alkaloids type of medicine | For example: migraine medications such as ergotamine and dihydroergotamine. |
| MAOI type medication | Some medications for mental illnesses such as depression. |
| Be very careful when taking Zolmitriptan with these | |
| Other medications for mental illness | Some medications for depression and anxiety. |
| Cimetidine | A commonly used medicine for gastritis. |
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. So , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when getting up from a sitting position or sitting down suddenly, especially if you are elderly.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is common. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water can help relieve this. If this problem persists, talk to your doctor.
- Vision changes: If you notice any sudden changes in your vision, notify your doctor immediately.
- Medication Overuse Headache: This is something that many people don't know. If you take medication for migraines more than 10 days a month , it can make your migraines worse. So keep a small journal of the days you have headaches and the days you took the medication. If you notice that your migraines are getting more frequent, talk to your doctor about it.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medicine, Zolmitriptan can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
Serious symptoms that should be reported to the doctor or ETU immediately
| Symptom | Description |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, confusion. |
| Increased blood pressure | Severe headache, blurred vision. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, high fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Problems with blood circulation in the hands and feet (Raynaud's) | Fingers and toes become cold, numb, painful, and turn white, blue, or red. |
Symptoms that are usually nothing to worry about, but if they persist, you should tell your doctor.
- Dizziness
- General malaise or fatigue
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor.
How do you store and keep the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Protect from light and moisture.
- Throw away expired medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Zolmitriptan is a medication that relieves the pain of migraines, not a medication that prevents them from occurring.
- This tablet should be taken by dissolving it in your mouth without water. Do not cut, crush, or chew it.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all of your health conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience serious side effects such as chest pain or numbness, seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid using migraine medication for more than 10 days a month. It may make migraines worse.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න