Anyone who has experienced a headache that feels like their head is splitting, their eyes are blue, and they feel nauseous knows the pain. This condition called migraine is really very distressing. So, in times like these, a special medicine that doctors prescribe to quickly reduce the pain is called Zolmitriptan. Today, we will talk about this medicine, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
Simply put, what is Zolmitriptan?
Zolmitriptan is a medication that is used to control the pain of a migraine, that is, after the headache has started. It is important to understand that this is not a medication that prevents migraines, but rather one that relieves pain after they occur.
This medicine belongs to a group of drugs called 'triptans'. It does a very simple thing. When you have a migraine, some of the blood vessels in the brain swell and widen. This medicine narrows those blood vessels again. It also blocks the pain signals going to the brain. That's how your pain is reduced.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Okay, now this is very important. Before prescribing Zolmitriptan to you, it is essential that your doctor knows your complete health history. This is because this medicine is not suitable for people with certain medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you are a smoker .
- If you have poor blood circulation in your fingers and toes.
- If you have diabetes .
- If you have heart disease , high blood pressure , or high cholesterol levels .
- If you have previously had a condition such as heart rhythm irregularities or stroke .
- If you have kidney disease or liver disease .
- If you have any problems with your stomach or intestines.
- If you have an allergy to Zolmitriptan or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .
It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor this information without hiding it.
How should I use this medicine?
This pill is usually taken by mouth with a glass of water. Take it exactly as your doctor has prescribed, at the time prescribed. Do not change the dose or take it more often than you think.
This medicine is most effective if taken as soon as the migraine starts. However, if the pain is not completely relieved by the first pill, ask your doctor clearly about whether you need to take another pill and how often to take it.
What to do if you drink too much? (Overdose)
Imagine taking more of this medicine than you were prescribed. That is not a good thing at all. If that happens, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital without delay . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Important note: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to a friend, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Zolmitriptan is a medication that can interact with some other medications, so it is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
| Drug Interactions | |
|---|---|
| Do not take Zolmitriptan with this medicine. | |
| Other medications for migraines | Other triptans (e.g. sumatriptan, rizatriptan) and ergot alkaloids (e.g. ergotamine) are medications. |
| MAOI-type antidepressants | Drugs like Marplan, Nardil, Parnate. |
| Be very careful when taking Zolmitriptan with this medicine. | |
| Other antidepressants | Some medications for depression and anxiety. |
| Cimetidine | A medicine given for stomach conditions such as gastritis. |
Things to consider when taking medication
- Drowsiness/Dizziness: Some people may feel a little drowsy or dizzy after taking this medication. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery while taking this medication. Be careful until you know how this medication affects you.
- Changing positions: Don't go from standing to sitting suddenly. Especially if you're older, change positions frequently. This will reduce the risk of dizziness and falls.
- Dry mouth: You may feel like your mouth is dry. This can be controlled by things like chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.
- Medication-induced headaches: This is something that many people don't know. If you use over-the-counter medications for more than 10 days a month , your headaches can actually get worse. This is called a 'Medication-Overuse Headache'. So, keep a diary of the days you get headaches and the days you take your medication. If your headaches are getting worse, talk to your doctor.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Zolmitriptan can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, some are not so serious.
| If these symptoms occur, seek medical advice immediately! | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Symptoms of a heart attack | Tightness in the chest, shoulder, or arm, difficulty breathing, nausea, and sweating. |
| Symptoms of a Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Restlessness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, high fever, sweating, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Other serious symptoms | Sudden increase in blood pressure, change in vision or loss of vision, severe stomach pain, seizures. |
| Tell your doctor if these symptoms persist or are bothersome. | |
| Dizziness | Dizziness |
| General discomfort or fatigue | Feeling of lifelessness. |
How should I store the medicine?
This is also important. Store your medicine properly.
- Be sure to keep it out of the reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Keep it away from light and moisture.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Zolmitriptan is a medication that relieves the pain of a migraine after it has occurred, not a medication that prevents it from occurring.
- Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all the medicines you are taking.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as chest pain, difficulty speaking, or facial numbness, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not take this medication for more than 10 days a month. Doing so may worsen the headache.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
- If you have any further questions about this medicine, ask your doctor.
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