This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Zomig relieves migraine headaches. It's effective whether or not the headache is preceded by an aura (visual disturbances such as halos and flickering lights). For most people Zomig provides relief within 2 hours, but it will not abort an attack or reduce the number of headaches you experience.

Migraines are thought to be caused by expansion and inflammation of blood vessels in the head. Zomig ends a migraine attack by constricting these blood vessels and reducing inflammation.

How to Take

The recommended starting dose for adults is no more than 2.5 milligrams. Higher doses have little additional effect, but tend to cause more side effects. If the headache returns, the dose may be repeated after 2 hours. Do not exceed 10 milligrams in a day.

If you have liver disease, your doctor will prescribe a lower dose and closely monitor your blood pressure.

The safety and effectiveness of Zomig have not been established in children and adults over 65.

Warning and Precautions

Zomig is for use only on common and classic migraine headaches. It should not be used for other types of headache, including certain unusual types of migraine. It has not been tested for cluster headaches, a type of severe headache more common among men.

If the first dose of Zomig does not relieve your symptoms, ask your doctor to reevaluate you; migraine may not be the problem.

Although the danger is very remote, this type of medication has been known to trigger serious and even life-threatening heart problems in people with heart disease. If you have a heart disorder, make sure the doctor knows about it. Do not take Zomig if you suffer from irregular heartbeat.

Very rarely, Zomig has caused serious intestinal problems. See your doctor immediately if you have bloody diarrhea or stomach pain.

If you have risk factors for heart disease, your doctor may ask you to take your first dose of Zomig in the office, and may want to monitor you carefully thereafter. Risk factors that signal the need for caution include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, excess weight, diabetes, and a strong family history of heart disease or hardening of the arteries. Heart disease is also more likely in postmenopausal women and men over 40.

Use Zomig with caution if you have liver or kidney disease. These conditions could alter the effect of the drug. If you have a history of seizures, make sure the doctor is aware of it. Also, if you develop any trouble with your eyes, alert your doctor. There is a possibility the problem could be related to Zomig.

If you experience pain or tightness in your chest or throat when using Zomig, tell your doctor. If the chest pain is severe or does not go away, seek medical attention immediately. These pains could be symptoms of a previously undetected heart condition.

If you develop shortness of breath, wheezing, a throbbing heartbeat, swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips, or a skin rash, skin lumps, or hives after taking Zomig, call your doctor immediately, and do not take any more of the drug without your doctor's approval.

If a headache feels different from your usual migraine, check with your doctor before using Zomig.

If you must avoid phenylalanine, do not use the orally disintegrating Zomig ZMT tablets, which contain this substance.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Over dose may include severe drowsiness. Contact you local doctor or emergency room immediately if you think you take Zomig too much.

Storage

Store Zomig at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Zomig out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects are: abnormal skin sensations; dizziness; drowsiness; increased sensitivity to touch; nausea; pain; warm/cold sensations; weakness. Check your doctor as soon as possible if any of these side effects bother you.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Zomig. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.