Zolmitriptan

Key points

• Zolmitriptan belongs to the selective serotonin receptor agonist class, the same family as sumatriptan and rizatriptan.
• It relieves a migraine attack already under way; it does not prevent future attacks or reduce how often headaches come.
• Do not take zolmitriptan within 24 hours of another triptan or an ergot-type medication, as the combination carries a serious interaction risk.

How does Zolmitriptan work?

Zolmitriptan acts on serotonin receptors in the brain, narrowing the blood vessels that swell during a migraine. It also blocks pain signals travelling to the brain and halts the release of natural substances that drive nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. The result is relief from the throbbing, queasiness and sensory overload of an attack, usually within an hour of taking the tablet.

Zomig is the Neurology brand-name product for this molecule. No generic zolmitriptan tablets are listed alongside it on this shelf, so Zomig 5 mg is the single option here.

Further reading

• Zolmitriptan 2.5 mg orodispersible tablets
• Zolmitriptan: MedlinePlus Drug Information