Frequently asked questions for Zolmitriptan
Zolmitriptan
Q. How soon should I take Zolmitriptan when attack starts?
Once your migraine headache has started, take Zolmitriptan as soon as possible. Do not use it to prevent an attack. Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.Q. Can Zolmitriptan increase my Blood Preasure?
Yes, Zolmitriptan can cause an increase in blood pressure. However, it is does not occur in everyone. But, you should keep a check on your blood pressure during therapy with Zolmitriptan.Q. What are the symptoms of headache caused due to medication overuse?
If you are having frequent or daily headaches despite (or because of) the regular use of headache medications, it is suggestive of medication overuse headache. You should consult your doctor who may discontinue the medication for sometime.Q. What are the symptoms of Zolmitriptan overdose?
Taking an overdose of Zolmitriptan may cause fainting, dizziness, slow heartbeat, change in electrical activity of the heart, vomiting and inability to retain urine or stools.Q. Can Zolmitriptan be used for the prevention of migraine attacks?
No, Zolmitriptan is not used for the prevention of migraine attacks or cluster headaches. It should only be used where a clear diagnosis of migraine has been established.Q. What should I tell my doctor before taking Zolmitriptan?
Before taking Zolmitriptan, you should tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, liver or kidney disease or a family history of heart disease. You should also inform your doctor if you smoke, have had your menopause, or are a man aged 40 years or more. Let your doctor know if your headache is associated with dizziness, difficulty in walking, lack of coordination or weakness in the leg and arm. Your doctor should also know if you are taking medicines to treat depression such as sertraline, escitalopram oxalate, fluoxetine, venlafaxine, or duloxetine. It is also important to inform your doctor if you have had short-lived chest pain and tightness.Q. What triggers migraine attacks?
Migraine may be triggered by several factors. Some of the common triggers are caffeine withdrawal, changes in hormone levels during menstruation or with the use of birth control pills. Migraine also gets triggered with changes in sleep patterns, such as not getting enough sleep, drinking alcohol, missing meals, or smoking. Rigorous exercise or other physical stress, loud noises or bright lights, odors or perfumes, or exposure to smoke and stress and anxiety may also act as a trigger.Q. I have been prescribed Zolmitriptan. Can I take other migraine medicines similar to Zolmitriptan with it?
Zolmitriptan belongs to a family of tryptamine-based drugs called Triptans. You should not take another triptan along with Zolmitriptan. Taking two triptans together may trigger a heart attack and may also result in an increase in blood pressure.Q. Does migraine run in families?
Migraines may run in families. Migraines occur more often in women than men. It has been noticed that some women, but not all, have fewer migraines when they are pregnant.Q. How do I know migraine attack is about to start?
Some people develop aura before getting a migraine attack. It may include visual problems, such as seeing flashing lights, zig-zag patterns or blind spots, numbness, dizziness, or a tingling sensation like pins and needles, or feeling off balance. You may also have difficulty speaking and loss of consciousness, although this is unusual.Q. When should I start taking the medicines used to prevent migraine?
Medicines for prevention of migraine are usually used if you have tried avoiding possible triggers but are still experiencing migraines. You may also be prescribed these medicines if you experience very severe migraine attacks, or if your attacks happen frequently.Q. Can Zolmitriptan cause liver damage?
No, Zolmitriptan does not cause liver damage, but you should let your doctor know if you have any liver problem, before taking Zolmitriptan.