Zolmitriptan is a headache medicine. It is believed to work by causing vasoconstriction (narrowing) of arteries and veins that supply blood to the head.

Zolmitriptan is used to treat vascular headaches such as migraines. Zolmitriptan will not prevent migraines. It will only treat a migraine that is already occurring.

Zolmitriptan may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Special precautions

Do not take zolmitriptan without first talking to your doctor if you

• are experiencing a headache that is not like other migraines you have had
• have had a heart attack, have irregular heartbeats, have angina (chest pain), or have another type of heart disease; or
• have basilar or hemiplegics migraine headaches;
• have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days;

Before taking zolmitriptan, tell your doctor if you

• have seizures or epilepsy
• have kidney disease; or
• have liver disease;
• have risk factors for heart disease such as are postmenopausal, smoke cigarettes, diabetes, are overweight, high cholesterol (a type of fat), a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, are a male over 40 years of age;

Zolmitriptan is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether zolmitriptan will harm an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether zolmitriptan passes into human breast milk. Do not take zolmitriptan without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Side effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking zolmitriptan and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• severe or prolonged chest pain or an irregular heartbeat
• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; or hives); swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; closing of your throat; or

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take zolmitriptan and talk to your doctor if you experience

• tingling, warmth, tightness, or heaviness in a body part
• drowsiness or dizziness; or
• muscle tiredness or weakness;
• nausea;
• dry mouth;

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Keep all appointment with your doctor.

Don’t let anyone else take your medicines.