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Home / Migraine / Zolmitriptan

Zolmitriptan

Migraine|Active ingredient(s): Zolmitriptan|Manufacturer: Various

Woman struggling with migraine taking a tablet

Fast-acting, oral migraine relief

  • Relieves symptoms like headache and nausea during a migraine attack
  • A triptan medicine that reduces swelling and blocks pain signals
  • Effective within 45 mins to 1 hour
  • Available as 2.5 mg and 5 mg tablets
  • Also available as orodispersible tablets (placed on the tongue), ideal for those who struggle to swallow tablets

How to take

Woman preparing to take a tablet with a glass of water

Take one tablet

Take one tablet as soon as you feel symptoms, swallow whole with a glass of water.

Close-up of a woman placing tablet on her tongue

Available as an orodispersible option

You place one orodispersible tablet on your tongue and let it dissolve.

Close up of a clock on a white background

Need another dose?

If you still feel symptoms after 2 hours or they come back within 24 hours, you can take another dose.

What others say about Zolmitriptan

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Zolmitriptan

What is Zolmitriptan?

Zolmitriptan, also known by the brand name Zomig, is a migraine medication that was approved in Europe in 1997. It is designed to stop symptoms during a migraine attack (with or without an aura), such as headache and nausea, so you take it as soon as you start feeling a migraine.

Zolmitriptan is available in two doses, 2.5 and 5 mg, as swallowable tablets and orodispersible tablets, which are placed under on the tongue.

How does Zolmitriptan work?

Zolmitriptan belongs to a group of migraine treatments called 5-HT1 agonists, which are more informally known as triptans. It works by mimicking serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. This constricts dilated blood vessels in the brain, which reduces swelling and blocks pain signals, which helps to relieve migraine symptoms.

How effective is it?

Research shows that Zolmitriptan is a highly effective migraine treatment. One 2014 study found that 6 in 10 people taking 2.5 mg Zolmitriptan reported that their main severe to moderate pain reduced to just mild pain after 2 hours of treatment, compared to only 3 in 10 on the placebo (an inactive drug) group .

How long does Zolmitriptan take to work?

Zolmitriptan is designed to work quickly to relieve migraine symptoms. A single dose of Zolmitriptan will work within 45 minutes to 1 hour of taking it. As orodispersible tablets absorb directly in the mouth, they generally work faster than the normal tablets.

Who can use Zolmitriptan?

To be prescribed Zolmitriptan online from 121doc, you must be aged 18-65 and have been diagnosed with migraine.

Zolmitriptan is safe to use for most adults. However, some people should not take it if they have other medical conditions.

Do not take Zolmitriptan tablets if you:

  • are allergic to Zolmitriptan or the other ingredients in this medicine
  • have high blood pressure
  • have previously had heart problems (e.g. heart attack or angina)
  • have previously had a stroke or mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attack or TIA)

If you have any other condition or take other medicine, speak to your doctor before using Zolmitriptan.

What dose should I take?

Zolmitriptan is available in two doses: 2.5 mg and 5 mg. Most people will start on the lower dose, but your doctor can increase the dose if the lower dose does not control your symptoms.

You start by taking one tablet with a glass of water. You can then take a second dose for the same attack if your symptoms haven’t gone away after 2 hours or they return within 24 hours. If the first dose had absolutely no effect, do not take the second dose. You should consult your GP for alternative treatments.

The usual maximum dosage of Zolmitriptan is 10 mg in 24 hours. If you take more than you are supposed to, seek urgent medical attention as you may require treatment.

How often can I take Zolmitriptan?

You should not take Zolmitriptan tablets more than 2 times a week. This is because it can increase the risk of rebound headaches, a side effect which causes chronic headaches as a result of using pain-relieving medicines too often.

If you find yourself needing Zolmitriptan more frequently, you may need alternative treatment. Please consult your GP for advice.

Are there any side effects of Zolmitriptan?

Like all prescription medicines, Zolmitriptan may cause some side effects. The most common side effects usually go away on their own once your body gets used to the medicine.

Common Zolmitriptan side effects (up to 1 in 10 people) include:

  • feeling sleepy, dizzy or warm
  • tingling in your fingers, toes or skin
  • headache
  • irregular heartbeat
  • feeling or being sick
  • stomach pain
  • dry mouth
  • muscle weakness or pain
  • heaviness, tightness or pressure in the throat, neck, arms and legs, or chest
  • problems swallowing

Speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any persistent or serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, feeling weak, facial swelling or skin rashes.

For a full list of side effects, please refer to the patient information leaflet (PIL).

Can I take ibuprofen with Zolmitriptan?

Yes, you can take over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol, as long as your doctor has said it is safe for you to take them.

Can you take Zolmitriptan during pregnancy?

There is limited research on using Zolmitriptan during pregnancy, so the effects are not known. For that reason, you should avoid using it if you are pregnant.

Is Zolmitriptan stronger than Sumatriptan?

Zolmitriptan has a more targeted effect on the brain, potentially making it theoretically more effective than Sumatriptan. In addition, some studies have shown that Zolmitriptan is more effective than Sumatriptan. However, everyone responds differently to migraine treatments. While some people find Zolmitriptan more effective, others may respond better to Sumatriptan.

Is Zolmitriptan safe?

Yes, the safety of Zolmitriptan has been proven in long-term clinical trials. However, if you have another medical condition or take other medication, your doctor will need to ensure it's safe for you. Our doctors will assess your suitability based on your medical questionnaire during the order process.

Can I buy Zolmitriptan over the counter?

No, Zolmitriptan is not available without a prescription. Our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

  • safety during treatment
  • effective results
  • monitoring of side effects
Medical review byDr. Caroline FontanaLast review 04 February 2026
Dr. Caroline Fontana

Note: You must complete a short online consultation so that our doctor can ensure that the treatment is suitable for you. The above pricing should only be used as a reference. The final decision to issue this treatment lies with the prescribing doctor.

Zolmitriptan Overview

Type of medicine 5-HT1 agonists (triptans)
Used for Migraine
Active ingredient Zolmitriptan
Works by Constricting blood vessels and blocking pain signals
Effective within 1-2 hours
Available as Oral tablets and orodispersible tablets
Available dosage(s) 2.5, 5 mg
Usage instructions Take 1 tablet at the onset of symptoms, which can be followed up with another tablet if symptoms persist after 2 hours or within 24 hours
Packaging Blister packs containing 6 tablets
Manufacturer Various
Branded available No

FAQs

What is included in the online consultation?
Will a doctor review my consultation?
What happens after I submit my order?
What services are included with my order?
Is the price all-inclusive?
What are my delivery options?
Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?
Is this service discreet?
What is included in the online consultation?

Our online consultations are in the format of short medical questionnaires. You will be asked general questions about your health and medical history, as well as specific medical questions relevant to the treatment you have chosen. We will also ask you for your payment and delivery details to complete the order.

Online consultations take no longer than 5 minutes to complete. All questions are necessary when issuing prescription medicines. It means that our doctors can make sure the treatment is safe and right for you.

Will a doctor review my consultation?

Yes, it is a legal requirement that all online consultations are reviewed by a registered doctor. This is to make sure the chosen treatment is safe and right for you to take. All personal information is stored securely and confidentially.

Please note, all orders are subject to doctor approval, and we cannot guarantee that your order will be approved.

What happens after I submit my order?

Your online consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by on of our in-house doctors.

If a doctor approves you for treatment, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription will then be forwarded to our pharmacist, where you medication will be dispensed and dispatched for delivery.

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What are my delivery options?

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All these options can be tracked and require a signature on delivery. If you are not in, a friend or relative can sign in your place.

Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?

It is safe to buy prescription medications online from genuine and reputable healthcare providers, like 121doc.

Our medical staff and facilities are registered with the relevant medical governing bodies. We also ensure your data is protected by adhering to European data privacy laws.

You can learn more about our certifications here.

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Our patients’ privacy is of utmost importance. All your medical information is securely stored and only viewed by our doctors. We do not share your details with third-parties. We are also closely adhere to data privacy laws.

All orders will only show on invoices, bank statements, etc. as ‘HHC Ltd’.

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As soon as you place the order, one of our doctors will review your consultation. On working days, this usually takes around one hour.

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If the doctor has any additional questions, you will receive a phone call and an email. We understand you might be at work or busy. Our customer service representatives are always discreet and can call back at a more convenient time if necessary.

Our emails never contain any personal or medical information, only a link to your private account on our website (where you will find your messages).

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Once our pharmacy receives your prescription, you will get a second email with your package tracking code.

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All orders include next-day delivery. Alternatively, you can select a delivery date that suits you better.

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With your tracking code, you will know the estimated delivery time. All we need is your signature (or a friend‘s or relative’s).

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