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

• have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the last 14 days;

• have basilar or hemiplegics migraine headaches;

• have had a heart attack, have angina (chest pain), have irregular heartbeats, or have another type of heart disease; or

• are experiencing a headache that is not like other migraines you have had

Before taking zolmitriptan, tell your doctor if you

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

• have liver disease;

• have kidney disease; or

• have seizures or epilepsy

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:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or

• severe or prolonged chest pain or an irregular heartbeat

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

• dry mouth;

• nausea;

• muscle tiredness or weakness;

• drowsiness or dizziness; or

• tingling, tightness, warmth, or heaviness in a body part

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.