What are Zolmitriptan Tablets?
Zolmitriptan belongs to the triptans, or serotonin (5-HT1) agonists class of medicines. They are used to treat migraine attacks once they have started.
It works by narrowing blood vessels around the brain, which can help to reduce the painful symptoms of migraine.
It is not a painkiller but you can use this medicine if other painkillers or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Sumatriptan have not worked, with people finding them to work much more effectively than traditional painkillers.
How to buy Zolmitriptan Tablets online
You can use our online prescription service to buy Zolmitriptan tablets online in the UK and choose from collection, next day or free delivery. We are a regulated GPhC registered pharmacy based in the UK. Any website that claims to sell Zolmitriptan tablets without a prescription is operating illegally and you could be purchasing counterfeit / fake medicine.
Upon completion of your order, our independent prescriber will then review your online assessment. If your assessment is approved, our pharmacy team will then receive a prescription and dispense your order, which will be dispatched the same day using your chosen delivery method.
How Zolmitriptan works
The root cause of migraines is not yet fully understood. One of the causes may be the blood vessels widening in the brain. Zolmitriptan acts on these vessels causing them to narrow, relieving any pain, nausea and sensitivity to light.
It is important to note they are not a preventative and are instead to be taken when a migraine attack happens and take roughly 30 minutes to start working.
How to take Zolmitriptan Tablets
The usual starting dose is 2.5mg when the migraine headache begins. If it helped but symptoms return, another prescribed dose may be taken after at least 2 hours. If 2.5mg does not give enough relief, your prescriber may recommend 5mg for a future attack. Take no more than two doses, totalling no more than 10mg, in 24 hours. Some liver conditions and interacting medicines require a lower limit. Do not use zolmitriptan to prevent attacks or increase your own dose.
Zolmitriptan side effects
As with any medication you take, there is a possibility of side effects occurring. The most common side effects of Zolmitriptan tablets include
- Lack of energy
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting (being sick)
- Struggling to breath
- Hot or cold flushes
If you would like to see a full list of side effect please refer to the SPC below or look in the patient information leaflet.
Zolmitriptan tablets and driving
Zolmitriptan and migraine attacks can cause drowsiness. If you take it and feel drowsy or feel drowsy from the migraine do not drive or operate any machinery.
Zolmitriptan tablets and pregnancy
If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, speak to your doctor before taking zolmitriptan. The decision depends on your migraines, other treatments and the available pregnancy evidence; your doctor will weigh the expected benefit against possible risks.
Zolmitriptan tablets and breastfeeding
Speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking zolmitriptan while breastfeeding. Information about transfer into human breast milk is limited. Follow the leaflet for the product supplied and ask your clinician whether you need to pause breastfeeding and how to plan feeds around treatment.
Who cannot take Zolmitriptan tablets
Zolmitriptan may not suitable if you:
- Have previously had an allergic reaction to Zolmitriptan or any other 'triptan'
- Have a heart problem
- Have an irregular heart beat
- Have recently heart attack
- Suffer from circulation problems
- Suffer from seizures or fits
- Have liver problems
- Have uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Are a heavy smoker
Rizatriptan interactions
The Zolmitriptan drugs interact with Rizatriptan if you take any of the following contact your doctor:
- Other migraine treatments
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Citalopram, Sertraline
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Phenelzine
If you are taking any herbal or alternative remedies make sure to mention them to your doctor, or on the consultation form so we can make sure they are safe to take together.
If you take an anti-depressant or St John's wort alongside Rizatriptan you may experience 'serotonin syndrome'. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
- Feeling agitated
- Nausea
- Indigestion
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Increased heart rate
More information on serotonin syndrome can be found here
Zolmitriptan Tablets alternatives
If you find Zolmitriptan does not work for you, there are other triptans available to try such as:
You can try Sumatriptan in a nasal form:
You can also try over the counter medicine either instead of or alongside Zolmitriptan such as:
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Ibuprofen with Zolmitriptan?
Yes you can take other painkillers such as Ibuprofen with Zolmitriptan.
How many Zolmitriptan tablets can I take?
Take the dose of zolmitriptan prescribed for you. If it relieved the migraine but the headache returns, you may repeat the prescribed dose after at least 2 hours. Do not repeat it for the same attack if the first dose did not help. Take no more than two prescribed doses in 24 hours, totalling no more than 10mg; follow any lower limit your prescriber gives you.
Is Zolmitriptan addictive?
The main concern with frequent triptan use is medication-overuse headache: the treatment can make headaches more frequent or worse. If you need zolmitriptan regularly or your headaches are increasing, ask your prescriber to review your treatment and whether prevention would help.
Is it safe to buy Zolmitriptan tablets from your pharmacy?
We are a General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) registered pharmacy and we source all our pharmaceutical products from reputable wholesalers, the same wholesalers that provide the medicines used to fill NHS prescriptions.
If you buy them from an unregistered pharmacy you may be wasting your money at best or at worse harm yourself buying and taking fake tablets. Always check to make sure where you are buying them from are registered with the GPhC.Do Zolmitriptan tablets expire?
Yes, like most medicines has a shelf life and will become less effective if it is left unused. Always check the expiry date of any medicines you are taking before you take them. If you find your medication has expired, you can post them to us, bring them to us or take them to your nearest pharmacy for safe disposal.
How should I store Zolmitriptan tablets?
Zolmitriptan tablets should be stored in a dry area below 30°C and kept out of direct sunlight. Incorrect storage could result in the medication becoming less effective.
How quickly do Zolmitriptan tablets work?
The tablets usually begin to work in around 30 to 60 minutes. The nasal spray acts a little bit faster with an effect seen after 15 minutes.
Will Zolmitriptan tablets work?
In various trials Zolmitriptan has shown be more effective than sumatriptan. If other sumatriptan haven't worked for you Zolmitriptan might do.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Zolmitriptan tablets?
Yes, you can drink alcohol but be aware that alcohol can sometimes be the cause migraines.
Sources and further information
- NICE CG150: Headaches in over 12s: recommendations (checked 8 September 2026)
- eMC: Zolmitriptan 2.5 mg Film-coated Tablets: professional information (checked 8 September 2026)
- eMC: Zomig Tablets 2.5mg: patient leaflet (checked 8 September 2026)
- Zolmitriptan SPC
