understanding migraine headaches

Learn more about your migraine headaches to get the most out of your treatment program

Migraines develop and progress differently for everyone. Learn how you can recognize and manage your migraine symptoms at all stages. Get the facts on known migraine triggers so you can work to avoid them. And find information and tools that can help you and your doctor arrive at an accurate diagnosis and effective migraine treatment plan.

Migraine Symptoms

Learn to differentiate a migraine from other headaches, such as tension or sinus headaches, by becoming familiar with common migraine symptoms, and learn what you can do at each stage.

Migraine Triggers

Migraine triggers don't cause migraines, but rather they set in motion certain processes in people who are already prone to these headaches. Becoming aware of and understanding your migraine triggers, such as certain foods or changes in weather, might help you gain better control over the frequency of your migraine headaches.

Migraine Treatment and Diagnosis

While there is no specific test for diagnosing migraines, you can record your symptoms and work with your doctor to determine the most effective treatment plan.

Triptans

Learn how triptans, like ZOMIG, work and why they may be right for you. However, since only your doctor will know if a triptan is the right migraine medication for you, be sure to discuss this at your next appointment.

Web Migraine Resources

Refer to these migraine- and headache-focused advocacy organizations and resources to find answers if you have additional questions about migraine headaches.

Be better prepared for your next migraine! Visit Planning Ahead for a variety of helpful management tips and tools.

Important Safety Information

ZOMIG is a prescription medication used for the treatment of migraine headaches in adults. ZOMIG is not for the prevention of migraines.

  • Do not take ZOMIG if your headache is not a migraine
  • Do not take ZOMIG if your headache is hemiplegic or basilar migraine (If you are unsure about this, ask your doctor)
  • Do not take ZOMIG if you have heart disease, history of, or risk factors for heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, circulation (blood flow) problems, or have had a stroke. Only your doctor can determine if ZOMIG is right for you
  • ZOMIG should not be used within 24 hours of another 5-HT1 agonist (triptans), ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medication (for headache), or within 2 weeks of an MAO-A inhibitor (for depression)
  • Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding because ZOMIG may not be right for you
  • ZOMIG, like other triptans, may be associated with a potentially life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome, mainly when taken together with certain antidepressants. Inform your doctor of all your medications prior to taking ZOMIG
  • Phenylketonurics: ZOMIG-ZMT® (zolmitriptan) Orally Disintegrating Tablets contain phenylalanine, a component of aspartame
  • Safety and effectiveness of ZOMIG in pediatric patients have not been established
  • Side Effects: The most common side effects reported by patients in clinical trials with ZOMIG Nasal Spray include unusual taste, tingling sensation, skin sensitivity, and dizziness
  • Side Effects: The most common side effects reported by patients in clinical trials with ZOMIG Tablets and ZOMIG-ZMT include dizziness; tightness, pressure, pain in the neck, throat, or jaw; fatigue; tingling; drowsiness; and nausea

Talk to your doctor about prescription ZOMIG.

Read the full Prescribing Information for ZOMIG Nasal Spray Opens in new window (PDF — 122KB)

Read the full Prescribing Information for ZOMIG Tablets and ZOMIG-ZMT Opens in new window (PDF — 194KB)

Read the Consumer-Friendly Brief Summary Opens in new window (PDF — 480KB)

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.