Zomig Rapimelt (zolmitriptan) is a triptan medication that offers the effective migraine alleviation from Zomig in a convenient tablet designed to rapidly dissolve on the tongue. This faster-acting formula also makes Zomig Rapimelt more effective for cluster headache sufferers than regular tablets.

Regular Zomig tablets can be found here. It is also available in a nasal spray, which can be found here.

Note that this product is not particularly effective on headaches other than migraine or cluster headaches. It should not be administered to children under age 16; likewise it should not be used by elderly patients over age 65 without explicit doctor approval. Effects in these age groups have not been studied.

Product Overview

Each package of Zomig Rapimelt contains individually-packaged tablets in strengths of 2.5 mg or 5 mg. Each tablet represents one dose. Tablets should not be opened until immediately before use; opening a tablet sooner will likely result in its degradation to some extent.

Tablets are designed to melt when placed on the tongue. For the majority of patients saliva is enough to fully dissolve the tablet; fluid is not necessary, though it can be used if desired. Swallowing the saliva with dissolved tablet delivers the medication quicker than regular, swallowed-whole tablets. Zomig Rapimelt is ideal for patients who:

• Are too nauseous to drink
• Vomit during a migraine
• Have difficulty swallowing tablets
• Have better results with faster-acting formulas

Other medications, particularly other triptan medications, should not be taken along with Zomig Rapimelt unless a doctor has given approval. Other methods of headache mitigation---such as laying a darkened room, or taking a warm shower---can be utilized, and may help alleviate the migraine faster.

Dosage & Administration

Zomig Rapimelt tablets are best taken at the earliest sign of a migraine or cluster headache, which includes auras and tension that may develop before pain. This product is an abortive treatment, meaning it does not prevent headaches that haven't already started, and there's no benefit to be had if taken before a headache has begun. It will still provide benefit if taken at later stages, but will likely be slower to alleviate symptoms and may not remove them entirely.

This product is easy to use and is unlikely to cause serious complications when taken as directed:

• Take one tablet at the earliest symptoms of a headache, or as soon as possible after a headache has begun.
• Allow the tablet to melt on the tongue. Fluids are not necessary.
• The headache should begin to diminish about 15 minute following administration, and should be minimalized or completely gone within one hour.
• If the headache persists or returns, a second tablet may be taken provided two hours have passed since the prior tablet was taken.
• Do not exceed 10 mg in 24 hours.

The medication begins working within 15 minutes of administration, though it may take around one hour for maximum benefit to be seen, which is often the complete removal of pain and other symptoms. Some patients find the migraine persists, but is usually so mild that regular routines are not disrupted.

Patients new to Zomig Rapimelt should start with the 2.5 mg version unless instructed otherwise by a doctor. If 2.5 mg does not sufficiently minimize or eliminate the migraine, 5 mg can be tried (two 2.5 mg tablets is the same as one 5 mg tablet).

Potential Side Effects

Zomig Rapimelt rarely produces serious side effects if used as directed, though many patients will experience lesser side effects. Most commonly encountered include:

• Skin sensitivity
• Weakness
• Muscle aches
• Dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness

The above are not cause for concern unless severe enough to be disruptive or persistant for several hours.

There is another group of relatively common side effects which are a bit more alarming, which includes heaviness or pressure in the throat, arms, and/or chest. For most patients these symptoms are mild and gone in moments. However, they do mimic symptoms of a heart attack. If severe, painful, or persistant for more than a few moments, medical attention should be sought. Do not take more Zomig Rapimelt, or any Zomig product, until a doctor gives approval.

Less common side effects include:

• Increased blood pressure
• Rapid or uneven heart beat
• Increase in volume of urine
• Increase in frequency of urination

The above aren't particularly concerning for otherwise healthy patients. Those with preexisting medical conditions---such as hypertension or heart problems---may want to be cautious with Zomig Rapimelt if the above are experienced; a doctor should be consulted if possible.

Rare, but potentially dangerous, side effects warrant immediate medical attention:

• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe stomach pain
• Bloody diarrhea
• Symptoms of stroke

Most patients use Zomig Rapimelt with no problems, or only mild side effects. Triptan medications---of which Zomig is one---are among the best treatments currently available for stopping migraines, and most patients find the medication tremendously beneficial.