What is Zomig Rapimelt Tablets?

Zomig Rapimelt is a fast-dissolving tablet you place under the tongue, containing zolmitriptan in two strengths (2.5 mg and 5 mg). It is designed to give quick relief from sudden migraine attacks, with or without aura, in adults. 

The tablet melts on your tongue without water, allowing the medicine to be absorbed rapidly for a fast start of action. It eases headache pain and related symptoms such as nausea, light sensitivity and sound sensitivity, and is usually well tolerated. Zomig Rapimelt is used at the first sign of a migraine to help you get back to normal and improve your quality of life.

What is Zomig Rapimelt Tablets Used For?

Migraine Pain Relief: Targets the widened blood vessels in the head to reduce the strength of headache pain.
Symptom Control: Relieves nausea, sensitivity to light and sensitivity to sound that often come with migraines.
Fast Effect: The tablet dissolves immediately, so the medicine is absorbed faster and starts working sooner.

At 123Meds, we supply Zomig Rapimelt only for treating acute migraine attacks. If you are thinking of using it for any other condition, please seek further review from your general practitioner to see if it is suitable.

How Zomig Rapimelt Tablets Works 

Zomig Rapimelt tackles the underlying cause of migraine attacks rather than just masking symptoms. Its quick-melt formula lets zolmitriptan enter the bloodstream fast and reach the areas where relief is needed.

Mechanism of Action: 

Receptor Activation: Zolmitriptan acts on certain serotonin receptors (5-HT₁B and 5-HT₁D) in the brain to narrow the blood vessels involved in migraine pain.
Pain Signal Block: It stops the release of chemicals that carry pain messages, reducing inflammation and the severity of headache.
Nerve Calming: The medicine soothes overactive nerves in the brain, lowering sensitivity to triggers like light and sound.

When is Migraine Attack Confirmed, and Medication Needed? 

A migraine attack is identified when you have fairly bad headaches, with or without aura, lasting a few hours to several days, often with feeling sick, vomiting and sensitivity to light or sound.

Diagnosis uses the International Classification of Headache Disorders and needs at least five similar attacks with typical signs. Acute prescribed medication such as Zomig Rapimelt is advised when headaches interrupt your daily life or early treatment can shorten the length of an attack and reduce its severity. Taking treatment at the first sign of symptoms gives better pain control and a better quality of life.

Physical causes of Migraine:

Genetic differences can make blood vessels in the brain stretch or tighten more than normal during attacks.
Cortical spreading depression, a wave of brain cell activity, changes blood flow and starts migraine pain.
Problems in the nerve and blood vessel system cause the release of inflammatory chemicals, leading to swelling of vessels and headache.

Psychological causes of Migraine: 

Strong stress can trigger migraines by activating the body’s stress system and changing how pain is felt.
Feeling depressed is linked to brain chemical imbalances that can make you more likely to get migraines.

Symptoms of Migraine: 

Throbbing or pulsing headache, usually on one side
Feeling sick and/or vomiting
Sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound (phonophobia)
If these symptoms go on for weeks or more, it is vital to seek help. 

Medical practitioners will diagnose it based on your health history. Depending on the main causes, treatment may include prescribed medication like Zomig Rapimelt for sudden migraine relief. Other medicines or therapies might also be suggested depending on your needs. It is important to speak to a general practitioner to find the right treatment plan.

Can Zomig Rapimelt Be Purchased Over the Counter? 

Zomig Rapimelt is a prescription-only medicine in the UK and cannot be purchased over the counter. To obtain it, patients must consult a GP or headache specialist who will assess migraine history and suitability. 

Pharmacists cannot supply it without a valid prescription, ensuring professional oversight and patient safety. Self-medicating with unlicensed sources risks substandard products, lack of monitoring, and may compromise treatment outcomes and increase risk of adverse reactions requiring emergency attention. Always seek advice.

Alternative Medications 

There are other treatments for sudden migraine relief in the UK. They work in different ways, act at different speeds, come in various doses and may be more suitable depending on how well you tolerate them.

Maxalt Melt (Rizatriptan Orally Disintegrating Tablets): Contains rizatriptan, another serotonin receptor agonist. It dissolves on your tongue without water, ideal for when you feel nauseous or are out and about. A 10 mg dose may be repeated after two hours if needed.
Almogran (Almotriptan Tablets): Almogran contains almotriptan and is known for having fewer side effects. It narrows cranial blood vessels to ease pain. It is taken at the start of a migraine and suits those who need both effectiveness and good tolerability.
Co-codamol (Paracetamol and Codeine): A combined painkiller used when standard migraine treatments do not work. It mixes paracetamol with codeine for stronger pain relief. It is not a first-choice option but may be prescribed in severe cases under careful supervision.

If you are unsure which treatment is best, please speak to your 123Meds prescriber for advice tailored to your symptoms and health needs.

How to Take Zomig Rapimelt? 

Timing: Take Zomig Rapimelt at the very first sign of migraine symptoms for the quickest and most effective relief.

Dosage: Start with one 2.5 mg tablet. If your headache returns or relief is not enough after two hours, you may take a second 2.5 mg tablet. Do not take more than 5 mg (two tablets) in any 24-hour period. If you have used 5 mg before and it worked better for you, you may start with a single 5 mg tablet. Do not exceed 10 mg in one day. Begin with the lower 2.5 mg dose, as tablets stay in the body longer with age. Zomig Rapimelt is not suitable for people under 18 and should not be used to prevent migraines.

With Food: You can take Zomig Rapimelt with or without food. However, a very fatty meal may slow how quickly it dissolves under your tongue and delay its effect. For fastest relief, take it on an emptier stomach.

Avoid Alcohol: Drinking alcohol can make migraine symptoms worse and reduce how well Zomig Rapimelt works. It may also increase side effects like dizziness and feeling sick, so avoid alcoholic drinks when taking your dose.

If you missed a dose of Zomig Rapimelt, take it as soon as you remember, provided it has been at least two hours since your last tablet and you stay within the 24-hour limit. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed tablet and continue as normal.

Zomig Rapimelt contains both active and inactive components that work together to provide relief.

Active Ingredient:

The active ingredient in Zomig Rapimelt is Zolmitriptan, which treats migraines by narrowing dilated blood vessels in the brain and reducing pain signals, helping relieve headache, nausea, and sensitivity to light or sound.

Inactive Ingredients:

Inactive ingredients like mannitol, aspartame, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium hydrogen carbonate help form the tablet, enhance taste, and ensure rapid disintegration. 

Always read the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the complete list of ingredients, and to check for any you might be allergic to.

While Zomig Rapimelt is effective for easing migraines, everyone reacts differently. Keep an eye on how you feel and tell your prescriber if anything seems unusual.

Common Side Effects: 

Dry mouth: A fleeting dry feeling that usually goes away on its own.
Drowsiness: You may feel sleepy or tired after taking a dose.
Dizziness: Feeling light-headed, especially when standing up quickly.
Tingling: A pins-and-needles or warm sensation in your face, arms or legs.
Nausea: Mild tummy discomfort or the urge to be sick.
Throat sensation: A sore or tight feeling in your throat.
Pressure: A brief heavy or tight feeling in your chest or limbs.
Weakness: Slight, short-lived weakness in your arms or legs, often after activity.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects: 

Chest Pain or Tightness: This may signal a heart-related issue and requires immediate medical attention.
Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or tightness in the chest can indicate a serious reaction and must be evaluated urgently.
Severe Allergic Reactions: Swelling of the face, lips, or throat, along with rash or difficulty breathing, may signal an allergic response and warrants emergency care.

If you experience severe or persistent side effects such as chest pain, sudden shortness of breath, or severe allergic reactions, you must seek immediate medical help from your GP, NHS111 or A&E to avoid complications. Don’t ignore unusual or alarming symptoms, as these are medical emergencies, and prompt care can prevent complications.

Before starting Zomig Rapimelt, please ensure that you have declared all pre-existing conditions to us so that your prescriber can determine the most appropriate treatment and dosage.