UK licensed POM (Zomig 5mg Nasal Spray by Grünenthal) — pre-metered single-dose nasal spray delivering 5mg zolmitriptan for acute migraine treatment
Faster onset than oral triptans (typically 15 minutes) and works when nausea or vomiting prevents swallowing tablets; bypasses migraine-related gastric stasis
Cardiovascular contraindications matter — coronary heart disease, previous MI, uncontrolled hypertension, previous stroke or TIA all rule out triptan use; prescriber assessment required
Acute treatment only, never preventive; use no more than 2 days per week to avoid medication overuse headache; maximum 10mg (two doses) in 24 hours
Migraine affects roughly 8 million people in the UK — around 1 in 7 adults, disproportionately women (roughly 3:1 female:male ratio in the reproductive years). After all, migraine isn’t just a headache — it’s a neurological condition involving pain, nausea, light and sound sensitivity, and often visual or sensory aura that can make normal function impossible for hours to days.
As a result, it’s genuinely disabling. Migraine ranks as one of the top causes of disability worldwide in the working-age population, ahead of many conditions traditionally thought of as more “serious.” So effective acute treatment matters — it’s the difference between losing 4-72 hours of your life to a migraine attack and recovering within an hour or two.
Zolmitriptan nasal spray fits patients whose migraines involve significant nausea, whose attacks escalate quickly, or who need faster relief than oral tablets can provide. Specifically, the nasal route bypasses the digestive system entirely — meaning it works even when migraine-related gastric stasis is slowing absorption, and it works when vomiting makes tablets impossible. As a result, many patients feel relief within 15 minutes rather than the 30-60 minutes typical of oral triptans.
However, honest framing matters: triptans work best when taken early in the attack, they have cardiovascular contraindications that need proper assessment, and they can cause medication overuse headache if used too frequently. So this isn’t a casual painkiller — it’s a specific migraine treatment used appropriately.
Where this nasal spray fits in migraine treatment
The UK approach to migraine acute treatment follows a stepped path:
So zolmitriptan nasal spray typically sits at Step 5 — for patients who need triptan treatment but whose situation makes tablets impractical (nausea, vomiting, slow onset, need for speed). In short, it’s a specific solution for a specific problem within the wider migraine treatment landscape.
This nasal spray vs Zomig tablets
Same active, different route:
This nasal spray: 5mg zolmitriptan delivered nasally
In contrast, Zomig tablets: 2.5mg (or orodispersible 2.5mg) delivered orally
Both contain zolmitriptan
Nasal spray: faster onset (around 15 minutes)
Tablets: slower onset (30-60 minutes)
Nasal spray: works when nausea/vomiting present
Tablets: can be vomited back up during an attack
Nasal spray: doesn’t need water
Tablets: usually cheaper
In general, tablets fit slower-onset migraines without significant nausea; nasal spray fits rapid attacks or attacks with gastric symptoms
In general, OTC options fit mild migraine; triptans fit moderate-to-severe migraine
This nasal spray vs preventive migraine treatment
Different clinical roles:
This nasal spray: acute treatment of active migraine attacks
In contrast, preventive treatments (topiramate, propranolol, amitriptyline, candesartan): daily use to reduce attack frequency
Acute and preventive are complementary, not alternatives
Patients with frequent migraine (more than 4 attacks/month) often need both
Acute treatment stops individual attacks
Preventive treatment reduces how often attacks happen in the first place
Preventive treatment is essential when acute use exceeds 2 days/week (medication overuse risk)
In general, if you need triptans more than twice a week, preventive treatment discussion matters
This nasal spray vs newer gepants (rimegepant)
Different generations of acute migraine treatment:
Zolmitriptan: established triptan class (5-HT1B/1D agonist)
In contrast, rimegepant (Vydura): newer gepant class (CGRP receptor antagonist)
Gepants don’t cause vasoconstriction — safer for cardiovascular patients
Triptans can’t be used in cardiovascular contraindications
Gepants are newer with less long-term data
Triptans have decades of post-marketing evidence
Gepants can also be used preventively (rimegepant has dual acute/preventive indication)
Triptans are acute-only
In general, triptans fit patients without cardiovascular contraindications; gepants fit patients where triptans can’t be used
Who this nasal spray may suit well
This product may suit:
Adults with diagnosed migraine with significant nausea or vomiting
Adults whose migraines escalate rapidly
Adults who’ve tried oral triptans and want faster onset
Adults who’ve tried OTC options without adequate relief
Adults without cardiovascular contraindications
Adults who understand acute vs preventive treatment
Adults using triptans no more than 2 days per week (medication overuse prevention)
Adults committed to trigger identification and lifestyle management alongside acute treatment
Adults who understand cardiovascular assessment requirements
Who might suit other options better
Other options may suit better for:
Adults with any cardiovascular contraindication (coronary heart disease, previous MI, uncontrolled hypertension, previous stroke or TIA, peripheral vascular disease)
Adults with hemiplegic migraine (triptans contraindicated)
Adults with basilar or ophthalmoplegic migraine (triptans contraindicated)
Adults with severe hepatic impairment
Adults on MAOI antidepressants (contraindicated during and 2 weeks after)
Adults on ergotamine-containing medications (within 24 hours)
Adults with tension-type headache (not migraine — triptans don’t work)
Adults with cluster headache (usually needs specialist input including injectable options)
Adults using triptans more than 10 days/month (need preventive treatment first)
Adults with first-time or undiagnosed severe headache (needs assessment first)
Adults over 65 (limited data — individual assessment needed)
Adults under 18 (not licensed for this age group)
Pregnant women (limited data — usually avoided unless benefit clearly outweighs risk)
Adults with active nasal pathology preventing absorption
Courier Pharmacy supply
This is a UK Prescription-Only Medicine. So supply only happens after our UK-qualified prescriber reviews your situation thoroughly. The consultation covers:
Your migraine diagnosis and pattern
Frequency and severity of attacks
Typical attack duration and symptoms
Previous treatments tried (OTC and prescription)
Your full medical history including cardiovascular risk factors
Blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiovascular history
Family history of cardiovascular disease
Current medications and any potential interactions
Pregnancy status if applicable
Aura patterns and headache characteristics
Discussion of acute vs preventive treatment needs
Realistic expectations for triptan use
Medication overuse headache awareness
In short, this isn’t a checkbox consultation — it’s a clinical assessment. So even for a well-established licensed treatment, we take the time to make sure it fits your specific situation safely.
This is a UK licensed Prescription Only Medicine (POM) — a single-dose nasal spray containing 5mg zolmitriptan, a selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist (“triptan”) licensed for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura. So each pre-metered spray delivers a full 5mg dose directly to the nasal mucosa, giving faster onset than oral tablets and offering a genuine alternative when nausea and vomiting make swallowing difficult. As a result, it fits patients with moderate-to-severe migraine, particularly those whose attacks include gastric symptoms, and those wanting relief within 15 minutes rather than the 30-60 minutes typical of oral triptans. Important: zolmitriptan is contraindicated in coronary heart disease, uncontrolled hypertension, previous stroke or TIA, and several other cardiovascular conditions — so supply happens after full prescriber assessment. Available on prescription at Courier Pharmacy.
At Courier Pharmacy, we believe in treatment that fits the person — but only where it’s honest, safe, and consented to.
This page covers what zolmitriptan nasal spray is, who it may suit for acute migraine, how it compares to other triptans and non-triptan options, and the practical points that matter — cardiovascular safety, medication overuse headache, and how to use nasal triptans effectively.
Five key takeaways
This is a UK licensed POM (Zomig 5mg Nasal Spray by Grünenthal) — a triptan for acute migraine treatment with faster onset than tablets and useful when nausea or vomiting makes oral treatment difficult
Faster onset than oral triptans — many patients feel relief within 15 minutes vs 30-60 minutes for tablets. So this fits patients wanting rapid rescue, those whose attacks escalate quickly, and those whose migraines involve significant nausea
Cardiovascular contraindications matter. Coronary heart disease, previous heart attack, previous stroke or TIA, uncontrolled hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease are all reasons to avoid triptans. Prescriber assessment before first supply isn’t optional
Acute treatment only, never preventive. Regular use on more than 10 days per month can cause medication overuse headache. So if you need triptans more than 2 days per week, discuss preventive treatment options as well
Practical points: use at the first sign of migraine (aura or headache), may repeat after 2 hours if migraine returns, maximum 10mg (two doses) in 24 hours, don’t combine with other triptans or ergotamines, and space carefully from MAOIs and some SSRIs
Why choose Courier Pharmacy for migraine treatment
At Courier Pharmacy, our approach starts with a simple idea: treatment should fit the person, not force the person to fit the system.
Dr Ada Jex-Cori
Our service is shaped by the philosophy of Dr Ada Jex-Cori, our brand pharmacist.
Dr Ada represents the spirit of the pharmacy: evidence-led, community-rooted, and willing to challenge the one-size-fits-all approach to medicine. She is named in honour of three pioneering women in science: Ada Lovelace, the mathematician and visionary; Sophia Jex-Blake, the first female doctor in the UK who fought the medical establishment; and Gerty Cori, the biochemist and Nobel Prize winner.
In our fictional world of Etherwell, Dr Ada fights against pharma’s standardised approach to medicine. In the real world, she represents what we stand for. Her view is straightforward: you are not broken. The system is. And we are here to change that.
Migraine deserves serious attention
Migraine is often dismissed as “just a headache.” Courier Pharmacy is different. So we recognise that:
Migraine affects roughly 8 million UK adults (around 1 in 7)
Migraine disproportionately affects women in their reproductive years (3:1 ratio)
Migraine is a leading cause of disability in working-age adults globally
It affects work, family, relationships, and how people show up in the world
Depression and anxiety are significantly more common in migraine sufferers
Access to effective acute treatment can be genuinely life-changing
Getting the right treatment approach matters
After all, migraine has a real impact on quality of life. So our prescriber takes it seriously.
Honest framing about the nasal spray advantage
We’ll be straight about when this matters:
Nasal spray fits patients whose migraines involve nausea or vomiting
Also fits patients whose attacks escalate too fast for oral treatment
Also fits patients whose gastric emptying slows too much during migraine
However, for migraines without these features, oral tablets often work just as well and are cheaper
Nasal spray costs more than tablets
If tablets work for you, there’s no advantage to switching
Nasal spray fits specific problems, not general use
Honest framing about acute vs preventive treatment
These aren’t the same thing:
Acute treatment stops individual migraine attacks
Preventive treatment reduces how often attacks happen
Frequent migraine sufferers (more than 4 attacks/month) often need both
Using only acute treatment for frequent migraine leads to medication overuse
If you use triptans more than 2 days per week, discuss preventive treatment
Preventive options include topiramate, propranolol, amitriptyline, candesartan
Newer options include CGRP monoclonal antibodies (specialist-initiated)
Honest framing about medication overuse headache
The paradox of triptan use:
Using triptans more than 10 days per month causes rebound headache
Menstrual migraine patterns and hormonal contribution
Comorbid conditions (depression, anxiety, IBS often overlap)
Sleep quality and migraine
Diet, hydration, caffeine intake
Exercise as prevention
Stress management approaches
When preventive treatment fits
When specialist referral makes sense
Realistic expectations for triptan response
Migraine diary as tracking tool
Sometimes the migraine is the visible part of a wider picture worth talking through.
Prescriber support before and after supply
Our team is here to discuss:
Whether zolmitriptan nasal spray fits your migraine pattern
Whether oral triptans would suit you first
Whether preventive treatment discussion is appropriate
Cardiovascular assessment and any concerns
Correct usage technique
Medication overuse awareness
What to do if it doesn’t work
When to seek urgent medical help
Trust earned, not claimed
We are GPhC-regulated, and our content is grounded in the licensed Zomig 5mg Nasal Spray Summary of Product Characteristics (Grünenthal), NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary on migraine, NICE guideline on headaches in over 12s (CG150), British Association for the Study of Headache guidelines, decades of published clinical evidence on triptans, MHRA guidance on medication overuse headache, and the real experience of patients managing migraine.
If this nasal spray isn’t the right answer for your situation, we’ll tell you honestly. After all, getting the right treatment matters more than fulfilling a request.
How supply works
This is a licensed UK Prescription-Only Medicine. So the supply process has proper clinical steps.
How our service works
Complete the detailed migraine consultation on courierpharmacy.co.uk
Our UK-qualified prescriber reviews your migraine history and cardiovascular status
If approved, the prescriber issues a prescription for the nasal spray
Your order is dispatched in plain, discreet packaging
Free prescriber support is available throughout treatment
Regular review to assess response and manage frequency
When other options might suit better
If this nasal spray isn’t right, we’ll explain why. Other options may include:
OTC options — paracetamol, ibuprofen, aspirin, Migraleve for mild migraine
Sumatriptan tablets or OTC Imigran Recovery for oral triptan users
Zolmitriptan tablets or orodispersible for oral use
Other oral triptans (rizatriptan, eletriptan, almotriptan)
Sumatriptan nasal spray as an alternative nasal option
Sumatriptan injection for fastest onset
Gepants (rimegepant) for patients with cardiovascular contraindications
Antiemetic-only treatment for nausea-predominant attacks
Preventive treatment (topiramate, propranolol, amitriptyline, candesartan) for frequent migraine
Specialist referral for chronic or resistant migraine
CGRP monoclonal antibodies (specialist prescribed) for chronic migraine
Our community service
Our free fortnightly drop-in clinics at Insomnia, Derby run every other week from 10am to 12pm.
Healthcare shouldn’t only happen when you’re paying for it. So we show up, even when it’s free.
We cover migraine, headache, skincare, acne, hair loss, MCAS, weight management, menopause, women’s health, men’s health, TRT, chronic pain, digestive health, allergies, asthma, sleep, and whatever else people bring through the door. No appointment needed, no charge, no pressure.
Active ingredient
Each single-dose nasal spray contains:
Zolmitriptan 5mg (5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist — a triptan)
Nasal spray excipients including citric acid, disodium phosphate, purified water
Why zolmitriptan
Zolmitriptan is one of the second-generation triptans:
Selective 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist
Also has some activity at 5-HT1F receptors
Actively metabolised to N-desmethyl-zolmitriptan (also active)
Elimination half-life around 3 hours
Bioavailability around 40% via oral route
Nasal route gives faster onset via nasal mucosal absorption
Widely studied for migraine efficacy since the 1990s
Established safety profile with decades of post-marketing data
Also used off-label for cluster headache under specialist supervision
In short, zolmitriptan is one of the well-established triptan options with good evidence across migraine types. After all, when a molecule has been used for over 25 years with consistent evidence and clear safety profile, it earns its place in migraine treatment guidelines.
Why the 5mg strength
The 5mg dose is specifically chosen for nasal use:
Standard licensed dose for zolmitriptan nasal spray
Higher than the 2.5mg oral tablet dose (accounting for nasal bioavailability differences)
Provides effective plasma concentrations quickly
Studies show 5mg nasal spray equivalent efficacy to 2.5mg oral tablet but with faster onset
Some patients respond to 2.5mg nasal spray; 5mg is the standard first-choice dose
Well-established safety at this dose
After all, the 5mg nasal dose is the well-studied prescription strength. So this isn't an experimental concentration — it's the licensed nasal dose backed by clinical trial evidence.
Why the nasal spray formulation
The nasal route offers specific advantages:
Faster onset than oral tablets — 15 minutes vs 30-60 minutes
Bypasses the digestive system entirely
Works when nausea or vomiting prevents swallowing
Works when migraine has slowed gastric emptying (very common in migraine)
Single-dose delivery — no measuring or spillage risk
Discreet — usable in most settings
Portable — fits in a pocket or handbag
Doesn't require water to take
Doesn't need refrigeration
In short, the nasal route addresses two of the biggest practical problems with oral migraine treatment: speed and gastric symptoms. After all, if you can't swallow because of vomiting, or if your stomach isn't absorbing anything because of migraine-related gastric stasis, tablets don't work — and by the time they might work, the migraine has escalated further.
Other ingredients
The nasal spray contains standard nasal formulation excipients:
Citric acid (pH buffer)
Disodium phosphate anhydrous (pH buffer)
Purified water
Additional excipients as listed in the licensed SmPC
Complete excipients list is on the patient information leaflet supplied with the product. So mention any known allergies during your consultation.
Pack details
Zolmitriptan nasal spray comes as:
Single-dose disposable nasal spray units
Each unit delivers one 5mg dose
Available in packs of 2 or 6 single-dose units
Individual foil-wrapped for freshness
No priming or preparation needed
Sealed until use
What is Zolmitriptan 5mg Nasal Spray for?
This nasal spray is licensed for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. So triptans work specifically on the biology of migraine — they aren't general painkillers, and they don't work well for non-migraine headache. As a result, they fit patients with diagnosed migraine, not first-time or undiagnosed headache.
Who might this nasal spray suit?
This product may suit:
Adults with diagnosed moderate-to-severe migraine
Adults whose migraines include significant nausea or vomiting
Adults for whom oral triptans work but too slowly
Adults whose migraines escalate rapidly and need fast rescue
Adults who can't swallow tablets during a migraine attack
Adults whose migraines significantly disrupt work, family, or daily life
Adults without contraindicating cardiovascular conditions
Adults not currently taking contraindicated medications (MAOIs, ergotamines)
Adults between 18-65 years old (limited data outside this age range)
Adults who understand the difference between acute and preventive treatment
Adults willing to use no more than 2 days per week to avoid medication overuse headache
What this nasal spray may help with
Based on decades of clinical evidence:
Acute migraine attacks with or without aura
Migraine headache severity reduction
Migraine-associated nausea and vomiting
Migraine-associated photophobia and phonophobia (light and sound sensitivity)
Restoration of function during and after migraine
Migraine that recurs within 24 hours of initial treatment (repeat dose available)
Important honesty point: triptans work best when taken early in the migraine attack. After all, once central sensitisation develops (typically within 30-60 minutes of pain onset), triptan effectiveness reduces. So timing matters — earlier is better.
What this nasal spray doesn't claim to do
Honest framing matters:
It doesn't prevent migraines from happening (that's preventive treatment)
It doesn't work well for non-migraine headache (tension-type, cluster headache except under specialist care)
It doesn't work well if taken late in the migraine attack (after central sensitisation develops)
It doesn't guarantee relief for every attack (individual variation exists)
It doesn't cure migraine as a condition
It doesn't address underlying migraine triggers or lifestyle factors
It doesn't replace the need for preventive treatment in frequent migraine
It isn't safe for everyone — cardiovascular contraindications matter
How zolmitriptan works
Understanding the mechanism helps explain both why triptans work specifically for migraine and why they have the cardiovascular safety profile they do.
The migraine mechanism
Migraine involves multiple pathways:
Migraine attacks involve activation of the trigeminal nerve system
Trigeminal activation causes release of neuropeptides including CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide)
These neuropeptides cause vasodilation of cranial blood vessels
They also cause neurogenic inflammation of the meninges (brain covering)
Pain signals are transmitted to the brain
Central sensitisation develops as the attack progresses
Once central sensitisation occurs, treatment becomes harder
How zolmitriptan works on the migraine mechanism
Nasal spray delivered to nasal mucosa
Zolmitriptan absorbed rapidly through nasal mucosa into systemic circulation
Binds to 5-HT1B receptors on cranial blood vessels
Causes vasoconstriction of dilated cranial vessels
Binds to 5-HT1D receptors on trigeminal nerve endings
Reduces release of vasoactive neuropeptides (CGRP, substance P)
Reduces neurogenic inflammation
Also acts centrally through 5-HT1B/1D receptors
Reduces pain signal transmission
Migraine pain and associated symptoms reduce
In short, triptans target migraine-specific mechanisms. After all, this is why they work for migraine but not for tension-type headache or general pain.
Why the cardiovascular profile matters
The vasoconstriction mechanism has implications:
Triptans cause mild vasoconstriction of cranial vessels (the desired effect)
However, they can also cause mild vasoconstriction of coronary and cerebral vessels
In healthy patients this doesn't matter clinically
However, in patients with existing coronary or cerebral disease, this can trigger events
This is why cardiovascular contraindications matter
Also why cardiovascular assessment is essential before first use
Onset timeline
What to expect with the nasal spray:
0-5 minutes: no relief yet, nasal spray absorbing
5-15 minutes: onset of action begins
15-30 minutes: significant relief in responders
30-60 minutes: peak effect
2 hours: relief established or non-responder identified
4-6 hours: duration of effect
Beyond 6 hours: migraine may return in some patients (recurrence)
If migraine returns: repeat dose after 2 hours (maximum 10mg in 24 hours)
Why timing matters
Take at the first sign:
Triptans work best when taken early in the attack
Taking during aura or at first headache pain gives best results
Once central sensitisation develops (usually within 30-60 minutes), efficacy drops
Waiting for pain to become severe reduces triptan effectiveness
So take at first sign — don't wait to see if it will pass
How to use zolmitriptan nasal spray
Correct technique matters for effectiveness. So take a few minutes to learn the technique when you're not having a migraine — trying to figure it out during an attack is unnecessarily hard.
When to use
At the first sign of migraine — aura or headache onset
The earlier in the attack, the better the results
Don't wait to see if it might resolve without treatment
Don't use for tension-type headache (won't work)
Don't use for undiagnosed severe headache (needs assessment)
Standard technique
Blow your nose gently to clear nasal passages
Remove the nasal spray from its foil pouch
Hold the spray with thumb on bottom and forefinger on either side of the nozzle
Close one nostril with your other hand
Insert the nozzle tip just inside the open nostril
Tilt your head slightly forward
Breathe out gently
Press the plunger firmly to release the full dose
Sniff gently while continuing to press
Keep your head slightly forward for 10-20 seconds
Don't blow your nose for at least 15 minutes after
If you miss the target
Each nasal spray unit is single-dose
If the dose isn't delivered properly, don't repeat immediately
Wait until you're sure the dose has (or hasn't) worked
Discuss with prescriber if repeated issues with delivery
If migraine returns after initial relief
You may take a second dose after 2 hours from the first
Maximum 10mg (two doses) in 24 hours
If migraine doesn't respond to first dose, second dose usually won't work either
Consider alternative acute treatment if regularly not responding
What to do alongside
Migraine acute treatment often works better with supporting measures:
Rest in a dark, quiet room if possible
Ice pack on forehead or neck can help
Stay hydrated (small sips if nausea allows)
Antiemetic (metoclopramide, domperidone) if needed — check with prescriber first
NSAID (naproxen 500mg) may be added if not contraindicated — check with prescriber
What to avoid
Other triptans within 24 hours
Ergotamine or dihydroergotamine within 24 hours
Alcohol during a migraine
Driving until you know how zolmitriptan affects you
Regular use more than 2 days per week
Using during aura only (may not work optimally)
Storage
Store below 30°C
Keep in original packaging
Don't refrigerate or freeze
Keep out of sight and reach of children
Use by the expiry date on the packaging
Carry with you if migraine attacks occur unpredictably
Warnings and precautions
Triptans have important safety considerations. So the warnings section is longer and more important than for many other treatments — cardiovascular contraindications genuinely matter.
Don't use zolmitriptan if you
Have or have had coronary heart disease, angina, or heart attack
Have uncontrolled hypertension
Have peripheral vascular disease
Have had a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
Have hemiplegic, basilar, or ophthalmoplegic migraine
Have severe hepatic impairment
Are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 2 weeks
Are taking ergotamine or dihydroergotamine (within 24 hours)
Are taking another triptan (within 24 hours)
Have known allergy to zolmitriptan or any excipient
Have Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome or other cardiac arrhythmias with accessory pathways
The cardiovascular assessment
This is essential before first use:
Prescriber assesses cardiovascular risk factors
Age, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking status, family history all matter
Diabetes, obesity, and previous cardiac events assessed
If cardiovascular risk is high, alternative treatment may be needed
This isn't optional — it's essential triptan safety
Use with care if you
Are aged 65 or over (limited data)
Have mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment
Have mild-to-moderate renal impairment
Have well-controlled hypertension
Have significant cardiovascular risk factors even without established disease
Are taking SSRIs, SNRIs, or other serotonergic medications (serotonin syndrome risk)
Serotonin syndrome warning
Rare but serious:
Triptans plus other serotonergic drugs can cause serotonin syndrome
Includes SSRIs (sertraline, citalopram, fluoxetine)
Includes SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine)
Includes MAOIs (contraindicated)
Includes some other medications (tramadol, some herbal remedies)
Symptoms: agitation, sweating, tremor, muscle stiffness, high temperature, confusion
Discuss all medications with prescriber
Medication overuse headache warning
A common but often unrecognised problem:
Using triptans more than 10 days per month causes rebound headache pattern
Chest pain with breathlessness, sweating, or arm pain: 999
How should I store it?
Below 30°C
In original packaging
Don't refrigerate or freeze
Keep out of children's reach
Use by expiry date on packaging
Can I carry it with me?
Yes — designed for on-the-go use:
Single-dose disposable units
No priming needed
Fits in a pocket or handbag
Stable at room temperature
Don't leave in hot cars or direct sunlight
Does it work for cluster headache?
Sometimes, but usually specialist-managed:
Zolmitriptan nasal has some evidence for cluster headache
However, cluster headache is usually specialist-managed
Sumatriptan injection is often first-line for cluster
Oxygen therapy is another cluster headache option
If you have suspected cluster headache, specialist review essential
How do I order from Courier Pharmacy?
Complete the migraine consultation on courierpharmacy.co.uk. Our prescriber will review your migraine pattern and cardiovascular status, then arrange dispensing if suitable. Your order goes out in plain, discreet packaging with support available throughout your treatment.
More than a prescription: our community
Healthcare shouldn't only happen when you're paying for it.
Every fortnight we run free drop-in talks and clinics at Insomnia, Derby, from 10am to 12pm. So we show up, even when it's free.
Bring a question, bring a friend, bring a stack of bewildering letters from another clinic. We'll sit with you.
We cover migraine, headache, skincare, acne, hair loss, MCAS, weight management, menopause, women's health, men's health, chronic pain, digestive health, allergies, asthma, sleep, and whatever else people bring through the door. No appointment. No cost. No pressure. Just real support and treatment that fits.
This page is for information only and isn't a substitute for personal medical advice. Zolmitriptan is a licensed prescription-only medicine with important cardiovascular contraindications. Don't use if you have coronary heart disease, previous MI, uncontrolled hypertension, previous stroke or TIA, peripheral vascular disease, or several other conditions. Prescriber assessment before first use is essential. Regular use on more than 10 days per month causes medication overuse headache. Seek urgent medical help for severe chest pain, breathing difficulty, signs of stroke, severe allergic reaction, or thunderclap headache. Signs of severe allergic reaction (facial swelling, breathing difficulty, widespread rash) need immediate medical attention (999).
How this content was created
Written by the Courier Pharmacy editorial team and reviewed by a GPhC-registered prescribing pharmacist.
The content is grounded in the licensed Zomig 5mg Nasal Spray Summary of Product Characteristics (Grünenthal), NICE Clinical Knowledge Summary on migraine, NICE guideline CG150 on headaches in over 12s, British Association for the Study of Headache guidelines, decades of published clinical evidence on zolmitriptan and triptans generally, MHRA guidance on medication overuse headache, and the real experience of patients managing migraine under prescriber-led care. In addition, it draws on the real questions patients bring to our consultation pathway and drop-in clinics in Derby.
