Zomig, other wise known as Zolmitriptan is a drug frequently prescribed for the relief of headaches and bouts of migraine. It has been classified by the Federal Drug Agency (FDA) in the USA as being a Category C type of drug which may prove dangerous to pregnant women.
The class C category of pregnancy drug means that it has not been tested or subjected to clinical trials on either humans or animals or that the drug has been shown to have an adverse effect on the fetus of animals, and that the drug should only be used of the potential benefits outweigh, by a large margin, any risk of causing fetal damage.
The use of this drug has been shown to cause a significant increase in the number of embryo deaths and birth abnormalities in pregnant rodents. So, on this basis it can be seen that zomig and pregnancy are incompatible, and that it is inadvisable that the drug be used by pregnant women without having counseling from medical staff.
If any person is taking zomig for any purpose and find they are pregnant then the health advisor will weigh up the factors in relation to allowing for the continuance of the drug, and make the necessary suggestions relevant to the persons individual circumstances, bearing in mind that zomig can have some unwanted side effects.
Side Effects of Zomig. Many people who take zomig do not suffer from any side effects. Frequently the side effects can be mild in nature, but for anything more serious it is best to inform the health advisor or doctor. Some mild side effects are –
- Bouts of dizziness accompanied by burning, prickling or tingling feelings.
- An unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Pain in the regions of the neck.
- Sensations of lethargy and sickness.
These are some of the milder types of side effect experienced by zomig users, but more serious side effects can become manifest as follows. –
- Breathlessness and feelings of severe chest constriction.
- Acute stomach pain with diarrhea containing blood.
- Loss of vision and confusion with the cognitive senses.
There can be an adverse effect caused by taking zomig if the person is also taking any form of anti-depressant medication. This condition is known as ‘serotonin syndrome’ and can include the symptoms of hallucinations, an increased heart rate, difficulties with mobility, muscle spasms, and fever.
Obviously there is no method by which the doctor will know if the person will suffer from any side effects before the medicine is tried on the patient, so it is important for any user of zombig to be made aware that side effects are possible, and to report any such unwanted effects immediately to the doctor or health advisor.