Zomig Alternatives

If Zomig is not working for you or if you are experiencing bothersome side effects, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about some of the alternatives to Zomig for treating migraine headaches. Among these alternatives are lifestyle changes (such as getting regular exercise or preventing migraine triggers) and other medications. Some examples of other drugs that can be used as Zomig alternatives include other triptans, ergot medications, and seizure medications such as divalproex.

 

Alternatives to Zomig: An Overview

There are several alternatives to Zomig® (zolmitriptan) for the treatment of migraine headaches. These alternatives can include lifestyle changes and other migraine medications.
 
Lifestyle Changes
Many people benefit from lifestyle changes to improve migraine headaches. Preventing migraine triggers, such as certain foods or stressful situations, can help improve migraines (see Migraine Diet for more information). Biofeedback for migraines can also be helpful. Regular exercise can also help improve migraine symptoms.
 
Medications
There are basically two types of migraine medications: those used to treat migraine headaches that have already started and those used to prevent them from starting in the first place. Some medications for treating migraines that have already started include:
 
  • Triptans (other migraine medications very similar to Zomig), such as:

 

 

  • Ergot medications, such as:

 

    • Dihydroergotamine (Migranal®)
    • Ergotamine (Bellamine S®, Cafergot®, Ergomar®)

 

  • Other pain medications, including narcotics or over-the-counter medications for pain.
     
If migraines occur frequently or are extremely severe, medication for migraine prevention is an option. Some of the medications used to prevent migraines include:
 
(Zomig Alternatives Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;