Zomig and Depression

There are a number of side effects of Zomig, and depression does appear to be a rare side effect. Therefore, it is important to know the signs and symptoms of depression, which can include a persistent sad mood, feelings of hopelessness, and thoughts of death or suicide. If you develop any symptoms of depression -- or something that "just does not seem right" -- while taking Zomig, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider. He or she will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.

 

Is Depression a Zomig Side Effect?

There are a number of possible side effects of Zomig® (zolmitriptan). Depression does appear to be one of the more rare side effects reported in Zomig clinical studies.
 

Understanding Clinical Studies

Before medicines are approved, they must go through several clinical studies in which thousands of people are given a particular medicine and are then compared to a group of people not given the medicine. In these studies, side effects are always documented. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine. Side effects are then usually separated into those that occur in more than 1 percent of people and those that occur in less than 1 percent of people.
 
In previous studies, depression occurred in less than 1 percent of people taking Zomig.
 

Zomig and Depression: What Should You Look For?

Depression is extremely common in society today. In fact, in any given one-year period, 9.5 percent of the population (about 18.8 million American adults) suffers from depression. Therefore, knowing the symptoms of depression can be helpful.
 
Depression symptoms may include:
 
  • A persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
  • Feelings of hopelessness and pessimism
  • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and helplessness
  • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
  • Decreased energy, fatigue, and being "slowed down"
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
  • Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
  • Appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain
  • Thoughts of death or suicide and suicide attempts
  • Restlessness and irritability
  • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.
     
Keep in mind that there are other conditions that can share similar symptoms with depression.
 
(Zomig and Depression Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;