GENERIC NAME: NARATRIPTAN - ORAL (nair-uh-TRIP-tan)

BRAND NAME(S): Amerge

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: This medication is used to treat acute migraine attacks.

HOW TO USE: Use this drug as directed. Generally one dose is taken by mouth, then if the headache returns or only partial relief occurs a second dose is used four hours later. The recommended maximum is 5 mg in 24 hours. If there is no relief from the first dose taken, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking another dose. This drug is not used to prevent migraine attacks. This drug and "ergot-type" drugs (see Drug Interactions) should not be used within 24 hours of each other. If you have never taken this medication before and you have risk factors for heart disease (see Precautions), you may be advised to take the very first dose in your doctor's office in order to monitor for rare but serious heart problems (e.g., heart attack).

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, drowsiness, tingling of the hands or feet, unusual tiredness, nausea, dry mouth and unsteadiness. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Unlikely but report promptly: chest pain/pressure, throat pain/pressure, unusually fast/slow/irregular pulse, one-sided muscle weakness, vision problems, cold/bluish hands or feet, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, mental/mood changes, fainting. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking naratriptan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "triptan" migraine drugs; or it you have other allergies. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have risk factors for heart disease including: high cholesterol level, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking history, family history of heart disease or stroke, obesity. Caution is also recommended in women after menopause or after removal of the ovaries, and men over 40 years old because of an increased risk for undiagnosed heart disease. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain blood circulation disorders (e.g., Raynaud's syndrome), heart or blood vessel disease/stroke, liver disease, kidney disease. There have been rare reports of those with sulfa drug allergies having allergic reactions to naratriptan. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Limit alcohol intake as it may aggravate certain side effects. Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving). This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Due to increased risk of side effects, use of this drug is not recommended in the elderly.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

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