Brand Name(s): Amerge
Generic Name Naratriptan
What are naratriptan tablets?
NARATRIPTAN (Amerge®) helps to relieve a migraine attack that starts with or without aura (a peculiar feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack). Generic naratriptan tablets are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
•bowel disease or colitis
•diabetes
•family history of heart disease
•fast or irregular heartbeat
•headaches that are different from your usual migraine
•heart or blood vessel disease, angina (chest pain), or previous heart attack
•high blood pressure
•high cholesterol
•history of stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs or "mini-strokes"), or intracranial bleeding
•kidney disease
•liver disease
•overweight
•poor circulation
•postmenopausal or surgical removal of uterus and ovaries
•Raynaud's syndrome
•seizure disorder
•tobacco smoker
•an unusual or allergic reaction to naratriptan, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
•pregnant or trying to get pregnant
•breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take naratriptan tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Naratriptan is taken after the migraine attack starts; it is not for everyday use. Swallow the tablets whole with fluids. If your migraine headache returns after one dose, you can take another dose as directed. You must allow at least 4 hours between doses, and do not take more than 5 mg in 24 hours. If there is no improvement at all after the first dose, do not take a second dose without talking to your prescriber or health care professional. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
This does not apply, naratriptan is not for regular use.
What drug(s) may interact with naratriptan?
Do not take naratriptan with any of the following medicines:
•amphetamine or cocaine
•dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, eroloid mesylates, methysergide, or ergot-type medication - do not take within 24 hours of taking naratriptan.
•almotriptan, eletriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan - do not take within 24 hours of taking naratriptan.
•medicines for weight loss such as dexfenfluramine, dextroamphetamine, fenfluramine, or sibutramine
•monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Carbex®, Eldepryl®) - do not take naratriptan within 2 weeks of stopping MAOI therapy.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any of these medications:
•birth control pills
•cough syrup or other products containing dextromethorphan
•feverfew
•lithium
•medicines for mental depression, anxiety or mood problems such as buspirone, citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, mirtazapine, nefazodone, paroxetine, sertraline, trazodone, tricyclic antidepressants, or venlafaxine
•meperidine
•St. John's wort
•tryptophan
Tell your physician or health care provider: about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines; if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol; if you smoke; or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What side effects may I notice from taking naratriptan?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber as soon as possible:
•chest, neck, or throat pain or tightness
•dizziness or faintness
•fast or irregular heart beat, palpitations
•feeling of chest heaviness or pressure
•increased blood pressure
•severe stomach pain and cramping, bloody diarrhea
•shortness of breath, wheezing, or difficulty breathing
•tingling, pain, or numbness in the face, hands or feet
•unusual reaction or swelling of the skin, eyelids, face, or lips
Stop using naratriptan and call your prescriber as soon as you can if you get any of these side effects.
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
•drowsiness
•dry mouth
•feeling warm, flushing, or redness of the face
•nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset
•tiredness or weakness
What should I watch for while taking naratriptan?
Only take naratriptan tablets for a migraine headache. Take it if you get warning symptoms or at the start of a migraine attack. Naratriptan is not for regular use to prevent migraine attacks. Do not take it if your headache symptoms are different than your usual attacks; consult your doctor first.
Do not take migraine products that contain ergotamine while you are taking naratriptan; this combination can affect your heart.
You may get drowsy, dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how naratriptan affects you. To reduce dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness, dizziness and flushing. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Smoking cigarettes may increase the risk of heart-related side effects from using naratriptan.
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
| Available at: www.DrugDigest.org | Last Updated:08/06/2001 |
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