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Naratriptan

Pronounced

"nair-uh-TRIP-tan"

Common brand names:

Amerge

Uses

This medication is used to treat migraines. It helps to relieve headaches, pain and other symptoms of migraines, including sensitivity to light/sound, nausea, and vomiting. Prompt treatment allows you to get back to your normal routine and may decrease your need for other pain medications. Naratriptan does not prevent future migraines or reduce how often you may get a headache.

Naratriptan belongs to a group of drugs called triptans. It affects a certain natural chemical (serotonin) that constricts blood vessels in the brain. It may also block other pain pathways in the brain.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using naratriptan and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take one tablet by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually at the first sign of a migraine. Do not take naratriptan to prevent a migraine. If there is no improvement in your symptoms, do not take any more doses of this medication before talking to your doctor. If your symptoms are only partly relieved, or if your headache comes back, you may take a second dose after 4 hours or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than 5 milligrams in a 24-hour period.

If you have never taken this medication before and you have risk factors for heart disease (see Precautions), you may be advised to take your first dose in your doctor's office in order to monitor for rare but serious heart problems (such as heart attack).

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

If you are using drugs for migraine attacks on 10 or more days each month, the drugs may actually make your headaches worse (medication overuse headache). Do not use medications more often or for longer than directed. Tell your doctor if you need to use this medication more often, or if the medication is not working as well, or if your headaches get worse.