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|Naratriptan hydrochloride

Naratriptan hydrochloride

Generic name: Naratriptan hydrochloride
Brand names: Amerge

Why is Naratriptan hydrochloride prescribed?

Naratriptan hydrochloride is used for relief of classic migraine headaches. It"s helpful whether or not the headache is preceded by an aura (visual disturbances, usually sensations of halos or flickering lights). The drug works only during an actual attack. It will not reduce the number of headaches that develop.

Most important fact about Naratriptan hydrochloride

Naratriptan hydrochloride should be used only for acute, classic migraine attacks. It should not be taken for other types of headache, including cluster headache and certain unusual types of migraine.

How should you take Naratriptan hydrochloride?

Naratriptan hydrochloride may be taken any time after the headache starts. Swallow the tablet whole, with liquid. If you have no response, a partial response, or return of your headache after the first tablet, consult your doctor. You may take a second tablet, but should wait at least 4 hours after the first dose. Do not take more than 2 doses within 24 hours.

--If you miss a dose...

Naratriptan hydrochloride is not for regular use. Take it only during an attack.

--Storage instructions...

Store Naratriptan hydrochloride tablets at room temperature, away from heat and light. If your medication has expired (the expiration date is printed on the treatment pack), throw it away. If your doctor decides to stop your treatment, do not keep any leftover medicine unless your doctor recommends it.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Naratriptan hydrochloride.

• More common side effects may include:
  Nausea, sensation of pain and pressure, strange sensations

Why should Naratriptan hydrochloride not be prescribed?

You should avoid Naratriptan hydrochloride if you are prone to any type of impaired circulation, including angina (crushing chest pain), heart attack, stroke, or ischemic bowel disease. Also avoid Naratriptan hydrochloride if you have severe kidney or liver disease, or suffer from uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Do not use Naratriptan hydrochloride within 24 hours of another medication in the same drug class, such as Imitrex or Zomig, or an ergotamine-based medication such as Cafergot, D.H.E. 45 Injection, Migranal Nasal Spray, or Sansert.

If Naratriptan hydrochloride gives you an allergic reaction, stop using it and notify your doctor.

Special warnings about Naratriptan hydrochloride

People with a heart or circulatory condition have been known to suffer a heart attack or stroke after taking Naratriptan hydrochloride. If you have heart disease, or know of any factors that make undetected heart disease a possibility, be sure to tell the doctor. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, excess weight, smoking, a history of heart disease in your family, and menopause.

If there"s any chance of a heart problem, your doctor may administer the first dose of Naratriptan hydrochloride in the office and monitor your response. After later doses, call your doctor immediately if you experience chest discomfort (including, pain, heaviness, tightness), sudden or severe stomach pain, numbness or tingling, heat sensations, or facial flushing after taking Naratriptan hydrochloride.

Naratriptan hydrochloride is only for classic migraine headache. If the first dose fails to relieve your symptoms, your doctor should reevaluate you. Your problem may not be migraine.

If a headache feels different from any you"ve had previously, check with your doctor. It could be a warning of a problem unrelated to migraine.

If you have kidney or liver problems, or if you have any trouble with your eyes, inform your doctor.

Although very rare, severe and even fatal allergic reactions have occurred in people taking Naratriptan hydrochloride. Call your doctor immediately if you have shortness of breath; wheezing; palpitations; swelling of the eyelids, face, or lips; or a skin rash, lumps, or hives. Such reactions are more likely in people who have multiple allergies.

Naratriptan hydrochloride has not been tested in children or adults over age 65.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Naratriptan hydrochloride

If Naratriptan hydrochloride is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either may be increased, decreased, or altered. Do not combine Naratriptan hydrochloride with the following:

Ergot-containing drugs such as Cafergot and Ergostat
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Zolmitriptan (Zomig)
Antidepressants that boost serotonin levels, including Luvox, Paxil, Prozac, and Zoloft

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Naratriptan hydrochloride during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Naratriptan hydrochloride may appear in breast milk and could affect a nursing infant. If Naratriptan hydrochloride is essential to your health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding while using Naratriptan hydrochloride.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Naratriptan hydrochloride comes in 1- and 2.5-milligram tablets. The most you should take at one time is 2.5 milligrams, and the maximum for each 24 hours is 5 milligrams. Doses should be spaced at least 4 hours apart.

If you have kidney or liver problems, the recommended dose is 1 milligram, with a 24- hour maximum of 2.5 milligrams.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

• Symptoms of Naratriptan hydrochloride overdose may include:
  Light-headedness, loss of coordination, tension in the neck, tiredness