Naratriptan (Amerge) Drug for Migraine Headache: Use, Side Effects, Interactions

Naratriptan
(Amerge, United States and Canada)

Use:

Naratriptan or Amerge, another triptan, is indicated for migraine headache and is available as an oral tablet. It is used for treatment, not prevention of migraine headaches.

How It Works:

Naratriptan or Amerge is able to constrict blood vessels which are dilated in a migraine headache. With constriction, the headache subsides.
Naratriptan or Amerge is similar to sumatriptan, but is longer acting, meaning that rebound headaches may be less likely to occur. The dose of Naratriptan or Amerge can be repeated after 4 hours, to a maximum of five milligrams per day.

Side Effects:

Naratripatan, beside constricting cerebral blood vessels, it can also constrict coronary blood vessels. This constriction can cause chest pain. Stomach irritation and sedation may also occur.

Cautions for People:

People with ischemic heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure should avoid naratripatan because of its ability to affect coronary vessels.

Drug Interactions:

Naratripatan can be used along with analgesics for migraine headache treatment, but has an additive effect with drugs that cause sedation.

Further Reading:

Neurology 1997;49:1485
FDC Reports 1998;Feb 16:3

Added to Virtual Drugstore March 1998.

The relevant product monographs must be regarded as the appropriate sources of prescribing information.