Brand Name(s):

• Amerge®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Naratriptan is used to treat the symptoms of migraine headaches (severe, throbbing headaches that sometimes are accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to sound or light). Naratriptan is in a class of medications called selective serotonin receptor agonists. It works by narrowing blood vessels in the brain, stopping pain signals from being sent to the brain, and stopping the release of certain natural substances that cause pain, nausea, and other symptoms of migraine. Naratriptan does not prevent migraine attacks.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Naratriptan comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It should be taken at any time after a migraine headache starts. Usually only one tablet is needed. If you have no response to the first tablet, do not take a second tablet without consulting your doctor. If you have a partial response to the first tablet, or your headache returns, a second tablet may be taken 4 hours after the first tablet. Do not take more than two tablets of naratriptan in any 24-hour period. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take naratriptan exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Naratriptan should be taken with plenty of water or other fluids.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before taking naratriptan,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to naratriptan, rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), zolmitriptan (Zomig), or any other drugs.
• do not take naratriptan within 24 hours of another selective serotonin receptor agonist such as almotriptan (Axert), eletriptan (Relpax), frovatriptan (Frova), rizatriptan (Maxalt), sumatriptan (Imitrex), or zolmitriptan (Zomig); or ergot-type medications such as bromocriptine (Parlodel), cabergoline (Dostinex), dihydroergotamine (D.H.E. 45, Migranal), ergoloid mesylates (Germinal, Hydergine), ergonovine (Ergotrate), ergotamine (Bellergal-S, Cafergot, Ergomar, Wigraine), methylergonovine (Methergine), methysergide (Sansert), and pergolide (Permax).
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: oral contraceptives; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, in Symbyax), fluvoxamine, paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft); and selective serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as duloxetine (Cymbalta), sibutramine (Meridia), and venlafaxine (Effexor). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you more carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had high blood pressure; angina (recurring chest paint); a heart attack; diabetes; high cholesterol; obesity; coronary artery disease; menopause; or blood vessel, kidney, or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking naratriptan, call your doctor.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking naratriptan.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Naratriptan is not for routine use. Use it only to relieve your migraine headache as soon as migraine symptoms appear.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Call your doctor if you continue to have symptoms.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Last Reviewed: September 1, 2010.