Naratriptan (By mouth)
nar-a-TRIP-tan
Drug classes
Antimigraine (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Naratriptan is used to treat acute migraine headaches in adults. Naratriptan works in the brain to relieve the pain from migraine headaches. It belongs to the group of medicines called triptans.
Many people find that their headaches go away completely after they take naratriptan. Other people find that their headaches are much less painful, and that they are able to go back to their normal activities even though their headaches are not completely gone. Naratriptan often relieves symptoms that occur together with a migraine headache, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and sensitivity to sound.
Naratriptan is not an ordinary pain reliever. It should not be used to relieve any kind of pain other than migraine headaches. This medicine is usually used for people whose headaches are not relieved by acetaminophen, aspirin, or other pain relievers.
Naratriptan has caused serious side effects in some people, especially people who have heart or blood vessel disease. Be sure that you discuss with your doctor the risks of using this medicine as well as the benefits.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Tablet
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Swallow the tablet with water or other liquid.
If your headache comes back or you do not get complete relief, wait at least 4 hours before you take another dose. Do not take more than 5 milligrams (mg) in 24 hours.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Use naratriptan only when you have a migraine. This medicine is not used on a regular schedule.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Do not use this medicine if you have taken another migraine headache medicine in the past 24 hours, such as another triptan or an ergot medicine.
Some foods and medicines can affect how naratriptan works. Tell your doctor if you are using medicine for depression or an MAO inhibitor.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use if you had an allergic reaction to naratriptan, or if you have severe kidney or liver disease. Tell your doctor if you have heart or blood vessel problems, such as a history of heart attack or stroke, or if you have heart rhythm problems.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, angina, diabetes, bowel disease, or a family history of heart disease. Tell your doctor if you have a history of blood circulation problems or if you smoke.
This medicine should be used only for classic or common migraine headaches. Do not use for any other kind of headache or pain.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Higher risk for abnormal heart rhythm, heart attack, angina, or stroke Tightness or discomfort in your chest, neck, or jaw Spasms in the blood vessels, such as Raynaud syndrome Serotonin syndromeYour headaches may become worse if you use headache medicine for 10 or more days per month.
This medicine may make you dizzy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Anxiety, restlessness, fever, sweating, muscle spasms, twitching, diarrhea, seeing or hearing things that are not there
Chest pain, especially if it spreads to your arms, jaw, back, or neck
Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat
Numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet, color changes in your fingers or toes
Severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
Sudden severe headache (other than the one being treated)
Tightness or discomfort in your chest, neck, or jaw
Vision changes that are not part of a usual migraine
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Amerge
There may be other brand names for this medicine.