Naratriptan
Generic Amerge
Naratriptan (NAR a trip tan) is a generic medication prescribed for migraine with or without aura in adults. Naratriptan belongs to a group of drugs called triptans.
Naratriptan (NAR a trip tan) is a generic medication prescribed for migraine with or without aura in adults. Naratriptan belongs to a group of drugs called triptans.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 2.5mg
- • 9 Tablets
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Intro
Side effects
Side effects of naratriptan
Naratriptan may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of naratriptan and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about naratriptan’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for naratriptan listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with naratriptan are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about naratriptan’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for naratriptan listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Naratriptan oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- burning, tingling, or prickling sensation on areas of your skin
- nausea
- dizziness
- drowsiness or tiredness
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for naratriptan” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of naratriptan are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about naratriptan’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for naratriptan listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, naratriptan’s serious side effects include:
- heart-related side effects, such as heart attack or irregular heartbeat
- stroke or brain bleeding
- very high blood pressure
- serotonin syndrome (high level of serotonin in your body)
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for naratriptan” section.
FAQ
Common questions about naratriptan
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about naratriptan.
How does naratriptan compare with sumatriptan?
Naratriptan and sumatriptan belong to the same group of drugs called triptans. Both treat migraine with or without aura in adults.
Both drugs have similar side effects. But people taking naratriptan may experience fewer side effects. Naratriptan also has fewer drug interactions than sumatriptan.
Sumatriptan can treat cluster headaches as well as migraine episodes. It comes in multiple forms, including an oral tablet, nasal spray, and injection given under the skin. Sumatriptan oral tablet starts working in about 30 minutes, which is faster than naratriptan oral tablet. Other forms of sumatriptan start working even faster.
Since naratriptan and sumatriptan are part of the same group of drugs, they should not be taken together.
You can talk with your doctor or pharmacist about which drug may work best for your condition.
Is naratriptan an opioid?
No, naratriptan is not an opioid. Opioid drugs are prescribed to manage and relieve severe pain. Both naratriptan and opioids work in your brain and spinal cord. So they have similar side effects, such as tiredness, dizziness, and nausea. But they work differently in your body.
Opioids bind to opioid receptors (a structure on cells that receives and responds to chemical signals). This decreases your ability to feel pain. Naratriptan binds to serotonin receptors. This treats the cause of pain during a migraine episode.
To learn more about the difference between naratriptan and opioids, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
What brand names are available for naratriptan?
Amerge is the brand name for naratriptan. But it’s no longer available.
A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about brand name and generic medications.
How does naratriptan work? And how long does it take to start working?
Naratriptan belongs to a group of drugs called triptans, also called serotonin receptor agonists. An agonist is a substance that activates a specific receptor (a structure on cells that receives and responds to chemical signals).
Naratriptan activates serotonin receptors in the blood vessels of your head. This helps decrease the pressure and pain in your head during a migraine episode. It also stops the release of substances that produce inflammation (swelling) in your head. This helps reduce nerve activity, which eases pain and other migraine symptoms, such as sensitivity to light.
Naratriptan starts working in about 1–2 hours after you take it. It may take 4 hours or longer for your symptoms to go away, with some people needing to take a second dose for full relief.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Uses
Uses of naratriptan
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as naratriptan for certain conditions. Approved uses for naratriptan are described below.
Use for migraine
Doctors may prescribe naratriptan tablets for treating migraine with or without aura. It’s usually prescribed as needed when you experience a migraine episode.
Migraine is a neurological condition that causes episodes of throbbing or pulsing headaches along with other symptoms. These may include nausea or vomiting, and sensitivity to light, sounds, or smells.
Migraine may also have auras, which can happen before or during your migraine episode. Symptoms include:
- vision changes (blind spots or flashes of light)
- numbness or tingling on your face, lips, or tongue
- speech changes (slurred speech, mumbling, or difficulty finding words)
Doctors may not prescribe naratriptan oral tablet in certain situations, such as to help prevent migraine episodes or treat cluster headaches. It’s also not prescribed to people who haven’t been diagnosed with migraine.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for naratriptan
Below, you’ll find information about naratriptan’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of naratriptan
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take naratriptan, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for naratriptan” section below.
Warnings for naratriptan
Some people should not take naratriptan, and others should take it cautiously.
Naratriptan could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether naratriptan is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of naratriptan you take.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for naratriptan, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Naratriptan can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to naratriptan or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe naratriptan. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to naratriptan, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of naratriptan
If you take naratriptan by mouth you should not take more naratriptan than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much naratriptan, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and naratriptan
Information about naratriptan and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Naratriptan and pregnancy
It’s not known whether naratriptan should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Naratriptan and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether naratriptan should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about naratriptan or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How many days in a month can I take naratriptan?
- Is it safe to take naratriptan with my other drugs, including migraine rescue medications?
- Is naratriptan the best treatment option, considering my other medical conditions?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Naratriptan tablet. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/41c29652-32f8-48dc-9038-0e2195aa2084/spl-doc
- Sumatriptan injection. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/c009976a-4e29-4aeb-9e55-a88766ebb1fb/spl-doc?
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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