New and effective medications for migraine
Why is this medication prescribed?
Naratriptan is used to treat migraine headaches. However, it will not prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of attacks you have.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
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.
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 (Zomax), or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially ergot-containing medications for migraine headaches (DHE 45 and Ergostat), oral contraceptives, and vitamins.
- 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 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 medication cause?
Although side effects from naratriptan are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- vision changes
- tingling sensations
- tiredness or weakness
- upset stomach
- dizziness
- warm or cold temperature sensations
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- pain or tightness in chest or throat
- rapid heartbeat
- difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- redness, swelling, or itching of the eyelids, face, or lips
- sudden or severe stomach pain
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?
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 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.
