Amerge

Common Name: naratriptan

How does Amerge work?

Naratriptan is used for the relief of migraine attacks with or without aura (warning signs that occur prior to the onset of a migraine). It is not to be used for the prevention of migraine. Migraine headaches are thought to be caused by a widening of the blood vessels in the head. Naratriptan belongs to a class of drugs known as 5-hydroxytryptamine agonists that relieves migraine headaches by narrowing these vessels. . In most patients, naratriptan eliminates or reduces the symptoms of migraine including headache, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Your doctor may choose to use this medication for other conditions not listed here. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Amerge?

Adults: The effective adult single dose of naratriptan ranges from 1 mg to 2.5 mg. The maximum recommended single dose is 2.5 mg. The tablets should be swallowed whole with fluids. They should be taken as early as possible after the onset of a migraine headache, but are effective if taken at a later stage. A second tablet may be taken if the headache returns, but not sooner than 4 hours after the first tablet was taken. You should not take any more than 5 mg of naratriptan in any 24-hour period (i.e., 2 of the 2.5 mg strength or 5 of the 1 mg strength). If you do not get relief from the first dose of naratriptan, a second dose should not be taken for the same attack unless you talk with your doctor first, as it is unlikely to be of benefit. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed.

What form(s) does Amerge come in?

Amerge® is available in strengths of 1 mg and 2.5 mg. 1 mg: Each white, film-coated, D-shaped tablet, marked "GXCE3" on one side, contains naratriptan 1 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, titanium dioxide, and triacetin. 2.5 mg: Each green, film-coated, D-shaped tablet, marked "GXCE5" on one side, contains naratriptan 2.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, indigo carmine aluminium lake (FD&C Blue No. 2), iron oxide yellow, lactose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.

What should I NOT take with Amerge?

Naratriptan should not be used by anyone who: is allergic to naratriptan or any of the components of the formulation has heart disease (e.g., heart valve disease, ischemic heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, congenital heart disease) has angina (chest pain), including Prinzmetal angina (coronary vasospasm) has blood vessel disease (e.g., ischemic bowel disease, Raynaud's syndrome, stroke, transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)) has had a heart attack has high blood pressure that is severe or not under control has taken ergotamine-containing or ergot-type medications (such as dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, or methysergide) in the previous 24 hours has taken another 5-hydroxytryptamine agonist (i.e., rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan) in the previous 24 hours is taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) or has taken them within the past 2 weeks has certain types of migraine headaches (including hemiplegic, basilar or ophthalmoplegic migraine) has severely reduced kidney function has severely reduced liver function does not have a clear diagnosis of migraine

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Amerge?

Headache type: Naratriptan should only be used where there is a clear diagnosis of migraine headache. Allergic reactions: People allergic to sulphonamides may experience an allergic reaction to naratriptan. Reactions range from skin allergy to serious allergic reaction. Rare, severe allergic reactions to naratriptan may occur. Because of the possibility of allergic reactions, people who are allergic to any of the other drugs of this class (5-hydroxytryptamine agonists) should not use naratriptan. Medications containing ergotamine: 24 hours should elapse before naratriptan can be taken following any ergotamine-containing preparation. Conversely, ergotamine-containing preparations should not be taken until 6 hours have elapsed following naratriptan administration. Blood pressure: Naratriptan may cause increases in blood pressure. People with severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure should not take naratriptan. Occupational hazards: Drowsiness may occur as a result of treatment with naratriptan. Do not perform skilled tasks (e.g., driving or operating machinery) if drowsiness occurs. Seizures: Since there have been rare reports of seizures occurring, zolmitriptan should be used with caution in those with a history of epilepsy or medical conditions that increase their risk of seizures. Liver or kidney function: People with reduced liver or kidney function should be carefully monitored by their doctor while taking naratriptan. People with severely reduced liver or kidney function should not use naratriptan. Pregnancy: The safety of using naratriptan during pregnancy has not been established. Its use should be considered only if potential benefits to the mother outweigh potential risks to the unborn child as assessed by the doctor. Breast-feeding: It is not known if naratriptan is excreted in breast milk. Caution is advised when naratriptan is taken by nursing women. Children (less than 18 years): The safety and effectiveness of naratriptan in children have not been established and its use by this age group is not recommended. Seniors: Use of naratriptan by people over the age of 65 years is not recommended.