Naratriptan

What is Naratriptan for?

Naratriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist. It works by reducing inflammation and reversing the widening of blood vessels in the brain, thereby stopping a migraine headache. It is often used to treat a migraine attack after it begins. It will not prevent a migraine.

How should I take or use Naratriptan?

• Follow your doctor’s instructions as to how many tablets to take when the attack starts. It should work within 1-2 hours.
• If your migraine improves but comes back, wait at least 4 hours before taking the next dose. Do not take more than 2 tablets (5mg) per day.
• If you have kidney or liver impairment, do not take more than 1 tablet in 24 hours.
• Do not use naratriptan too frequently (limit of 10 days per month), as it can cause medication overuse headache (migraine/headache may worsen). Inform your doctor if you need to take naratriptan to treat more than 4 headaches in a 1 month period.
• You may take this medication with or without food.
• If the tablets did not give you enough help with your migraine, consult your doctor.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Naratriptan?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication.
• You have a history of heart condition or stroke, uncontrolled blood pressure, blood circulation disorders, kidney or liver diseases.
• You are allergic to antibiotic that contains sulfonamide.
• You are taking medications under the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) e.g. fluoxetine, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) e.g. venlafaxine or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) e.g. isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine.
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use Naratriptan?

Avoid taking different triptans (e.g. zolmitriptan, sumatriptan, etc.) or ergotamine preparations (e.g. Caffox, Cafergot) within 24 hours after taking naratriptan.

What are some common side effects of Naratriptan?

• Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness

  • Do not drive or use machinery
  • Do not drink alcohol when taking this medication
• Pain or tightness in your throat or jaw
  • If pain is intense and does not go away, please seek medical attention
• Nausea, vomiting
• Tingling sensation
• Dry mouth

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome such as:

• Feeling agitated and restless, other mental changes such as hallucination
• Heavy sweating, shivering
• Fast heart rate, irregular heartbeat
• Rigid or twitching muscles
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack:

• Discomfort in the middle of your chest that lasts for a few minutes or goes away and comes back
• Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
• Chest pain or chest discomfort that feels like an uncomfortable heavy pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Naratriptan?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away Naratriptan safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.