Download Amerge - Pinky S. Tiwari, MD, PA

Pinky S. Tiwari, M.D., P.A.
Diplomate, American Board of Neurology
Diplomate, American Board of Electrodiagnostic Medicine
St. Luke’s Medical Tower
6624 Fannin, Suite 2190
Houston, TX 77030
Telephone: (713) 790 – 1775
www.texasneuro.com
Fax: (713) 790 – 1605
AMERGE
NARATRIPTAN - ORAL
Pronunciation: (nair-uh-TRIP-tan)
Brand Names:
Amerge
USAGE:
This medication is used to treat acute migraine attacks.
HOW TO USE
Use this drug as directed. Generally one dose is taken by mouth, then if the headache returns or only partial relief occurs
a second dose is used four hours later. The recommended maximum is 5 mg in 24 hours.
If there is no relief from the first dose taken, consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking another dose.
This drug is not used to prevent migraine attacks.
This drug and "ergot-type" drugs (see Drug Interactions) should not be used within 24 hours of each other.
If you have never taken this medication before and you have risk factors for heart disease (see Precautions), you may be
advised to take the very first dose in your doctor's office in order to monitor for rare but serious heart problems (e.g., heart
attack).
SIDE EFFECTS:
Dizziness, drowsiness, tingling of the hands or feet, unusual tiredness, nausea, dry mouth and unsteadiness. If these
effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Unlikely but report promptly: chest pain/pressure, throat pain/pressure, unusually fast/slow/irregular pulse, one-sided
muscle weakness, vision problems, cold/bluish hands or feet, stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, mental/mood changes,
fainting.
In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking naratriptan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other "triptan" migraine drugs; or it
you have other allergies.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have risk factors for heart disease including: high
cholesterol level, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking history, family history of heart disease or stroke, obesity.
Caution is also recommended in women after menopause or after removal of the ovaries, and men over 40 years old
because of an increased risk for undiagnosed heart disease.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: certain blood circulation
disorders (e.g., Raynaud's syndrome), heart or blood vessel disease/stroke, liver disease, kidney disease.
There have been rare reports of those with sulfa drug allergies having allergic reactions to naratriptan. Consult your doctor
or pharmacist.
Limit alcohol intake as it may aggravate certain side effects.
Caution is advised when performing tasks requiring alertness (e.g., driving).
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is not known whether this drug is excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Due to increased risk of side effects, use of this drug is not recommended in the elderly.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Do not take other "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan) or ergot-type drugs (e.g., dihydroergotamine,
ergotamine, methysergide) within 24 hours of taking this medicine.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all nonprescription and prescription products you may use,
especially of: nefazodone, "serotonin-type" medications (e.g., SSRI antidepressants such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine),
venlafaxine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, selegiline, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, moclobemide), sibutramine,
tramadol, sedatives, tranquilizers, psychiatric drugs, sleep medicine, anti-seizure drugs, anti-anxiety drugs, certain
antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine).
Check all labels (e.g., cough/cold products) for drugs causing drowsiness such as antihistamines. Consult your
pharmacist.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call
the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab/medical tests may be performed to monitor your therapy.
MISSED DOSE:
This drug is used only as needed as directed.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.