Naratriptan

About naratriptan

It is thought that the widening of blood vessels in the brain causes the pain associated with migraine. The blood vessels widen on release of a chemical called serotonin. Naratriptan works by binding to receptors in the brain to prevent serotonin from binding. This causes the blood vessels to narrow and relieves the pain felt during a migraine.

Before taking naratriptan

Before taking naratriptan make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems.
• If you suffer from angina, including Prinzmetal's angina, hypertension (high blood pressure), circulatory problems such as Raynaud's disease or if you have ever suffered a heart attack or stroke.
• If you have been taking any medicines already for migraine that contain another 5HT1 agonist (almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan or zolmitriptan) or ergotamine.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine, particularly the antibiotics co-trimoxazole or sulfadiazine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines.

• Naratriptan is not recommended in patients under 18 or over 65 years of age.

How to take naratriptan

• Take naratriptan exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet before beginning treatment.
• One tablet should be taken at the onset of a migraine attack. If your migraine is not eased after this first dose, do not take a second dose for the same attack. If your migraine goes away but then returns, you may take a second tablet at least four hours after the initial dose. No more than two tablets should be taken in 24 hours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of naratriptan contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you even if it is empty.
• Naratriptan is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside naratriptan.
• Naratriptan should not be used in combination with migraine treatments containing other 5HT1 agonists (almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan or zolmitriptan) or ergotamine. If you have been taking another 5HT1 agonist or ergotamine preparation you should wait at least 24 hours before taking naratriptan. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
• Naratriptan, along with the symptoms of migraine, can cause drowsiness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol as this will increase any feelings of drowsiness.
• If you find that naratriptan does not relieve your migraine, make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor.

Can naratriptan cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

How to store naratriptan

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines