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Naratriptan

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Important: You may also experience sensations of tingling, heat, pain, heaviness, pressure or tightness in any part of the body, including the throat and chest. These sensations may be strong but usually do not last long. If they continue or become too intense, stop taking Naratriptan and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

About naratriptan

Type of medicine 5HT1 Agonist
Used for Migraine
Also called Naramig®
Available as Tablets

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.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Dizziness and drowsiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol - it will increase any feelings of drowsiness.
Nausea Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Vomiting Drink plenty of liquid. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Feeling tired Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if this continues or becomes troublesome.

Important: You may also experience sensations of tingling, heat, pain, heaviness, pressure or tightness in any part of the body, including the throat and chest. These sensations may be strong but usually do not last long. If they continue or become too intense, stop taking Naratriptan and contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Important: If you develop a skin rash, swelling (usually of the face, lips or tongue) or have difficulty with your breathing, stop taking naratriptan and contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.

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


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
1194		 DocRef:
dils2126		 Last Updated:
10 Apr 2008		 Date of Next Review:
10 Apr 2010		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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