Naratriptan
About Naratriptan
Naratriptan is a prescription medicine used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. It is specifically designed to relieve the pain and other symptoms of a migraine once the headache has already started. This medicine is not intended to prevent migraines or reduce the number of attacks you experience.
You should take Naratriptan only when you feel a migraine attack beginning, rather than on a regular daily schedule. The tablets can be taken with or without food, though swallowing them with a full glass of water is recommended. To achieve the best results, combining this treatment with lifestyle adjustments like managing stress and staying hydrated can significantly help.
While taking Naratriptan, some people may experience mild side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or a temporary feeling of tingling or numbness. However, if you experience more serious symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden changes in your vision, you must contact your doctor or seek emergency medical care immediately.
Do not take this if you have a history of heart disease, uncontrolled high blood pressure, stroke, or severe liver or kidney damage. It is crucial to talk to your doctor before starting Naratriptan if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart issues.
Using Naratriptan with certain other migraine medicines, alcohol, or nicotine can increase the risk of severe side effects, such as dangerous blood vessel narrowing or extreme drowsiness. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to ensure this medicine is safe for you.
Uses of Naratriptan
Medicinal Benefits
Naratriptan is a triptan used to treat acute migraine attacks with or without aura. It works by narrowing certain blood vessels in the brain and reducing the release of substances involved in migraine pain and inflammation.
- Relieves Migraine Headache: Helps reduce moderate to severe throbbing headache pain during an active migraine attack.
- Reduces Associated Symptoms: May relieve other migraine symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound as the headache improves.
- Provides Sustained Relief: Naratriptan has a relatively long duration of action compared with some other triptans, which may help reduce the likelihood of headache recurrence.
- Helps Restore Daily Function: By reducing migraine symptoms, it may allow you to return to your usual activities more comfortably.
Directions for Use
- Naratriptan can be taken with or without food.
- It is recommended to take Naratriptan once daily or as advised by your doctor.
- Swallow the medicine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not break, chew or crush Naratriptan.
Storage
Side Effects of Naratriptan
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Dizziness or feeling unusually sleepy
- Numbness, tingling, or a warm or cold sensation on the skin
- Mild pressure, tightness, or heaviness in the chest, neck, or throat
- Nausea, dry mouth, or mild stomach upset
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Severe pressure, tightness, or pain in the chest, jaw, neck, or throat
- Sudden, severe stomach pain, or bloody diarrhoea
- Signs of a stroke, such as sudden numbness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, or loss of balance
- Severe allergic reactions, including hives, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
Drug Warnings
- Use Only for an Active Migraine: Naratriptan treats an ongoing migraine attack and is not intended to prevent migraines when taken before symptoms begin.
- Follow the Recommended Dose: Do not take another dose sooner than recommended by your doctor or the product instructions. If the first dose does not provide adequate relief, seek medical advice before taking additional doses.
- Use Caution When Driving: Naratriptan may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other effects that can impair alertness. Avoid driving or operating machinery if affected.
- Avoid Other Triptans or Ergot Medicines: Do not use Naratriptan within 24 hours of another triptan or an ergotamine-containing medicine, as combining these medicines may increase the risk of blood-vessel-related side effects.
- Avoid Frequent Use: Using migraine medicines too frequently can contribute to medication-overuse headaches. If you need acute migraine treatment on 10 or more days per month, consult your doctor about preventive treatment options.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines before using Naratriptan:
- Other migraine medications (like other triptans or ergotamine): May cause dangerous narrowing of the blood vessels when taken within 24 hours of Naratriptan.
- Antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs): Combining these with Naratriptan can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, which causes high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, and confusion.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Naratriptan. Please consult the doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant. Your doctor may recommend that you do not take Naratriptan if you are pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeBreastfeeding should be avoided for 24 hours after taking Naratriptan.
Driving
cautionNaratriptan may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionNaratriptan should not be taken if you have severe liver problems. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionNaratriptan should not be taken if you have severe kidney problems. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeNaratriptan is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Keep a Migraine Diary: Record your meals, sleep patterns, stress levels, and other possible triggers to help identify and avoid factors that may provoke attacks.
- Maintain Consistent Routines: Eat regular meals and maintain a consistent sleep schedule, as skipped meals and disrupted sleep may trigger migraines.
- Limit Personal Triggers: Reduce exposure to foods or drinks that you know trigger your migraines, which may include alcohol or excessive caffeine.
- Rest in a Quiet Environment: During an attack, resting in a dark, quiet room may help reduce sensitivity to light and sound while the medicine takes effect.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Migraine: Migraine is a neurological condition which is characterised by intense, debilitating headache. Hormonal changes, stress, lack or excess of sleep, bright lights, loud sounds, and certain foods and drinks can trigger migraine headaches. A migraine headache is preceded by warning symptoms prior to the headache itself. The warning symptoms include food cravings, depression, fatigue, hyperactivity, irritability, and neck stiffness. Symptoms of migraine include throbbing pain in one particular area with varying intensity, nausea, vomiting, numbness or tingling sensation, difficulty speaking, and sensitivity to sound and light.
FAQs
Naratriptan is used to treat Migraine.
Naratriptan works by narrowing the brain's blood vessels, thereby relieving headaches and other symptoms of migraine.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Naratriptan. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help stimulate saliva and thereby prevent drying of the mouth.
Serotonin syndrome is a rare but serious side effect that can occur in people taking Naratriptan, especially if taken with anti-depressants. Consult the doctor if you experience symptoms of serotonin syndrome such as hallucination, fast heartbeat, changes in blood pressure, tight muscles, high body temperature, trouble walking, or coma.
You should take Naratriptan as soon as your migraine attack begins. Do not use Naratriptan to prevent an attack. Always follow your doctor's instructions while taking Naratriptan.
Yes, Naratriptan can raise blood pressure. It is not necessary for everyone taking Naratriptan to experience this side effect. However, it is important to monitor your blood pressure while using Naratriptan.
An overdose of Naratriptan may lead to fainting, dizziness, slow heart rate, changes in heart electrical activity, vomiting, and difficulty controlling urine or stool.
Migraine attacks can be caused by stress, certain foods (like chocolate or cheese), hormonal changes, and poor sleep. Weather changes and strong smells may also play a role. Not drinking enough water or skipping meals can also trigger migraines.
If you have been prescribed Naratriptan, avoid taking other similar migraine medicines, like another triptan. Using two triptans together can increase the risk of a heart attack and may raise blood pressure.
Yes, migraines can be inherited (run in families). If someone in your family has migraines, you are more likely to get them too. Please, consult a doctor if you have any concerns.
You may notice signs before a migraine attack, such as mood changes, food cravings, or neck stiffness. Some people experience visual issues like flashing lights or blind spots. These symptoms can happen for hours or even a day before the headache begins.
Migraine prevention medicines are usually used if you have tried avoiding triggers but still have migraines. They may also be prescribed if your migraines are severe or occur frequently.
No, Naratriptan does not cause liver damage. However, inform your doctor if you have any liver issues before using Naratriptan.
Naratriptan causes side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and tingling sensation. However, these side effects are temporary and do not require any medical attention, as they will gradually reduce over time. Please, contact a doctor if these persist for longer durations.
Yes, you can take Naratriptan with or without food. Swallowing the tablet whole with a glass of water is the recommended method. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience stomach upset.
If your migraine returns after initial relief, you may take a second dose, but you must wait at least 4 hours after your first dose. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose prescribed by your doctor.
The safety of Naratriptan during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not fully established. Talk to your doctor to weigh the potential benefits against any risks before using this medicine.
Naratriptan works by narrowing blood vessels to relieve migraine pain. This effect can also happen in the blood vessels of your heart, which can be dangerous if you already have coronary artery disease or high blood pressure. Talk to your doctor about safer alternatives.
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking Naratriptan. Alcohol can trigger or worsen migraines and can increase drowsiness or dizziness caused by the medication.
