Naratriptan

Naratriptan is given to treat migraine headaches in adults. Naratriptan relieves the intensity of the pain and other symptoms including nausea, vomiting, and hypersensitivity to light, though it does not prevent nor reduce the frequency of attacks. Naratriptan can also be used for cluster headaches. Migraine is believed to be caused by swollen or dilated blood vessels; Naratriptan acts on neurotransmitter serotonin (5HT) receptors in the brain by narrowing those blood vessels. Naratriptan usually takes about an hour to relieve the symptoms.

Naratriptan should only be given when the pain from migraine attack does not respond to regular pain killers like Aspirin, Acetaminophen (paracetamol) or Ibuprofen.

NARATRIPTAN SIDE EFFECTS

Common side effects of Naratriptan may include dizziness, nasal discomfort, muscle weakness, nausea, neck pain, numbness, vomiting and temporary rise in blood pressure. Rare side effects of Naratriptan may include severe allergic reactions, anxiety, asthma, agitation, changes in heart rhythm, confusion, constipation, cough, depression, difficult or painful urination, fatigue, pressure in chest, rapid and throbbing heartbeat, rash, ringing in the ears, tightness in chest, tremors, and vision changes.

NARATRIPTAN WARNING

Naratriptan should not be given to those with high blood pressure or who have or are at risk of heart disease or condition. It should also not be used if you have liver or kidney disease.

Naratriptan must not be given for 2 weeks after taking an MAO inhibitor drug such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate.

If you develop severe chest pain after taking Naratriptan, seek medical help right away.

Naratriptan injections should not be injected into a vein. This could result in a serious heart irregularity.

Though rarely, severe and fatal allergic reactions have occurred in people taking Naratriptan. In rare cases, people taking Naratriptan have suffered seizures.

NARATRIPTAN AND PREGNANCY

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, inform your physician before taking Naratriptan as animal studies have shown damage to fetus..

Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Naratriptan.

NARATRIPTAN INTERACTION

Check with your doctor before combining Naratriptan with the following:

Drugs classified as MAO inhibitors
Ergot-containing drugs such as Cafergot and Ergostat
Luvox
Paxil
Prozac
Zoloft

NARATRIPTAN DOSES

Naratriptan is not recommended for children under 18.
NARATRIPTAN TABLETS The usual adult dose is 1-2.50mg tablet taken with meal or milk. For better results Naratriptan should be taken right at the onset of the pain. If one Naratriptan does not respond, you can take second dose at least 4 hours after taking the first one. The maximum dose for a day should not exceed 5mg.

Those with liver disease should take lower doses of Naratriptan Tablets.

NARATRIPTAN OVERDOSE

Symptoms of Naratriptan overdose may include convulsions, dilated pupils, inactivity, lack of coordination, paralysis, redness in the arms and legs, skin changes at the site of injection, slow breathing, sluggishness, tremor, nausea and vomiting.

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