Naratriptan
About
Naratriptan belongs to a group of medicines called serotonin 5-HT receptor agonists indicated in treating acute migraine with or without aura in adults. Migraine is a neurological condition characterised by an intense pulsating, throbbing, pounding, debilitating headache that usually occurs on one side of the head; however, it can occur on both sides or shift.
Naratriptan contains Naratriptan, which works by narrowing the brain's blood vessels, thereby relieving headaches and other symptoms of migraine, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sound and light.
You are recommended to take Naratriptan for as long as your doctor prescribes it, depending on your medical condition. Sometimes, you may experience side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, and dry mouth. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually. However, you are advised to talk to the doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Do not take Naratriptan if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or planning for pregnancy unless prescribed. Avoid breastfeeding for 24 hours after the treatment with Naratriptan. Naratriptan may cause dizziness and drowsiness, so drive only if you are alert. Naratriptan is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects/interactions.
Uses of Naratriptan
Medicinal Benefits
Naratriptan belongs to a group of medicines called serotonin 5-HT receptor agonists indicated in the treatment of acute migraine with or without aura in adults. Naratriptan contains Naratriptan, which works by narrowing the blood vessels in the brain, thereby providing relief from headache and other symptoms of migraine, such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to sound and light.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Naratriptan
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Dry Mouth
- Tingling sensation
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Naratriptan if you are allergic to any of its components, if you have heart problems or a history of heart problems, peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of blood vessels to your legs, arms, stomach, or kidney), uncontrolled high blood pressure, severe kidney or liver problems, hemiplegic migraines or basilar migraines, problems with blood circulation, transient ischemic attacks, or if you had a stroke. Let the doctor know if you are a heavy smoker, are using nicotine replacement therapy, a man over 40, a woman who has been through menopause, if you are using inadequate contraception, or if you have epilepsy. Naratriptan is not recommended for children under 18 years and elders above 65. Naratriptan may cause heart problems and heart attacks. Stop taking Naratriptan and get medical help immediately if you experience symptoms of a heart attack such as discomfort in the centre of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back; pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach; severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw; shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort; breaking out in a cold sweat, feeling lightheaded, nausea or vomiting. Inform the doctor if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney or liver problems, smoke, or are overweight, as you may be at a higher risk for heart disease. Naratriptan should not be taken to relieve pain other than from a migraine headache.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Let the doctor know if you are taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Do not take Naratriptan with other migraine medicines, including those which contain ergotamine, or with similar medicines such as methysergide, or with any triptan or 5-HT1 receptor agonists.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have heart problems, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and severe kidney or liver problems.
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
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly as it helps in improving overall health and boosts self-esteem.
- Avoid bright lights, loud noise, and extreme temperatures.
- Perform meditation and yoga. This helps in relieving stress and provides relaxation.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern to improve the amount and quality of sleep you get.
- Massage your scalp to ease the pain.
- Lie down in a quiet, darkroom.
- Place a cold cloth over your forehead or neck.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks.
- Learn what triggers your migraines and try avoiding them.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids.
- Learn relaxation skills as they help in reducing stress.
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 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.
Naratriptan is not used to prevent or lower the number of migraine headaches you have.