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Amerge

Generic name: naratriptanNAR-a-TRIP-tan ]
Drug class: Antimigraine agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 11, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Amerge?

Amerge is a headache medicine that narrows blood vessels around the brain. This medicine also reduces substances in the body that can trigger headache pain, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.

Amerge is used to treat migraine headaches. This medicine will only treat a headache that has already begun. It will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.

Amerge should not be used to treat a common tension headache, a headache that causes loss of movement on one side of your body, or any headache that seems to be different from your usual migraine headaches. Use Amerge only if your condition has been confirmed by a doctor as migraine headaches.

Amerge may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Amerge side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Amerge may cause serious side effects. Stop using Amerge and call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Amerge may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not use Amerge if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, heart problems, certain heart rhythm disorders, severe liver or kidney disease, a history of heart attack or stroke, or circulation problems that cause a lack of blood supply within the body.

Do not take Amerge within 24 hours before or after using another migraine headache medicine.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to Amerge, or if you have:

To make sure Amerge is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether naratriptan passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Do not give this medicine to anyone younger than 18.

How should I use Amerge?

Your doctor may want to give your first dose of Amerge in a hospital or clinic setting to quickly treat any serious side effects that occur.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Never use more than your recommended dose. Overuse of migraine headache medicine can make headaches worse. Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in treating your migraine attacks.

Take Amerge as soon as you notice migraine symptoms.

Take 1 tablet whole with a full glass of water.

After taking a tablet: If your headache does not go away completely, or if it goes away and comes back, call your doctor before taking a second tablet.

Do not take the second tablet until at least 4 hours have passed since you took the first tablet. Do not take more than 5 milligrams (mg) of naratriptan in 24 hours.

If your symptoms have not improved after taking 2 tablets in 24 hours, contact your doctor before taking any more tablets.

Tell your doctor if you have more than four headaches in one month (30 days).

Amerge can raise blood pressure to dangerous levels. Your blood pressure may need to be checked often while you are using this medicine. If you use this medicine long-term, your heart function may need to be checked using an electrocardiograph or ECG (sometimes called an EKG).

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since Amerge is used as needed, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after using Amerge.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include tiredness, neck stiffness, loss of coordination, or feeling light-headed.

What should I avoid while using Amerge?

Do not take Amerge within 24 hours before or after using another migraine headache medicine, including:

Amerge may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What other drugs will affect Amerge?

Taking Amerge while you are using certain other medicines can cause high levels of serotonin to build up in your body, a condition called "serotonin syndrome," which can be fatal. Tell your doctor if you also use:

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with naratriptan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Does Amerge interact with my other drugs?

Enter medications to view a detailed interaction report using our Drug Interaction Checker.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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