Naratriptan Side Effects

In clinical trials of naratriptan, side effects such as nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness were among the most commonly reported with the drug. Most people, however, tolerate the medication well. If you experience more serious naratriptan side effects, such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or bloody diarrhea, report them immediately to your healthcare provider.

 

Naratriptan Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with naratriptan hydrochloride (Amerge®). However, not everyone who takes naratriptan will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When side effects do occur with the medication, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with naratriptan. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of naratriptan side effects with you.)
 

Common Naratriptan Side Effects

Naratriptan has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials in which the side effects of a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine. In these studies, the most common naratriptan side effects included:
 
  • Nausea -- reported in up to 5 percent of people
  • Pain or pressure sensations -- reported in up to 4 percent of people
  • Dizziness -- reported in up to 2 percent of people
  • Abnormal sensations, such as tingling, burning, or pricking (paresthesia) -- reported in up to 2 percent of people
  • Drowsiness -- reported in up to 2 percent of people
  • Fatigue -- reported in up to 2 percent of people
  • Throat or neck symptoms -- reported in up to 2 percent of people.
     
The following were also reported as common side effects (occurring in more than 1 percent of people taking naratriptan) in some studies, although the exact percentages were not reported:
 
  • Vomiting
  • Warm or cold sensations
  • Ear, nose, or throat infections
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Decreased salivation
  • A spinning sensation (vertigo).
     
(Naratriptan Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;