Naratriptan

Naratriptan is a prescription drug that may be used to relieve symptoms caused by migraines. It is not designed to prevent migraines from occurring. Naratriptan is marketed under the brand name Amerge; no generic versions of the drug are available. Examples of side effects associated with the drug include nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness.

 

What Is Naratriptan?

Naratriptan hydrochloride (Amerge®) is a prescription medication used to treat migraine headaches. The medication will not help to prevent migraines, but it can help to treat a migraine that has already started.
 
(Click What Is Naratriptan Used For? for more information on what naratriptan is used for, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
 

Who Makes Naratriptan?

Naratriptan is made by GlaxoSmithKline and marketed under the brand name Amerge.
 

How Does Naratriptan Work?

Naratriptan is part of a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (also referred to as "triptans"). During a migraine headache, some of the blood vessels in the head become dilated (wider than they usually are). Naratriptan works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve migraine symptoms.
 

Naratriptan Effects

In studies, 50 to 66 percent of people with migraines had no (or mild) pain within four hours of taking naratriptan tablets, compared to only 27 to 34 percent of people who did not take naratriptan.
 
(Naratriptan Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;