Amerge (Naratriptan)

What is Amerge?

Amerge is a serotonin 5-HT₁ receptor agonist.

What is Amerge used for?

Amerge is used for the treatment of various types of migraine headaches.

How does Amerge work?

Amerge works by tapering the blood vessels in the brain. It also lessens the amount of substances that generate nausea, headache, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.

How to use Amerge

Follow the instructions given by your doctor and in case of any queries regarding dosage, go through the instruction leaflet attached with the medicine.

Amerge can be taken orally, with or without food. Make sure that you don’t break, crush, or chew the tablet before swallowing it. For best results, take Amerge as soon as you start having symptoms of a migraine attack.

If headache persists, you can take another dose but after a gap of four hours.

Amerge warnings and precautions

Amerge should be taken only after consultation with your doctor, in the prescribed amount. An augmentation in the dosage might result in increased risk of side effects. Do it only when your doctor tells you to.

Amerge is said to cause dizziness and the condition is said to worsen with the intake of alcohol, so avoid using liquor.

If you experience pain different from the one you have during the attack, consult your doctor. Amerge, if taken with some other drugs like SSRIs, MAOIs, is likely to cause Serotonin syndrome, so avoid such medicines.

Your doctor might recommend some lab tests, do not miss any of them. These lab tests are done to keep a check on the risks of side effects.

The safety and efficacy of Amerge has yet not been verified in children below 18 years of age, so check with your doctor before taking the medicine. Pregnant and lactating women should talk to their doctors regarding the risks involved.

What do I do if I have missed a Amerge dose?

If you have missed your Amerge dose you should take it instantly. If it’s time for the next dose, skip the missed one and go back to the routine.

Amerge is usually taken only when needed to treat a headache.

What do I do if I have taken a Amerge overdose?

If you have taken a Amerge overdose you should immediately consult your physician.

Amerge interactions

Before you start with your treatment with Amerge, tell your doctor about all the prescribed and non-prescribed dosages.

There are some drugs that react with Amerge and increase the risk of side effects. These drugs comprise selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tryptophan, sibutramine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

There are some other medicines as well, which, when react with Amerge, augment the risk of side effects of the drug. A list of such drugs includes hormonal contraceptives, methylsergide, and ergot alkaloids.

Amerge side effects

Some medicines are said to cause side effects. These side effects may be major in some cases and minor in the other. There will be many who will not face any of these.

The less serious or common side effects linked with the treatment with Amerge are nausea, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, tiredness, and drowsiness.

The major side effects of Amerge must immediately be informed to the doctor as these seek instant medical aid. The major side effects include chest pain, slurred speech, blood in stool, vomiting, tightness of the jaw, neck, or chest; persistent numbness or tingling of the skin, discoloration of fingers and toes, mental or mood changes; sudden, severe, or persistent stomach pain; increased sensitivity to light, chills, sore throat, and some allergies.