Amerge (Naratriptan)

Amerge (Naratriptan) Medication Information

Uses

Amerge is a serotonin receptor agonist (triptan) indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura in adult.

Dosage

There are oral tablets available in several different strengths:

• 1 mg
• 2.5 mg

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Amerge include:

• Paresthesia
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Malaise/fatigue
• Throat/neck symptoms

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of side effects that applies to you.

Precautions

Amerge is contraindicated in patients with ischemic or vasospastic coronary artery disease. There have been rare reports of serious cardiac adverse reactions, including acute myocardial infarction, occurring within a few hours following administration of Amerge.

Life-threatening disturbances of cardiac rhythm, including ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation leading to death, have been reported within a few hours following the administration of 5-HT1 agonists. Discontinue Amerge if these disturbances occur.

Sensations of tightness, pain, and pressure in the chest, throat, neck, and jaw commonly occur after treatment with Amerge and are usually non-cardiac in origin.

Serotonin syndrome may occur with AMERGE, particularly during coadministration with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular aberrations (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination), and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). The onset of symptoms usually occurs within minutes to hours of receiving a new or a greater dose of a serotonergic medication. Discontinue AMERGE if serotonin syndrome is suspected.

Interactions

Some of the common drug interactions with Amerge:

• Dihydroergotamine
• Methysergide
• SSRIs
• TCAs
• MAOIs

For a more complete list speak with your doctor or pharmacist 

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature (68º–77ºF) 

Pharmacist Tips

• Amerge may cause serious cardiovascular side effects such as myocardial infarction or stroke. Although serious cardiovascular events can occur without warning symptoms, be alert for the signs and symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, significant rise in blood pressure, weakness, and slurring of speech and seek medical advice if any indicative sign or symptoms are observed.
• The use of Amerge within 24 hours of another triptan or an ergot-type medication (including dihydroergotamine or methysergide) is contraindicated
• There is a risk of serotonin syndrome with the use of AMERGE or other triptans, particularly during combined use with SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, and MAO inhibitors

Amerge FAQs

How do I take this medication?

Take this at the first sign of a migraine. If the migraine returns or if you only partial response, the dose may be repeated once after 4 hours, for a maximum dose of 5 mg in a 24-hour period.

Can I take this if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with use of AMERGE in pregnant women. Speak with your doctor if you are planning or become pregnant.

The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for Amerge and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from naratriptan or from the underlying maternal condition.

Related Drugs

• Axert
• Cafergot
• Imitrex
• Frova
• Maxalt
• Relpax

Reference:

Amerge {package insert}. Research Triangle Park, NC: GlaxoSmithKline; 2016.

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2016/020763s011lbl.pdf