Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Amerge (Naratriptan).
Allergic reactions: If you are allergic to sulfonamides you may experience an allergic reaction to Amerge (Naratriptan). Reactions range from skin allergy to serious allergic reaction. Rarely, anaphylactic reactions to Amerge (Naratriptan) may occur. Because of the possibility of allergic reactions, people who are allergic to any of the other drugs of this class (5-hydroxytryptamine agonists) should not use Amerge (Naratriptan).
Blood pressure: Amerge (Naratriptan) may cause increases in blood pressure. If you have mild to moderately increased blood pressure, discuss with your doctor how Amerge (Naratriptan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Amerge (Naratriptan), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
People with severe or uncontrolled high blood pressure should not take Amerge (Naratriptan).
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Amerge (Naratriptan) may cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Amerge (Naratriptan) affects you.
Headache type: Amerge (Naratriptan) should only be used where there is a clear diagnosis of migraine headache.
Heart disease: There have been rare reports of heart attack and stroke occurring with people who have appeared to be otherwise healthy. If you have risk factors for heart disease, discuss with your doctor how Amerge (Naratriptan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Amerge (Naratriptan), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, High Cholesterol levels, smoking, Obesity, Diabetes, a family history of heart disease, being male over 40 years old, or being a post-menopausal woman.
If you have heart disease you should not use Amerge (Naratriptan).
Kidney function: For people with reduced kidney function, it takes longer for Amerge (Naratriptan) to leave the body, which may result in an increase in side effects. If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Amerge (Naratriptan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Amerge (Naratriptan), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you have severely reduced kidney function you should not use Amerge (Naratriptan).
Liver function: For people with reduced liver function, it takes longer for Amerge (Naratriptan) to leave the body, which may result in an increase in side effects. If you have reduced liver function or liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Amerge (Naratriptan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Amerge (Naratriptan), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you have severely reduced liver function you should not use Amerge (Naratriptan).
Medication overuse headache: As with other medications for treating headaches, the overuse of Amerge (Naratriptan) may create a situation where the headache returns as the medication wears off, prompting the use of more medication. Do not take more Amerge (Naratriptan) than recommended by your doctor. If you require more than 5 mg of Amerge (Naratriptan) in a 24 hour period, or need to treat more than four headaches over 30 days, contact your doctor.
Medications containing ergotamine: After taking any ergotamine-containing preparation, wait at least 24 hours before taking Amerge (Naratriptan). Likewise, ergotamine-containing preparations should not be taken for at least 24 hours following Amerge (Naratriptan) administration.
Seizures: There have been rare reports of seizures occurring with Amerge (Naratriptan). If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase the risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Amerge (Naratriptan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Amerge (Naratriptan), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Serotonin syndrome: Severe reactions are possible when Amerge (Naratriptan) is combined with other medications that act on serotonin such as tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, medications used to treat Depression. These combinations must be avoided. Symptoms of a reaction may include muscle rigidity and spasms, difficulty moving, changes in mental state including delirium and agitation. Coma and death are possible.
If you are taking antidepressants, discuss with your doctor how Amerge (Naratriptan) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Amerge (Naratriptan), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Pregnancy: Amerge (Naratriptan) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Amerge (Naratriptan), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Amerge (Naratriptan) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Amerge (Naratriptan), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Amerge (Naratriptan) have not been established for children, and its use by this age group is not recommended.
Seniors: There may be a higher risk of side effects such as high blood pressure and heart problems associated with the use of Amerge (Naratriptan) by people over the age of 65 years. The use of Amerge (Naratriptan) by people in this age group is not recommended.
