A migraine is not just a headache, as anyone who has experienced it knows. The throbbing pain, the inability to look at the light, the feeling of being sick even when hearing a sound, and the feeling of wanting to vomit are all very difficult to bear. So, at times like these, your doctor may prescribe a medication like Naratriptan to control your migraine pain. Today, let's talk about this medication, how to use it, and what precautions you should take.
What is Naratriptan?
Simply put, Naratriptan is a medication that is used to control the pain and other symptoms of a migraine once it has started. It belongs to a class of drugs called 'triptans'.
Imagine, when you have a migraine, some of the blood vessels in the brain dilate unnecessarily, that is, they get bigger. And pain signals travel to the brain. So what this Naratriptan drug does is restore those enlarged blood vessels to normal and stop the pain signals from traveling.
The most important thing: This is not a medicine that will prevent migraines. It is only used to control a migraine once it has already started and you are experiencing pain.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Your doctor will need to know your complete health history before prescribing this medication to you. This is because it can be dangerous to use this medication with certain medical conditions. So, if you have any of the following, be sure to tell your doctor about it.
| Disease or condition | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Heart disease | This medication can be dangerous for heart patients because it constricts blood vessels. |
| High blood pressure | The medication may increase blood pressure further. |
| Stroke or heart rhythm abnormalities | This medicine is not suitable for people with this kind of history. |
| Diabetes or high cholesterol | The doctor should be aware of these as they increase the risk of heart disease. |
| If you are a smoker | Smoking affects blood vessels, so special care is required when taking this medicine. |
| Liver or kidney disease | Since medications are eliminated from the body through these organs, if their function is impaired, the dosage of the medication may need to be adjusted. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to seek medical advice when taking medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Talk to your doctor about whether the medicine can pass to your baby through breast milk. |
Also, don't forget to tell us if you have any allergies to this Naratriptan medication, any other medication, or any food.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This medicine should be used exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Usually, you are told to take this pill with a glass of water.
- Take the first pill as soon as the migraine starts.
- Sometimes, if the pain returns after a few hours, the doctor may advise you to take a second pill. But you should only do this according to the time interval that the doctor has told you.
- Never drink more than the prescribed amount.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, there are two things you should do immediately. One is to go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) . The other is to call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
This medicine is for you only. Don't give it to a friend who has a headache and thinks it's helped your migraine. Even if they have the same symptoms, the cause may be different.
Other medications that should not be taken with this medicine
Some medications can interact with Naratriptan and cause dangerous side effects. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (prescribed by your doctor, over-the-counter, over-the-counter, vitamins, and supplements).
It is strictly forbidden to take Naratriptan with these medications in particular:
- Other medications used for migraines, such as Ergotamine and Dihydroergotamine.
- Naratriptan belongs to the same class of drugs as Sumatriptan and Rizatriptan, as do other drugs in the same class of drugs called 'triptans'.
Additionally, some medications for depression and anxiety can interact with this. So give your doctor a list of all the medications you take.
Things to consider when taking medication
- Drowsiness and dizziness: Some people may feel drowsy and dizzy after taking this medication. Therefore , do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Don't stand up too quickly: Getting up suddenly from a sitting position or from a standing position can cause dizziness and fall. Be especially careful if you are elderly.
- Alcohol: Taking this medication with alcohol may increase side effects.
- The most important warning: If you take migraine medication for 10 or more days a month, it can make your migraines worse. This is called a 'medication overuse headache'. That is, you are using too much medication to get a headache. So, keep a journal of how often you get migraines and how much medication you take. If you are having migraines that often, talk to your doctor.
Side effects to watch out for
Like any medicine, Naratriptan can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Heart attack signs | Tightness or pain in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, difficulty breathing. |
| Stroke signs | Sudden numbness of one side of the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Serotonin Syndrome | Restlessness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, fever, vomiting. |
| Other serious symptoms | Sudden increase in blood pressure, change in vision, sudden and severe stomach pain, swelling, numbness or discoloration of the limbs (Raynaud's). |
| 🙂 Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist. | |
| Dizziness | It may occur when you first take the medicine. |
| General discomfort or fatigue | Feeling of lifelessness. |
Even if it's not on this list, if you feel something unusual, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Naratriptan is a medication that is used to control the pain of a migraine once it has started, not to prevent it from occurring.
- Before taking this medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience severe side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or numbness on one side of your face, seek medical advice immediately.
- If you take migraine medication for more than 10 days a month, it can make your headaches worse. So talk to your doctor about it.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
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