Naratriptan

Description

Naratriptan is a triptan used to treat the headache phase of a migraine attack once it has started. It does not prevent attacks and is not a general painkiller. Take one 2.5mg tablet with water as soon as the headache begins; it can be taken with or without food. Naratriptan tends to act more gradually than some other triptans and is sometimes chosen where migraines return after treatment.

A second dose may be taken only if the migraine returns after an initial response, and there is a limit on how much can be taken in 24 hours. If a dose gives no benefit, a second is not advised for the same attack. Naratriptan is not suitable if you have coronary heart disease, coronary artery spasm, uncontrolled high blood pressure, peripheral vascular disease, or a history of stroke or transient ischaemic attack.

Tell your prescriber about liver or kidney problems, or about antidepressant use.

• Triptan for treating a migraine attack, not for preventing one
• 2.5mg tablets taken with water at the start of the headache
• Can be taken with or without food
• Not suitable with coronary heart disease or uncontrolled high blood pressure
• A second dose is only for a migraine that returns after responding
• Frequent use can cause medication-overuse headache