Amerge

Amerge is a prescription drug licensed to treat symptoms of migraine headaches. The medication will not prevent migraines from occurring. Amerge works to relieve migraine symptoms by narrowing blood vessels in the head that widen during migraines. It's best to take Amerge as soon as possible once a migraine has started. Some common side effects of the drug include dizziness, fatigue, and nausea.

 

What Is Amerge?

Amerge® (naratriptan hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used to treat migraine headaches. The medication will not help to prevent migraines, but it can help alleviate symptoms of a migraine that has already started.
 
(Click Amerge Uses for more information on what Amerge is used for, including possible off-label uses of the medication.)
 

Who Makes Amerge?

Amerge is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
 

How Does Amerge Work?

Amerge is part of a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (more commonly known as "triptans"). During a migraine headache, some of the blood vessels in the head become dilated (wider than they usually are). Amerge works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve migraine symptoms.
 

Amerge Effects

In studies, 50 to 66 percent of people with migraines had no (or mild) pain within four hours of taking Amerge tablets, compared to only 27 to 34 percent of people who did not take Amerge.
 

When and How to Take Amerge

Some general considerations for when and how to take Amerge include the following:
 
  • Take Amerge by mouth as soon as possible once a migraine starts.
     
  • Swallow Amerge tablets whole with a drink of water or other fluid.
     
  • If your headache comes back or does not go away, your healthcare provider may recommend taking a second dose of Amerge after waiting at least four hours after the first dose. Let your healthcare provider know if Amerge does not work completely after one dose.
     
  • For Amerge to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed. Amerge will not work if you stop taking it.
     
(Amerge Continued: Page 2)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;