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.)
Amerge is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
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.
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.
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