Naratriptan for migraine
Naramig
Peer reviewed by Sid DajaniLast updated by Michael Stewart, MRPharmSLast updated 29 May 2023
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Naratriptan is given to treat migraine headaches with or without aura.
Take one tablet as soon as you start to feel a migraine headache develop. Do not take it before the headache begins (for example, during the 'aura phase'), as it may be less effective.
Your chest may feel tight or 'heavy' after taking naratriptan. These sensations do not usually last for long, but if they continue or become intense, do not take any more tablets, and let your doctor know as soon as possible.
Naratriptan can make you feel sleepy. If this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines.
In this article:
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About naratriptan
Type of medicine | 5HT1-receptor agonist (also known as a 'triptan') |
Used for | Treatment of acute migraine attacks |
Also called | Naramig® |
Available as | Tablets |
It is not clear what causes migraine. It is thought that some chemicals in the brain increase in activity, and as a result parts of the brain then send out confused signals which result in the symptoms of migraine. Why people with migraine should develop these chemical changes is also not clear. Many migraine attacks occur for no apparent reason, but for some people there may be things which trigger an attack, like certain foods or drinks.
Naratriptan belongs to a class of medicines known as 5HT1-receptor agonists. They are also known simply as triptans. Triptans work by stimulating the receptors of a natural substance in the brain called serotonin (or 5HT). This eases the symptoms of migraine.
Naratriptan is effective in relieving migraine attacks once the headache phase has started. It does not help prevent migraine headaches from developing.
Before taking naratriptan
Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking naratriptan it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:
If you are aged over 65 years or under 18 years.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you have heart problems such as angina, or if you have had a heart attack.
If you have high blood pressure (hypertension).
If you have circulation problems.
If you have any problems with the way your liver works or with the way your kidneys work.
If you have ever had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (this is also referred to as a TIA, or 'mini-stroke').
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
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How to take naratriptan
Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about naratriptan and a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.
Take naratriptan exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usual to take one tablet as soon as you start to feel a migraine headache develop. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water.
If your migraine at first improves but then comes back again, you may take another tablet, providing it is at least four hours after you took the first one. If your migraine is not eased after taking the first dose, a further dose is unlikely to work, so do not take a second tablet.
Do not take more than two tablets in 24 hours. If you have a liver or kidney condition, you will be recommended to take no more than one tablet in 24 hours.
Getting the most from your treatment
Naratriptan is meant to be used to treat headache pain during a migraine attack, not to stop the pain from coming on. You should wait until the pain is just beginning to develop, rather than taking it at the aura stage or when you feel that a migraine may be developing. Taking it earlier in a migraine attack will not stop the headache from developing.
You should not take other migraine treatments such as other triptans or ergotamine at the same time as naratriptan.
Some people may benefit from taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkiller (such as naproxen) in addition to naratriptan. Your doctor will advise you about this if it is recommended for you.
If you find that naratriptan does not relieve your migraine, make an appointment to discuss this with your doctor, as a different 'triptan' medicine may be more effective for you.
If you buy any 'over-the-counter' medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take.
It may help to keep a migraine diary. Note down when and where each migraine attack started, what you were doing, and what you had eaten that day. A pattern may emerge, and it may be possible to avoid one or more things that trigger your migraine attacks.
Naratriptan is used to treat migraine attacks, but there are other medicines that are available that may help to prevent you from having migraines. If you have migraines frequently, discuss this with your doctor.
Some people who get frequent migraine attacks are in fact getting medication-induced headache. Medication-induced headache (also called medication-overuse headache) is caused by taking painkillers or triptans too often. If you use naratriptan or painkillers on more than two days a week on a regular basis, you may be at risk of this. You should talk with your doctor if you suspect it.
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Can naratriptan cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with naratriptan. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
Common naratriptan side-effects (these affect fewer than 1 in 10 people) | What can I do if I experience this? |
Feeling tired, dizzy or sleepy | If this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines |
Tingling feelings, feeling hot | If troublesome, speak with your doctor |
Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) | Stick to simple foods |
Some people feel tightness or pain in their throat or chest | If the pain is intense, do not take any further tablets, and speak with your doctor about it |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, discuss them with your pharmacist or doctor.
How to store naratriptan
Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
Important information about all medicines
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine, ask your pharmacist.
Report side effects to a medicine or vaccine
If you experience side effects, you can report them online through the Yellow Card website.
Further reading and references
- Manufacturer's PIL, Naramig® 2.5 mg Tablets; GlaxoSmithKline UK, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated June 2022.
- Medicines Complete BNF 87th Edition; British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.
Article history
The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.
Next review due: 28 May 2026
29 May 2023 | Latest version
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