Description
IndicationsÂ
Amerge is a prescription medicine indicated for the acute management of migraines in adults, regardless of the presence or absence of aura.Â
Categorized as a serotonin 5-HT-receptor Agonist, Amerge narrows blood vessels surrounding the brain, intercepts pain signals, and inhibits the release of natural substances in the body that can trigger head pain, nausea, and other migraine symptoms. Â
Uses and DosageÂ
Before taking Amerge and with each prescription refill, carefully read its medication guide and patient information leaflet. For any questions or clarifications, do not hesitate to ask your physician or pharmacist.Â
Amerge dosage may vary per individual based on their medical condition and response to the treatment. Â
Typically, one tablet of Amerge is taken with or without food at the onset of a migraine, or as instructed by a physician.Â
If symptoms improve but recur after 4 hours or more, a second tablet may be taken, not exceeding 5 milligrams within a 24-hour period. However, if symptoms do not improve, do not take another tablet without consulting a doctor.Â
First-time users of Amerge with heart disease risk factors may be advised to take the initial dose in a doctor’s office to monitor for rare but severe cardiac complications (e.g., heart attack).Â
Take Amerge exactly as directed. Refrain from taking more or less of it or exceeding the recommended frequency instructed by your doctor.Â
Exceeding the prescribed duration or frequency of Amerge usage may exacerbate headaches or trigger an increased occurrence of headaches.Â
Do not take this medication for more than 10 days per month. Consult your doctor if more than four headaches occur within a month and require treatment with this medication.Â
Side EffectsÂ
Listed below are the side effects associated with the use of Amerge. If any of these side effects last or worsen, inform your doctor promptly.Â
Common Side EffectsÂ
- DizzinessÂ
- DrowsinessÂ
- Feeling weak or tiredÂ
- Numbness or tinglingÂ
- Flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling)Â
- NauseaÂ
- Pain or tightness in the jaw, neck, or throatÂ
Serious Side EffectsÂ
- Fast or pounding heartbeatsÂ
- Numbness or tingling and a pale or blue-colored appearance in fingers or toesÂ
- Pain or heavy feeling in legsÂ
- Hip painÂ
- Burning pain on feetÂ
- Sudden and severe stomach painÂ
- Bloody diarrheaÂ
- ConstipationÂ
- FeverÂ
- Weight lossÂ
- Sign of a dangerously high blood pressure:Â
- Severe headacheÂ
- Blurred visionÂ
- Pounding in your neck or earsÂ
- NosebleedÂ
- AnxietyÂ
- ConfusionÂ
- Severe chest painÂ
- Shortness of breathÂ
- Irregular heartbeatÂ
- SeizureÂ
- Heart attack symptoms:Â
- Chest pain or pressureÂ
- Pain spreading to your jaw or shoulderÂ
- NauseaÂ
- SweatingÂ
- Indication of high levels of serotonin in the body:Â
- AgitationÂ
- HallucinationsÂ
- FeverÂ
- Fast heart rateÂ
- Overactive reflexesÂ
- NauseaÂ
- VomitingÂ
- DiarrheaÂ
- Loss of coordinationÂ
- FaintingÂ
- Signs of a stroke:Â
- Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body)Â
- Sudden severe headacheÂ
- Slurred speechÂ
- Problems with vision or balanceÂ
Call your doctor at once if you experience any of the above-listed serious side effects. Â
Allergic ReactionsÂ
Seek emergency medical attention immediately if you exhibit signs of an allergic reaction to Amerge, including:Â
- HivesÂ
- Severe abdominal painÂ
- Difficulty breathingÂ
- Face, lips, tongue, or throat swellingÂ
This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Amerge. Tell your doctor if any unlisted adverse reactions occur.Â
CautionsÂ
Before taking Amerge, inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any known allergies, especially to:Â
- NaratriptanÂ
- Other triptan migraine drugsÂ
- Any medicationsÂ
- Any ingredients present in Amerge tabletsÂ
To ensure Amerge is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, specifically regarding any history of:Â
- Heart diseases, such as chest pain, heart attack, or irregular heartbeatÂ
- Decreased blood flow in the brain, such as stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)Â
- Blood circulation diseases, such as ischemic bowel disease or Raynaud’s diseaseÂ
- Hemiplegic or basilar migraineÂ
- Kidney diseaseÂ
- Liver diseaseÂ
To minimize the possibility of drug interactions, inform your physician and pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking, such as prescription and non-prescription drugs, dietary supplements, and herbal products, as Amerge may interact with many medications.Â
To reduce the likelihood of severe side effects, separate the intake of Amerge and other ergotamine medicines (e.g., dihydroergotamine) or “triptan” drugs (e.g., zolmitriptan, rizatriptan). Consult your doctor to determine the appropriate time interval between taking these drugs.Â
Co-administration of Amerge and drugs that increase serotonin, including certain street drugs like MDMA/”ecstasy,” St. John’s wort, and specific antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs like fluoxetine/paroxetine, SNRIs like duloxetine/venlafaxine), may elevate the risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity. This risk is particularly high when initiating or adjusting the dosage of these drugs.Â
Amerge can cause drowsiness. Refrain from driving or operating machinery until you understand its impact on your body.Â
The use of Amerge during pregnancy should be restricted to cases of absolute necessity. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of the medication with your physician before use.Â
The impact of naratriptan on breast milk, nursing infants, and milk production remains uncertain. Consult with your physician before breastfeeding.Â