For National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, we're spotlighting one of the powerful triptans: Naratriptan. Known for its effectiveness in treating acute migraine attacks, this medication is a critical tool in the arsenal against debilitating headaches. Dive in to learn more about Naratriptan, its dental implications, and important considerations for use in your practice:
Generic Name: Naratriptan
Brand Name(s): Amerge
Pronunciation: NAR a TRIP tan
About this drug:
Naratriptan is a serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonist used to treat acute migraine headaches.
It will only treat a headache that has already started, and will not prevent headaches or reduce the number of attacks.
Dentistry-related tidbits:
Naratriptan may cause xerostomia. Consider prescribing a fluoride supplement if the patient has a high rate of caries and increasing the frequency of dental exams.
Always check the patient's blood pressure before starting a procedure. This medication may cause hypertension, including a hypertensive crisis.
Narcotics in combination with Naratriptan may increase the risk for serotonin syndrome which can be fatal.
Alcohol, narcotics, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and other sedating medications, including over-the-counter, may increase the risk of CNS and/or respiratory depression and diminished psychomotor function when combined with Naratriptan.
Combining Naratriptan with the oxazolidinone antibiotic Linezolid may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Hold Naratriptan for 24 hours after the last Linezolid dose.
Naratriptan cannot be given if a patient has taken an MAO inhibitor such as Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Linezolid, Rasagiline, Tranylcypromine, or Selegiline within the last 2 weeks, as a serious, dangerous medication interaction could occur.
Steroids and NSAIDs may increase the risk of hypertension. Before prescribing any medication, use the Rx Check tool to prevent potential drug interactions or adverse effects.
Fun facts:
Naratriptan binds to 5-HT1B/1D receptors, leading to cranial vasoconstriction and inhibition of pro-inflammatory neuropeptide (e.g. substance P) release.
Naratriptan should not be combined with another migraine medication used in the last 24 hours.
Most triptan doses can be repeated 2 hours after the first dose, except naratriptan has the second to longest half-life so the dose can be repeated 4 hours after the first dose.
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