Posted by Francois (204.44.156.194) on February 09, 2000 at 14:29:41:
In Reply to: Hey Francois! Amerge posted by Miguel on February 09, 2000 at 09:57:24:
Well Miguel...first, I appreciate the follow-up. Second, I did not know that this was the first time you were on any drug like this. You should know that you are using a migraine drug which is most effective as a episodal preventive rather than for cluster series attacks. Here is the lead statements on Naratriptan HCL copied from Clinical Pharmacology Online:
"Naratriptan (AmergeŽ) helps to relieve a migraine attack that starts with or without aura (a peculiar feeling or visual disturbance that warns you of an attack). Naratriptan is not suitable for all migraine attacks, including those that involve only one side of your head. Generic naratriptan tablets are not yet available."
Also: "Only take naratriptan tablets for a migraine headache. Take it if you get warning symptoms or at the start of a migraine attack. Naratriptan is not for regular use to prevent migraine attacks."
If works for your episodes, great! But I am little surprised your neurologist started you out on this. More commonly, Imitrex for peak episodes, and verapamil, predisone, lithium carbonate (ever controversial), nortriptyline (my maintenance drug), or one of the other more frequently mentioned medications on this site are prescribed first. Please do not be offended by this question, but have you been diagnosed as having cluster headaches, rather than migraines? It does make a difference.
Build up: As you can read from above, naratriptan is really a preventive drug, not listed for daily use. I don't know if you are going to find many people using it like it sounds you are now. But, I am sure there are a few.
Here is a note on analgesics: I was episodal years ago (rather than chronic as now). I took analgesics (nonsteroidal anti-infammatories) for the tail end of cluster series or shadows between episodes. Aspirin and prescription Advil somewhat helped. But Naproxin DS always worked much more effectively. A few years ago, it came off of "prescription only" lists and is sold as Aleve. (Of course, ibuprofen used to be by presciption only, too.) The prescription form came (comes?) in 550mg pills. I used to take one or two during shadow and tail times in the past. I think Aleve is 220mg per pill now. Taking three to five is a rough equivalent. It would be worth a try next time you visit a drug store. (A caveat: Over use of analgesics can lead to Drug Rebound Headaches.)
Additional note: My neurologist feels sodium (table salt, etc.) contributes to the effects CHs. So, it would be a good idea to greatly reduce salt in your diet.
Bonne chance. (Good luck.)
Francois
P.S. I still think I will give naratriptan a try.