Posted by Steve H. (199.108.120.109) on June 14, 1999 at 23:05:38:
In Reply to: Amerge posted by Phil D on June 14, 1999 at 21:51:14:
Phil,
I have had extremely positive, initial results with Amerge (Naramig here in Germany - also 2,5mg). Like Jackie was, I'm taking it as a preventative. Unlike Jackie though, I have not seen any undesired side-effects from this med.
I was having a terrible time with frequent attacks at night. I use Imitrex (Imigran) Nasal Spray 20mg as an abortive and was using more than the recommended dosages allowed in a 24h period because of the frequency of my attacks. I also was experiencing unbearable nights and not getting any sleep.
The first strategy my neuro had me try was a Imitrex suppo at bedtime. This strategy showed some results. Because of its slower and longer lasting effects, the first attack was put off for 4-6 hours. This provided a nice window of opportunity to get at least that number of hours of sleep. Also cut down on the number of attacks.
The second strategy employed was to replace the Imitrex suppos. with a 2,5mg Amerge tab. at bedtime. Even better results! No H/As in the night what so ever!!
Cautions: 1) Naratriptan is not recommended for use if one is already taking Sumatriptan. I don't think that this is a drug incompatability issue present like we see with Sumatriptan and the Ergotamine-type drugs. Rather, the combined dosages of these like-drugs may exceed what is recommended for either one individually. My neuro has approved usage of both for me. I was already exceeding recommended dosages for Sumatriptan alone - I figured if the Naratriptan reduced the frequency of attacks I would not need as much Sumatriptan and the combined dosages would not be any more than what I was already doing. 2) I was not having daytime attacks during the period of time that the frequency of my night attacks was so high. This has changed - I now get attacks during the day. A kind of trade-off if you will. This is preferable to me. I really value the sleep. I also find it easier to manage daytime attacks when I am not totally fatigued. I guess one can't have it both ways. 3) After almost two weeks of taking the Naratriptan I am again experiencing some attacks at night. BUT, I am also tapering-off of Prednisone. I really believe this to be the cause and not any reduced effectiveness of taking Naratriptan.
Bottom-line: I would recommend either of the two mentioned strategies to anyone desiring to get a little "shut-eye"!!
Hope this helps
Steve sends...