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Amerge vs. Cafergot

Naratriptan is a triptan that's used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. While the brand name Amerge is no longer available, there's a generic version that you can get by prescription. Naratriptan is a tablet that's swallowed whole once, typically as a single dose. But you can take the medication again 4 hours later if the first dose didn't work to relieve your migraine. Side effects aren't common, but it might make you nauseous, sleepy, or dizzy.

• Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults

• Nausea (up to 5%)

• Heart problems and high blood pressure
• Stroke or other brain injury
• Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
• Worsened headaches if naratriptan is taken too often
• Serotonin syndrome

Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) is used to treat cluster headaches and migraines in adults. It's available as a tablet that's taken by mouth, as well as a suppository that's inserted into the rectum. Typically, you take a dose as soon as you feel a headache coming on. But there's a limit to how many doses you can take each week because taking this medication too often can lead to serious side effects, such as vomiting and numbness. Brand name Cafergot is discontinued.

• Headache pain caused by swollen or widened blood vessels (vascular headaches)

• Nausea

• Dangerously low blood flow to your brain and limbs
• Fibrosis (scarring)
• Allergic reaction to yellow dye