Amerge for Cluster Headaches

Is Amerge for cluster headaches an overlooked treatment?

Amerge or Naramig are brand names for naratriptan, another in the triptan class of medications which include sumatriptan and zolmitriptan. Triptans are commonly used for both cluster and migraine.

Triptans were gradually introduced into the market starting in 1991 with sumatriptan. But this gradual release has perhaps caused some problems which are true for migraine patients but magnified when it comes to cluster.

Naturally, the first triptan to arrive has been studied the most. Maybe it’s more because of this and less because of its effectiveness that sumatriptan has become the go-to triptan for cluster.

Because cluster is so rare, and because of challenges in running clinical trials, it will be a long time, if ever, before we have good data on whether Amerge for cluster headaches, or another triptan, is the best option – and for what type of patient.

The other challenge is that the newer triptans are less likely to have better (faster) delivery methods – such as nasal sprays and injections.

Naratriptan has been used as an add-on to high dose verapamil treatment (Naratriptan in the preventive treatment of cluster headache.). This cluster case study in 2002 showed a 2.5 mg twice daily dose of naratriptan completely stopping cluster headache in a 36 year old male. And naratriptan is being used, though maybe not as much as it should be.

The best advice for doctors and patients is probably the advice that’s often given in the case of migraine. If one triptan doesn’t work at all, or not as well as you hoped, you may have much better success with another. Talk to your doctor about trying another option. Amerge may be one to try next.

For more on triptans, check out:

• 10 Triptan Facts You Need to Know Now (written primarily for migraine patients, but still has information relevant to cluster)
• What is Triptan-Overuse Headache?