Managing intractable migraine with naratriptan.
BACKGROUND
Intractable migraine presents a significant treatment challenge to both patient and physician. Most attacks are treatable or self-limiting, but occasionally they may continue for extended periods regardless of treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of naratriptan 2.5 mg twice daily for the treatment of intractable migraine.


METHODS
We reviewed 24 patients treated with naratriptan twice daily for an intractable migraine attack. Patients were permitted to take prophylactic medication if such treatment had been effective in the past.


RESULTS
Nineteen patients (79%) improved. Twelve patients showed excellent response with cessation of pain and associated symptoms, 7 patients partially responded with lessening of pain and cessation of associated symptoms, and 5 patients were nonresponsive.


CONCLUSIONS
Short-term daily administration of naratriptan may be effective in terminating status migrainosus.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D020326:Migraine without Aura / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010880:Piperidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014363:Tryptamines
D007211:Indoles; D010880:Piperidines; D017366:Serotonin Receptor Agonists; D014363:Tryptamines; C106783:naratriptan