Interestingly, Amerge is one of the earliest drugs to have been formulated with specific migraine related problems in mind. Not only does it guarantee immediate relief to patients suffering from migraine attacks, the attacks do not seem to recur in the next 24-72 hours. Understandably, it is nothing short of a boon for patients reeling under the impact of these unpleasant and painful attacks. The drug also helps to prevent vomiting, nausea and high blood pressure which are associated with migraine attacks.
Amerge is also considered to be an advanced treatment for cluster headaches. However, it should only be administered once regular painkillers, such as ibuprofen, acetamophen and paracetamol have failed to deliver suitable results. Migraine pains are a manifestation of swollen and dilated blood vessels. Amerge acts on serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter and helps in reducing the swelling.
Pitfalls of Using Amerge
The pitfalls of Amerge are related to the side effects caused by the drug and the dangers pertaining to overdose. The dosage largely depends on the intensity of the pain. Ideally, a single tablet, 1 – 2.5mg, could be taken along with a glass of milk or a full meal. Alternatively, you can also take it as and when the pain occurs. The dose can be repeated after a span of 4 hours. The maximum dosage could be around 5 mg in a 24 hour period. Drug overdose can lead to:
Vomiting
Nausea
Convulsions
lack of coordination
dilation of pupils
redness in the legs and arms
difficulty in breathing
tremor and paralysis
Amerge can cause some serious or common side effects, which have been mentioned below:
Common side effects: This includes nausea, vomiting, dizziness, neck pain and non-persistent hypertension, weakness in the muscles and numbness. Nasal congestion or difficulty in inhaling and exhaling might also arise. Most of these side effects of Amerge are self limiting. However, should they persist it is advisable to seek immediate medical assistance.
Rare side effects: This includes a feeling of tightness in the chest, ringing in the years, rapid changes in the rhythm of heartbeats, depression and fatigue. Difficulty in urination, constipation, vision changes, a feeling of general malaise, anxiety, persistent cough, asthma, skin rashes, fatigue and chest pressure are some of the other potential side effects. Some patients may also experience allergic reactions of a severe kind. There could be other more case-specific side effects as well, which do not feature in the given list. Anything which seems alarming enough needs to be promptly referred to the doctor.