Treximet

Treximet is a medication licensed for the treatment of migraine headaches. It is a combination drug that contains naproxen (an NSAID) and sumatriptan (a triptan), medications that work by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals and by narrowing the blood vessels that become dilated during a migraine. Treximet tablets, which are available by prescription, should be taken as soon as a migraine starts.

 

What Is Treximet?

Treximet™ (sumatriptan/naproxen sodium) is a prescription medication used to treat migraine headaches. It will not help to prevent migraines but can help treat a migraine that is already occurring. Treximet contains two different medications to help relieve migraine pain.
 
(Click Treximet Uses for more information on what Treximet is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes Treximet?

Treximet is made by GlaxoSmithKline.
 

How Does Treximet Work?

Treximet contains two separate medications, sumatriptan (the same medication in Imitrex®) and naproxen sodium.
 
Sumatriptan belongs to a class of migraine medications called 5-HT agonists (or more commonly known as "triptans"). During a migraine headache, some of the blood vessels in the head become dilated (wider open than they usually are). Sumatriptan works by narrowing these blood vessels, helping them return to their normal state. This action helps to relieve migraine symptoms.
 
Naproxen sodium belongs to a group of medications known as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). It helps to relieve migraine pain by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals known as prostaglandins.
 

Treximet Effects

In one study, up to 65 percent of people with migraines had no (or mild) pain within two hours of taking Treximet, compared to just 55 percent of those taking sumatriptan alone, 44 percent of those taking naproxen sodium alone, or 28 percent of those taking a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredients). Additionally, Treximet was more effective for keeping people pain-free for 24 hours after taking a dose, compared to sumatriptan, naproxen sodium, or placebo (in other words, it seemed to work better for preventing the migraine from returning).
 

When and How to Use Treximet

Some general considerations for when and how to use Treximet include the following:
 
  • Treximet comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth as soon as possible once a migraine starts.
     
  • Swallow Treximet tablets whole with a drink of water or other fluids.
     
  • Treximet can be taken with or without food. Because one of the components of Treximet (naproxen sodium) can be irritating to the stomach, it may be a good idea to take Treximet with a little food (although this may not be possible due to nausea from the migraine).
     
  • Do not take two doses of Treximet within two hours of each other.
     
  • For Treximet to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Treximet Dosing Information

There is only one standard recommended dose for Treximet. As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Treximet Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Treximet

As with any medicine, Treximet can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Treximet include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea
  • Chest, neck, or jaw pain.
     
(Click Treximet Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Treximet

Treximet can interact with several other medications (see Treximet Drug Interactions).
 

Treximet: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using Treximet if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Treximet Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take a Treximet Overdose?

People who take too much Treximet may experience the following symptoms:
 
  • Seizures or shakiness
  • Not being able to move or feel (paralysis)
  • Swelling in the arms or legs
  • Wide or dilated pupils
  • Increased saliva and watery eyes
  • Lethargy or drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Chest, throat, or stomach pain
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Kidney problems, including kidney failure
  • Breathing problems.
     
(Click Treximet Overdose for more information.)
 

Treximet: Storage Methods

Treximet tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Treximet tablets should be stored in their original dispenser packaging. Keep Treximet and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What If I Miss a Dose of Treximet?

If you do not take your Treximet as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double your dose of Treximet.
 

Treximet Strengths

Treximet tablets come in one strength, with 85 mg of sumatriptan and 500 mg of naproxen sodium per tablet.
 

Generic Treximet

At this time, there are no generic versions of Treximet licensed for sale (see Generic Treximet for more information).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;