Treximet (sumatriptan and naproxen sodium)
Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: May 2023 | Last updated: November 2023
Treximet® (sumatriptan and naproxen sodium) is a prescription drug used to treat acute migraine headaches with or without aura in people 12 years of age and older.1
Treximet is designed to only treat a migraine that has already begun. It should also not be used to treat other types of headaches, including hemiplegic migraine or basilar migraine. Treximet is not to be used to prevent or decrease the number of migraine attacks you have.1
Overuse of acute migraine drugs like Treximet can cause medication overuse headaches. If your migraine attacks worsen while taking Treximet, your doctor may decide to stop your treatment with this medicine.1
What are the ingredients in Treximet?
The active ingredients in Treximet are sumatriptan and naproxen sodium.1
How does Treximet work?
Treximet contains 2 active ingredients that work in different ways to stop migraine attacks:1
- Sumatriptan is a triptan, or serotonin (5-HT1) agonist. It works by binding to the serotonin (5HT) receptors located on blood vessels in the brain. This causes them to narrow, which is linked to the relief of migraine. It also reduces the inflammatory substances in the body that can trigger head pain, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, and other migraine symptoms.
- Naproxen sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs work by blocking an enzyme that the body uses to make hormones that affect inflammation and pain. This helps to reduce migraine symptoms.
What are the possible side effects?
The most common side effects of Treximet include:1
- Dizziness
- Feeling weak, drowsy, or tired
- Pain, discomfort, or stiffness in your neck, throat, jaw, or chest
- Nausea
- Tingling or numbness in your fingers or toes
- Heartburn
- Dry mouth
- Feeling hot
- Heartbeat problems
- Muscle tightness
These are not all the possible side effects of Treximet. Talk to your doctor about what to expect when taking Treximet. You also should call your doctor if you have any changes that concern you when taking Treximet.
Other things to know
Do not take Treximet right before or after a heart surgery called a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG).1
Do not take Treximet after a recent heart attack, unless your doctor tells you to. You may have an increased risk of another heart attack if you take NSAIDs after a recent heart attack.1
Treximet is not for people with risk factors for heart disease unless you have a heart exam and it shows no problem. You are at higher risk for heart disease if you:1
- Have high blood pressure
- Have high cholesterol levels
- Smoke
- Are overweight
- Have diabetes
- Have a family history of heart disease
Stop taking Treximent and get medical help right away if you have signs of a heart attack or stroke, including:1
- Discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes or that goes away and comes back
- Severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw
- Pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach
- Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort
- Breaking out in a cold sweat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling lightheaded
- Weakness in 1 part or on 1 side of your body
- Slurred speech
Treximet can cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and intestines. Your chance of getting an ulcer or bleeding increases with:1
- Past history of stomach ulcers, or stomach or intestinal bleeding with the use of NSAID
- Using medicines called corticosteroids, blood thinners, and antidepressant medicines called SSRIs or SNRIs
- Longer or more frequent use
- Smoking
- Drinking alcohol
- Older age
- Having poor health
- Advanced liver disease
- Bleeding problems
Treximet may cause serious allergic reactions or serious skin reactions that can be life-threatening. Stop taking Treximet and get medical help right away if you develop:1
- Sudden wheezing
- Swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or body
- Rash
- Fainting
- Problems breathing or swallowing
- Reddening of your skin with blisters or peeling
- Blisters or bleeding of your lips, eyelids, mouth, nose, or genitals
Treximet can interact with other medicines, including pain relievers and sleep aids that also contain an NSAID. Before beginning treatment for migraine, tell your doctor about all your health conditions and any other drugs, vitamins, or supplements you take. This includes over-the-counter drugs.1
For more information, read the full prescribing information of Treximet.
