Treximet Tablet: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Treximet is a prescription tablet that combines sumatriptan, a triptan, and naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to treat acute migraine headaches that have already started in adults and children ages 12 and older. Treximet does not prevent migraines or reduce how many you get, and it is not used for cluster headaches.

What is Treximet Tablet

Treximet is a prescription tablet that combines two medicines: sumatriptan, a triptan, and naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to treat migraine headaches that have already started in adults and children ages 12 and older.

Treximet Tablet uses

• Treats acute migraine headaches with or without aura in adults and children ages 12 years and older
• Only treats a headache that has already begun; it does not prevent headaches or reduce how many you get
• Not used to treat cluster headaches or headaches that cause loss of movement on one side of the body

Benefits of Treximet Tablet

• Helps relieve acute migraine pain
• May reduce headache severity
• Helps reduce migraine-related nausea
• May relieve sensitivity to light and sound
• Combines migraine medicine with an anti-inflammatory pain reliever

How Treximet Tablet works

Treximet combines two medicines. Sumatriptan narrows blood vessels in the brain and blocks pain signals so you feel less pain. Naproxen reduces swelling and inflammation, which also helps relieve pain.

Treximet Tablet dosage

Take one tablet as soon as migraine symptoms start. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow tablets whole; do not crush, split, or chew them. If the headache does not go away, talk to your doctor before taking a second tablet.

If needed, adults may take a second tablet after waiting at least 2 hours from the first dose. Children ages 12 to 17 should not take a second tablet without first checking with their doctor. Do not take this medicine within 24 hours before or after using another migraine medicine.

Do not use this medicine to treat more than an average of 5 headaches a month (adults) or 2 headaches a month (children 12 to 17). Keep track of when you take doses since this medicine is only used as needed, not on a daily schedule.

Available forms and strengths

• Tablet

Side effects of Treximet Tablet

Common

• Dizziness
• Sleepiness/drowsiness
• Nausea
• Chest pain or discomfort
• Pain, tightness, or pressure in the neck, throat, or jaw
• Tingling or numbness (pins and needles) in hands or feet
• Dry mouth
• Indigestion (upset stomach)
• Feeling hot/hot flashes (mainly in children)
• Muscle tightness (mainly in children)

Serious

• Heart attack (chest pain spreading to jaw/arm/neck, cold sweat, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea)
• Stroke (weakness on one side, drooping face, slurred speech)
• Bleeding in the digestive system (vomit like coffee grounds, black or bloody stools)
• Ulcers or tears in the digestive system (stomach pain, weight loss, nausea/vomiting)
• Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• Brain hemorrhage or bleeding around the brain (sudden intense headache, vomiting, loss of consciousness, seizures)
• Blood flow problems (leg cramping, numbness, coldness, color changes in fingers/toes)
• Liver damage (jaundice, nausea, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms)
• High blood pressure (intense headache, chest pain, vision problems, trouble breathing)
• Heart failure and fluid buildup (shortness of breath, swelling, rapid weight gain)
• Medication overuse headache (more frequent or daily headaches)
• Serotonin syndrome (agitation, hallucinations, fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness)
• Kidney damage (less urination, swelling, fatigue, high blood pressure)
• High potassium levels (hyperkalemia) causing weakness or irregular heartbeat
• Serious skin reactions such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis (blisters, rash, peeling skin)
• Seizures
• Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face/lips/tongue/throat, difficulty breathing, fainting)

Warnings and precautions

• This medicine carries a boxed warning, the FDA's most serious type of warning, about the risk of serious heart, blood vessel, and digestive system problems
• This medicine can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, which can be fatal, and the risk can occur early in treatment and grow with longer use
• This medicine should not be used if you've had or are going to have coronary artery bypass graft surgery
• This medicine can increase the risk of stomach and intestinal problems such as ulcers, bleeding, and tears, which can happen without warning and can be fatal, especially in older adults
• Do not take this medicine within 24 hours of using another migraine medicine such as a triptan or ergot-type drug
• Do not use this medicine if you've used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days, as a dangerous interaction can occur
• This medicine should never be used to prevent migraines and is not approved for treating cluster headaches
• Treximet should not be used in the last three months of pregnancy because it may cause heart problems in the baby. It isn't known if it's safe to use earlier in pregnancy, so talk to your doctor first.
• It isn't known if it's safe to breastfeed while taking Treximet, since both ingredients can pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if you are breastfeeding.
• People with kidney damage are more likely to have serious side effects, so tell your doctor if you have kidney problems before starting this medicine.
• This medicine may cause liver problems, and it isn't recommended for people with severe liver disease.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine, since it may raise your risk of stomach bleeding.
• This medicine can cause dizziness, weakness, or drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C)
• Keep Treximet in its original container along with the drying pouch (desiccant)
• For short periods, it can be stored between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C)
• Keep out of the reach of children
• If you have leftover or expired medication, ask your pharmacist about safe disposal

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency help right away if you notice signs of a heart attack, such as chest discomfort spreading to the jaw, neck, or arms, cold sweat, shortness of breath, or feeling lightheaded
• Get emergency help right away if you notice signs of a stroke, such as weakness on one side of your body or slurred speech
• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or body, sudden wheezing, or trouble breathing or swallowing
• Seek medical help right away for signs of stomach bleeding, such as vomiting blood, feeling faint, or having bloody or black, tarry stools
• Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you notice signs of serotonin syndrome, such as agitation, hallucinations, fast heart rate, high fever, or muscle stiffness
• Get medical help right away if you notice signs of a serious skin reaction, such as rash with blistering or peeling skin
• Call your doctor if you have signs of liver problems, such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or ongoing nausea
• Call your doctor if you notice signs of kidney problems, such as decreased urination or swelling in the feet or ankles
• If you think you've taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room right away

Alternatives

• Zolmitriptan
• Naproxen
• Sumatriptan