Treximet (Sumatriptan succ/Naproxen Sod)

What is Treximet?

Treximet (sumatriptan/naproxen) is an oral drug which is used to relieve headaches.

What is Treximet used for?

Treximet is used to provide relief from migraine headaches which has symptoms such as sensitivity to light/sound, nausea and vomiting. The drug does not prevent onset of migraines in future but relieves ongoing migraine. However, it should not be used to treat migraines accompanied with visual aura, speech problems, ringing in ears and weakness on one side of the body.

How does Treximet work?

Treximet is a combination of two drugs- sumatriptan and naproxen.

Sumatriptan is a triptan, which interferes with the action of a naturally occurring chemical in brain, known as serotonin. It, thus, narrows blood vessels in the brain and blocks other pain signals.

Naproxen, on the other hand, is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) which decreases levels of pain and inflammation causing hormones.

This dual action helps Treximet relieve migraine headaches.

How to use Treximet

Treximet should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. Taking the drug in larger amount may worsen the headache. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Take a Treximet tablet as soon as the migraine-attack begins, i.e. you notice a headache. The tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed, broken or chewed. It may be taken with or without food.

If the headache fails to go away or there is a recurrence after a short interval, you may take a second tablet, but only after 2 hours of taking the first tablet. You should not take more than 3 tablets within a 24 hour span.

Contact your doctor if you headache does not improve even after taking the second tablet. Also, consult him if you have more than five migraine attacks within a month.

Treximet warnings and precautions

Treximet is not administered to patients who are allergic to sumatriptan or naproxen or those who have a history or asthma attacks or allergic reactions to aspirin or other NSAIDs.  Patients who have any of the following conditions are also advised against taking this drug: uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure, a history of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, coronary artery bypass graft, angina, blood circulation problems or liver disease.

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you have any of the following conditions: congestive heart failure, epilepsy, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease and its risk factors.

If you are taking Treximet for a longer period of time, you should go for regular check-ups with your doctor, to rule out harmful side effects of the drug.

The medicine can alter results of certain medical tests. Hence it is important to inform your health care professional if you have taken the drug within 72 hours prior to the test.

Effects of Treximet may be harmful to a fetus, especially during the last three months of pregnancy. The drug is also believed to pass through breast milk and cause harm to a nursing baby. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women should discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking the drug with their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Treximet dose?

Since Treximet is used on an as needed-basis, you are unlikely to miss a dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Treximet overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Treximet, seek medical attention.

Treximet interactions

Treximet should not be given to a patient who has taken a MAO inhibitor in the past two weeks. The drug should not be taken within 24 hours before or after taking the following medicines: ergot medicines and medicines belonging to the class of triptans.

Some drugs which may interact with Treximet are: antidepressants, ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers, anticoagulants, probenecid, lithium, methotrexate, steroids, diuretics, aspirin and other NSAIDs.

It is necessary to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before using Treximet.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Treximet side effects

Side effects from Treximet include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. as well as some serious side effects such as vision problems, speech problems, confusion, imbalance, sudden numbness or weakness, cheat pain, decreased urination, blood in cough or vomit, bloody tarry stools, vomiting, nausea, loss of appetite, jaundice, stomach pain, bruising, symptoms of flu, seizure, severe blistering, peeling red skin rash, rapid weight gain, pale or blue-colored fingers or toes, restlessness, high fever, anxiety, sweating, trouble in remembering or concentrating, severe diarrhea, hallucinations, or fainting.

Dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, dry mouth, warmth or tingly feeling, constipation, redness in face, heavy feeling, tight muscles are some less serious side effects of Treximet.