Sumatriptan + Naproxen is a combination treatment for migraines, containing two active ingredients: sumatriptan, a selective serotonin receptor against, and naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Both ingredients work together to treat migraine headaches with or without aura.
A migraine is a type of headache that causes severe pain, making it hard to go about your day. While there’s no cure for migraines, medications can help reduce the severity of headaches and treat the symptoms. Triptans, like sumatriptan, are the most common treatment. They work by constricting the blood vessels to relieve migraine headaches.
How does Sumatriptan + Naproxen work?
Migraines can occur suddenly, and they’re often triggered by things like stress, certain foods, or dehydration. Although the exact cause of migraines isn’t fully understood, your blood vessels widen in response to a trigger and pain signals are sent to your brain, resulting in a severe headache.
Sumatriptan binds to serotonin receptors in the brain, causing the blood vessels to constrict. This slows blood flow to the brain, relieving migraine headaches. It can also stop nerve cells from transmitting pain signals.
Naproxen also helps manage migraines by blocking an enzyme called cyclooxygenase. This reduces the production of prostaglandins, a hormone that promotes inflammation and is responsible for the onset of migraines.[1]
Together, these ingredients work effectively to treat migraine headaches.[2]
What doses of Sumatriptan + Naproxen are there?
Sumatriptan + Naproxen is only available in one dose: 85mg sumatriptan and 500mg naproxen. The usual dose is to take one tablet soon after your migraine headache starts. A second dose can be taken after two hours if you still have symptoms. Don’t take more than two tablets within 24 hours.
Treated trusted source:
Pardutz, A., & Schoenen, J. (2010). NSAIDs in the Acute Treatment of Migraine: A Review of Clinical and Experimental Data. Pharmaceuticals, 3(6), 1966-1987.
Wilcha, J., et al.Sumatriptan-naproxen sodium in migraine: A review. European Journal of Neurology, 31, e16434.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on January 07, 2025. Next review due on January 07, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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How to take Sumatriptan + Naproxen
To take Sumatriptan + Naproxen:
Take one tablet as soon as your headache starts.
Don’t take it during the aura phase as it won’t be effective.
Take it whole with water.
You can take Sumatriptan + Naproxen on an empty stomach, but taking it with food might help with the side effects.
A second dose may be taken after two hours if you haven’t experienced complete relief from the initial dose. However, don’t take a second dose if the first dose didn’t work for you. It’s unlikely that the second will help.
How long does Sumatriptan + Naproxen take to work?
You should notice an improvement in your symptoms within 30-60 minutes of taking Sumatriptan + Naproxen, but it may take up to two hours. If your symptoms have improved after two hours but you’re still in some discomfort, take another tablet. Don’t take another tablet if the first dose hasn’t improved your symptoms, and don’t take more than two tablets in 24 hours.
I took too much Sumatriptan + Naproxen, now what?
You should contact your doctor or the nearest emergency department immediately if you took more than the recommended amount. Taking too much Sumatriptan + Naproxen can cause overdose symptoms, like a slow heart rate.
This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Joseph Palumbo on January 07, 2025. Next review due on January 07, 2028.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
Sumatriptan + NaproxenSumatriptan + Naproxen
Sumatriptan + Naproxen isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when taking it.
Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our clinician know, and they can talk with you about it.
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Sumatriptan + Naproxen: FAQ
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Can I take Sumatriptan + Naproxen if I’m pregnant?
Answer:
Let your doctor know if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant before taking Sumatriptan + Naproxen, so they can check it’s safe and suitable for you. Don't take Sumatriptan + Naproxen in the third trimester of your pregnancy.
You should also inform your doctor if you’re breastfeeding. Traces of Sumatriptan and Naproxen have been found in breast milk and may harm your baby.
How is Sumatriptan + Naproxen different from other migraine treatments?
Answer:
Most migraine medications contain only one active ingredient — usually a triptan like Sumatriptan, Eletripran or Zolmitriptan. Triptans are typically the first line of treatment for migraines. They work by narrowing your blood vessels to reduce your symptoms.
The combination of Sumatriptan and Naproxen can be more effective than treating migraines with one drug on its own. Studies have shown that Sumatriptan and Naproxen are more effective when used together.[1]
Can I get Sumatriptan + Naproxen without a prescription?
Answer:
No, Sumatriptan + Naproxen is only available with a doctor’s prescription. This means they can check if it's safe and effective for you.
Is Sumatriptan + Naproxen similar to any other treatment?
Answer:
Treximet is Sumatriptan + Naproxen with branding. It contains the same active ingredients and is equally effective. There aren’t any major differences between the two, except in appearance, price, and marketing — generally speaking, generic medications are cheaper.
You can also get each active ingredient as a standalone medication. Sumatriptan is available as a generic (called Sumatriptan) or as a branded drug called Imitrex. Naproxen is also available in most pharmacies, even without a prescription. Over-the-counter doses might be lower in strength than the ones that require prescriptions, though.
Does Sumatriptan + Naproxen cause any side effects?
Answer:
Like all medicines, there's a possibility of experiencing side effects while taking Sumatriptan + Naproxen. Common side effects include:
dizziness,
feeling weak,
drowsiness,
tiredness,
chest pain,
nausea,
numbness in your fingers or toes,
heartburn,
dry mouth,
feeling hot, and
muscle tightness.
For the full list of side effects, check the package insert.
Drinking small sips of water can prevent dehydration and dry mouth. It may also help with your migraine. If you're feeling dizzy or drowsy, lying down until you feel better can help. Your side effects should improve over time.
Treated trusted source:
Wilcha, J., et al.Sumatriptan-naproxen sodium in migraine: A review. European Journal of Neurology, 31, e16434.
Last updated on Jan 06, 2025.
How we reviewed this page:
Our experts continually monitor new findings in health and medicine, and we update our articles when new info becomes available.
Jan 06, 2025
Published by: The Treated Content Team.Medically reviewed by: Dr. Joseph Palumbo, Senior Medical Adviser
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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Dr. Joseph Palumbo
Senior Medical Adviser
Joseph joined Treated in 2023, and is one of the lead doctors providing prescribing services for the platform.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
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