Treximet Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Every medication comes with potential side effects, and Treximet is no exception. As a combination of Sumatriptan (a triptan) and Naproxen Sodium (an NSAID), Treximet carries side effects from both ingredients. Most people tolerate it well, but it's important to know what's normal, what's not, and when to seek medical attention.

This guide covers the common and serious side effects of Treximet based on FDA labeling, plus practical tips for managing them.

What Is Treximet?

Treximet is a prescription combination tablet containing 85 mg of Sumatriptan and 500 mg of Naproxen Sodium. It's used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. The Sumatriptan component targets migraine-specific pathways in the brain, while Naproxen Sodium reduces inflammation and pain. For a deeper dive, read our full guide on how Treximet works.

Common Side Effects

These side effects are relatively common and usually mild. They often go away on their own within a few hours as the medication works through your system.

• Dizziness — One of the most frequently reported side effects. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Treximet affects you.
• Nausea — This can be tricky since migraines themselves often cause nausea. Taking Treximet with a small amount of food or water may help.
• Fatigue and drowsiness — Many people feel tired after taking Treximet. This may partly be from the migraine itself resolving.
• Chest tightness or pressure — This is a well-known triptan effect. It can feel alarming but is usually not heart-related. However, if it's severe or doesn't go away, call your doctor.
• Tingling or numbness — Also called paresthesia. You might feel tingling in your fingers, toes, or face. This is a common triptan side effect and usually temporary.
• Dry mouth — Stay hydrated. Dehydration can also worsen migraines.
• Indigestion or heartburn — Comes from the Naproxen Sodium component. Taking the tablet with water helps.
• Neck or throat tightness — Another triptan-class effect. It can feel like pressure or heaviness. It usually passes within 30 minutes to an hour.

Serious Side Effects

These are less common but require immediate medical attention. Treximet carries two FDA boxed warnings — the most serious type of safety warning.

Boxed Warning #1: Cardiovascular Risk

The Naproxen Sodium in Treximet (like all NSAIDs) increases the risk of serious cardiovascular events, including:

• Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
• Stroke

This risk can occur early in treatment and may increase with longer use. Treximet is contraindicated after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Boxed Warning #2: Gastrointestinal Risk

NSAIDs increase the risk of serious GI events, including:

• Stomach bleeding
• Ulceration
• Perforation (a hole in the stomach or intestinal wall)

These events can happen at any time during use, without warning symptoms. Elderly patients are at greater risk.

Other Serious Side Effects

• Serotonin syndrome — A potentially life-threatening condition that can occur if Treximet is taken with SSRIs, SNRIs, or other serotonergic drugs. Symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, fever, muscle stiffness, and loss of coordination. This is a medical emergency.
• Medication overuse headache — Using Treximet too frequently (more than 10 days per month) can actually cause more headaches. If your migraines become more frequent, talk to your doctor.
• Severe allergic reactions — Anaphylaxis is rare but possible. Seek emergency help if you experience swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, or hives.
• Serious skin reactions — Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are extremely rare but serious. Stop taking Treximet and call your doctor if you develop a widespread rash with blistering.
• Liver damage — Severe hepatic reactions have been reported with NSAIDs. Watch for yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or persistent nausea.
• Seizures — Rare, but reported in some patients.
• Hypertensive crisis — A sudden, dangerous spike in blood pressure.

Side Effects in Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Treximet is not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. The Naproxen Sodium component can cause premature closure of the ductus arteriosus in the fetus, a serious heart-related complication.

Elderly Patients

Older adults face higher risks of GI bleeding and cardiovascular events from the NSAID component. Doctors typically use extra caution when considering Treximet for patients over 65.

Patients with Liver or Kidney Problems

Treximet should be used at lower doses in patients with mild to moderate liver impairment and is contraindicated in severe liver or kidney disease.

Nursing Mothers

Both Sumatriptan and Naproxen can pass into breast milk. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

How to Manage Common Side Effects

Most side effects from Treximet are manageable with simple steps:

• For dizziness or drowsiness: Lie down in a quiet, dark room. This also helps your migraine resolve faster.
• For nausea: Take Treximet with a small snack or crackers. Stay hydrated.
• For chest or throat tightness: Rest and stay calm. These sensations usually pass within an hour. If they don't, or if you have chest pain with shortness of breath, call 911.
• For heartburn: Avoid lying flat immediately after taking the tablet. Drink a full glass of water with the dose.
• For tingling: This usually resolves on its own. If it persists for more than a few hours, contact your doctor.

When to Call Your Doctor

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

• Chest pain that feels different from the usual triptan tightness
• Signs of a stroke — sudden numbness on one side, confusion, trouble speaking, severe headache unlike your usual migraine
• Black or bloody stools (sign of GI bleeding)
• Severe stomach pain
• Yellowing skin or eyes
• Rash with blistering or peeling skin
• Symptoms of serotonin syndrome (agitation, fever, muscle rigidity, rapid heart rate)

When to Call 911

Call emergency services immediately if you have:

• Crushing chest pain or pressure with shortness of breath
• Sudden severe headache unlike anything you've experienced
• Signs of anaphylaxis (swelling of face/throat, difficulty breathing)
• Stroke symptoms

Final Thoughts

Treximet is an effective migraine treatment, but like all medications, it carries risks. The most common side effects — dizziness, nausea, chest tightness, and fatigue — are usually mild and temporary. The serious risks, particularly cardiovascular and GI events, are rare but real, which is why Treximet carries two boxed warnings.

The key is to use Treximet as directed, no more than 2 tablets per day, and to avoid using it more than 10 days per month. If you're concerned about side effects, talk to your doctor about whether Treximet is right for you. And be sure to review Treximet drug interactions to make sure your other medications are compatible.

Ready to fill your prescription? Use Medfinder to find a pharmacy near you that has Treximet in stock.