What Is Treximet?

Treximet is a prescription combination medication used for the acute treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults. It combines two active ingredients — Sumatriptan (a triptan) and Naproxen Sodium (an NSAID) — into a single tablet. By pairing both drugs together, Treximet attacks migraine pain through two different mechanisms simultaneously, which clinical studies have shown to be more effective than either drug taken alone. It is manufactured by Currax Pharmaceuticals.

How does Treximet work?

Treximet works through two complementary mechanisms:

• Sumatriptan binds to serotonin 5-HT1B and 5-HT1D receptors on blood vessels in the brain and sensory nerves of the trigeminal system. This causes constriction of dilated blood vessels and blocks the release of pro-inflammatory neuropeptides that contribute to migraine pain.
• Naproxen Sodium inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, reducing prostaglandin production and inflammation associated with migraine.

Together, these two mechanisms provide faster and more sustained migraine relief than either ingredient alone.

What doses are available for Treximet?

• 85 mg Sumatriptan / 500 mg Naproxen Sodium — the standard adult tablet and the only currently available strength

A lower-dose pediatric formulation (10 mg/60 mg) was previously available but has been discontinued.

How hard is it to find Treximet in stock?

Treximet scores a 45 out of 100 on our findability scale, meaning it can be moderately difficult to locate at your local pharmacy. Because Treximet is a niche combination product (Sumatriptan + Naproxen Sodium in a single tablet), many retail pharmacies simply don't stock it. The brand-name version is especially hard to find on shelves. The generic is more widely available but still not carried everywhere. Your best bet is to call ahead or use Medfinder to check stock before making a trip.

Who Can Prescribe Treximet?

Treximet can be prescribed by a range of healthcare providers, including:

• Neurologists — especially headache specialists
• Primary care physicians and family medicine doctors
• Internal medicine physicians
• Headache medicine specialists

Telehealth providers can also prescribe Treximet, making it accessible without an in-person visit for established migraine patients.

Is Treximet a controlled substance?

No, Treximet is not a controlled substance. It does not have a DEA schedule and is not subject to the prescribing restrictions that apply to controlled medications. However, it does require a prescription and carries two FDA boxed warnings regarding cardiovascular and gastrointestinal risks from the Naproxen Sodium component.

Common Side Effects of Treximet

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Fatigue and drowsiness
• Chest tightness or pressure
• Tingling or numbness
• Dry mouth
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Neck or throat tightness

Serious but rare side effects include heart attack, stroke, serotonin syndrome, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Treximet carries two FDA boxed warnings for cardiovascular and GI risks. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe chest pain, sudden weakness, or signs of GI bleeding.

Alternative Medications to Treximet

If you can't find Treximet or it's too expensive, consider these alternatives:

• Sumatriptan (Imitrex) + over-the-counter Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) — the same two ingredients taken separately, often much cheaper
• Rizatriptan (Maxalt) — a fast-acting triptan for acute migraine
• Eletriptan (Relpax) — another effective triptan option
• Ubrogepant (Ubrelvy) — a newer CGRP receptor antagonist that works differently from triptans and may be suitable for patients who can't tolerate triptans

Drug Interactions with Treximet

Treximet has several important drug interactions to be aware of:

• MAO inhibitors — contraindicated within 14 days of use
• Other triptans or ergotamine medications — do not use within 24 hours
• SSRIs and SNRIs (e.g., Sertraline, Venlafaxine) — increased risk of serotonin syndrome
• Blood thinners (e.g., Warfarin) — increased bleeding risk
• Lithium — Naproxen can increase lithium levels
• Methotrexate — increased toxicity risk
• ACE inhibitors and ARBs — reduced blood pressure-lowering effect
• Alcohol — increases risk of GI bleeding

Final Thoughts on Treximet

Treximet is an effective combination medication for acute migraine relief, but its niche status and higher cost can make it challenging to find and afford. With a findability score of 45, many pharmacies simply don't carry it. If cost is a concern, check the manufacturer's website at treximet.com for their authorized generic program at $75 or less for 9 tablets. Alternatively, taking generic Sumatriptan with over-the-counter Naproxen Sodium (Aleve) separately can provide similar relief at a fraction of the cost. Use Medfinder to quickly locate pharmacies that have Treximet in stock near you.