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Compare Imitrex vs. Treximet

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) and Treximet (sumatriptan/naproxen) are both used to treat migraines, but they have some key differences. Sumatriptan is a triptan that works by tightening blood vessels in the brain and reducing inflammation. It is available as a lower-cost generic tablet. Treximet, on the other hand, combines sumatriptan with naproxen, an NSAID that also helps reduce pain and inflammation. Treximet is not available as a generic and is typically used when other migraine medications haven't worked. While both medications can be taken with or without food and require a second dose if the migraine persists, Treximet is approved for use in children aged 12 and older, whereas sumatriptan is not. Additionally, Treximet carries a higher risk of serious side effects like stomach bleeding and heart problems due to the naproxen component. Both medications can cause serotonin syndrome and should not be taken with certain antidepressants.

Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Treximet
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Treximet

Summary of Imitrex vs. Treximet

Summary for Triptan
Prescription only

Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in adults. The medication is typically taken as a single dose for your migraine. But, it's possible that you can take it again 2 hours after the first dose if your migraine doesn't go away. Side effects of sumatriptan (Imitrex) include tingling or numbness of fingers or toes, feeling too warm or too cold, and fatigue. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications. Sumatriptan (Imitrex) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet.

Summary for Triptan / NSAID
Prescription only

Treximet helps treat migraine in people age 12 years and older. It's a tablet that has two main ingredients: sumatriptan and naproxen. Sumatriptan is a triptan, and naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). These ingredients work together to treat migraine symptoms. Treximet is taken by mouth at the first sign of a migraine. Side effects aren't common but can include dizziness, sleepiness, and nausea. Treximet is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

Indications of Imitrex vs. Treximet

Indications for
•Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in adults
Indications for
•Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in people age 12 years and older

Pros and Cons of Imitrex vs. Treximet

Pros and Const for Triptan
Pros
•First-choice option for treating migraines
•Can take with commonly used over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol)
•Can start relieving migraine headaches within 30 minutes to 2 hours
•Available as a lower-cost generic
Cons
•Can't use to prevent migraines
•Must wait at least 2 hours after the first dose to take a second dose, if needed
•Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.
•Unknown if it's safe or if it works well in children
Pros and Const for Triptan / NSAID
Pros
•Combines two first-choice options for treating migraines into one pill for convenience
•Okay for children as young as 12 years old to take
•Can take with or without food
Cons
•Not for preventing migraines from happening
•Migraines can get worse if you take this medication too often
•Not the best option for people who are taking certain antidepressants or for people who have asthma, certain heart conditions, or serious liver problems

Common Side Effects of Imitrex vs. Treximet

Common Side Effects for
•Tingling or numbness of fingers or toes (3-5%)
•Feeling too warm or too cold (2-3%)
•Fatigue (2-3%)
Common Side Effects for

Adults:

•Dizziness (4%)
•Sleepiness (3%)
•Nausea (3%)
•Chest pain or discomfort (3%)
•Pain, tightness, or pressure in the neck, throat, or jaw (3%)
•"Pins and needles" feeling (2%)
•Indigestion (2%)
•Dry mouth (2%)

Children:

•Feeling hot all of a sudden, flushed (up to 2%)
•Muscle tightness (up to 2%)

Warnings of Imitrex vs. Treximet

Common Side Effects for
•Heart problems and high blood pressure
•Stroke or other brain injury
•Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
•Serotonin syndrome
•Allergic reactions
•Seizures
Common Side Effects for
•Risk for stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding
•Risk for heart attack, chest pain (angina), and stroke
•High blood pressure, swelling, and risk for heart failure
•Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
•Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
•Serotonin syndrome
•Liver damage
•Kidney damage
•Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
•Avoid during pregnancy because of risk of harm to an unborn baby

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