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Compare Maxalt vs. Treximet

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

Key takeaways

Rizatriptan (Maxalt) and Treximet (sumatriptan/naproxen) are both used to treat migraines, but they have some key differences. Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is a triptan that works by tightening blood vessels and reducing inflammation in the brain. It is available as a generic and comes in both tablet and orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) forms. Treximet, on the other hand, combines sumatriptan, another triptan, with naproxen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This combination helps to both shrink blood vessels and reduce pain and inflammation. Treximet is only available as tablet that you swallow, but like Rizatriptan, is available in a lower-cost generic form. While rizatriptan can be used by children as young as 6 years old, Treximet is approved for use in people aged 12 and older. Both medications can cause dizziness and sleepiness, but Treximet has additional risks like stomach bleeding due to the NSAID component.

Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
Treximet
Rizatriptan (Maxalt)
Treximet

Summary of Maxalt vs. Treximet

Summary for Triptan
Prescription only

Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is used to treat migraines with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older. Rizatriptan (Maxalt) is available as a lower-cost generic tablet and an orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that's placed on the tongue. Common side effects include dizziness, headache, and sleepiness. It can interact with antidepressants and other similar migraine medications.

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 Maxalt vs. Treximet

Indications for
•Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in people ages 6 years and older
Indications for
•Treatment of migraine attacks with or without aura in people age 12 years and older

Pros and Cons of Maxalt vs. Treximet

Pros and Const for Triptan
Pros
•First-choice option for treating migraines
•Can be used by children ages 6 years and older
•Orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) a possible option for people who have problems swallowing
•Works within 30 minutes
Cons
•Can't use to prevent migraines
•Is short-acting, so it might not last as long
•Not clear if taking a second dose (adults only) is actually helpful
•Your migraines can get worse if you use this medication too often.
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 Maxalt vs. Treximet

Common Side Effects for
•Dizziness (4-9%)
•Sleepiness (4-8%)
•Tiredness (4-7%)
•Nausea (4-6%)
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 Maxalt vs. Treximet

Common Side Effects for
•Heart problems and high blood pressure
•Stroke or other brain injury
•Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
•Taking too much rizatriptan (Maxalt)
•Serotonin syndrome
•Caution use in people with phenylketonuria (PKU) - orally disintegrating tablets only
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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