Sumatriptan+naproxen
About
Sumatriptan+naproxen belongs to the class of medicines called 'antimigraine agents' used to prevent migraine symptoms such as headache, nausea, and vomiting. Migraine is a neurological condition which is characterised by an intense pulsating, throbbing, pounding, debilitating headache which usually occurs on one side of the head; however, it can occur on both sides or shift. Hormonal changes, stress, bright lights, loud sounds, certain foods and drinks can trigger migraine headaches.
Sumatriptan+naproxen is a combination of two drugs, namely: Sumatriptan and Naproxen. Sumatriptan acts on the serotonin (5-HT) receptors located in the brain, thereby causing the narrowing of the brain's blood vessels, which in turn affects the blood flow patterns associated with headache. Naproxen is a painkiller which works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers that cause pain. Thus, Sumatriptan+naproxen prevents symptoms of migraine-like headache, nausea and vomiting.
You are advised to take Sumatriptan+naproxen for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as dizziness, sleepiness, nausea, chest discomfort, dry mouth, irregular heartbeats, and heartburn. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Sumatriptan+naproxen should not be taken during the third trimester of pregnancy. Sumatriptan+naproxen may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive with caution. Sumatriptan+naproxen should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol with Sumatriptan+naproxen as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Sumatriptan+naproxen
Medicinal Benefits
Sumatriptan+naproxen is a combination of two drugs, namely: Sumatriptan and Naproxen. Sumatriptan+naproxen is indicated for the acute treatment of migraine with or without aura. Sumatriptan is a serotonin receptor agonist that acts on the serotonin (5-HT) receptors located in the brain, which causes the narrowing of the brain's blood vessels, thereby affecting the blood flow patterns with a headache. Naproxen is a pain killer which works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make other chemical prostaglandins. By blocking the effect of COX enzymes, lesser prostaglandins are produced, thereby reducing pain in migraine.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Sumatriptan+naproxen
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Nausea
- Chest discomfort
- Dry mouth
- Irregular heartbeats
- Heartburn
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Sumatriptan+naproxen if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you have had any recent heart surgery or stroke, blood circulation problems, heart problems, narrowing of blood vessels to the stomach, legs, arms or kidneys, or uncontrolled high blood pressure; if you are taking MAO inhibitors, antidepressant or have taken them in the last 14 days; or if you have taken 5-HT agonists called triptan or ergotamine in the last 24 hours. Inform your doctor if you have high blood pressure, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, overweight, heart, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Sumatriptan+naproxen should not be taken during the third trimester of pregnancy. Sumatriptan+naproxen may cause drowsiness and dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Sumatriptan+naproxen should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol with Sumatriptan+naproxen as it could lead to increased drowsiness. Stop taking Sumatriptan+naproxen and consult your doctor immediately if you have stomach pain or any signs of bleeding in the intestine or stomach, such as blood in stools.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Sumatriptan+naproxen may interact with blood thinners (warfarin, aspirin), cardiac glycoside (digoxin), anti-psychotic (lithium), anti-rheumatoid (methotrexate), anti-depressant (citalopram, duloxetine, desvenlafaxine, fluoxetine), anti-hypertensive (metoprolol), and antacid (omeprazole).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have asthma, fluid retention, gastrointestinal toxicity, renal toxicity, cardiovascular disease, anaemia, heart failure, liver toxicity, high blood pressure, seizure, hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium), or platelet aggregation inhibition.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Sumatriptan+naproxen as it may cause increased drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionSumatriptan+naproxen should be used during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Sumatriptan+naproxen should not be taken during the third trimester of pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
cautionSumatriptan+naproxen may pass into breastmilk and harm the baby. Please consult your doctor before taking Sumatriptan+naproxen; your doctor will decide whether Sumatriptan+naproxen can be taken by breastfeeding mothers or not.
Driving
cautionSumatriptan+naproxen may cause dizziness, weakness and drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
unsafeSumatriptan+naproxen should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly as it helps in improving overall health and boosts self-esteem.
- Avoid bright lights, loud noise, and extreme temperatures.
- Perform meditation and yoga. This helps in relieving stress and provides relaxation.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern to improve the amount and quality of sleep you get.
- Massage your scalp to ease the pain.
- Lie down in a quiet, dark room.
- Place a cold cloth over your forehead or neck.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks.
- Learn what triggers your migraine and try avoiding them.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids.
- Learn relaxation skills as they help in reducing stress.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Migraine: Migraine is a neurological condition which is characterised by an intense, debilitating headache. Hormonal changes, stress, lack or excess of sleep, bright lights, loud sounds, certain foods and drinks can trigger migraine headaches. Warning symptoms precede migraine headache one or two days before the headache itself. The warning symptoms include food cravings, depression, fatigue, hyperactivity, irritability, and neck stiffness. Symptoms of migraine include throbbing pain in one particular area with varying intensity, nausea, vomiting, numbness or tingling sensation, difficulty speaking, sensitivity to sound and light.
FAQs
Sumatriptan+naproxen contains Sumatriptan and Naproxen. Sumatriptan acts on the serotonin (5-HT) receptors located in the brain; this causes the narrowing of the blood vessels in the brain and also affects the blood flow patterns associated with headaches. Naproxen works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers that cause pain.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Sumatriptan+naproxen. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help stimulate saliva and thereby prevents drying of the mouth.
Sumatriptan+naproxen treats a headache that has already begun but does not prevent or reduce the attacks. Sumatriptan+naproxen should not be used to treat cluster headache or other types of headache, which may cause loss of movement on one side of the body.
Sumatriptan+naproxen contains Naproxen, an NSAID. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking any pain killer medicines, fever-reducing medicines, medicines for cold or sleeping problems along with Sumatriptan+naproxen as they may also contain NSAID.
Talk to your doctor before taking Sumatriptan+naproxen with anti-hypertensive medicines as they may cause impaired response when taken with painkiller. Regular monitoring of blood pressure levels is advised while taking Sumatriptan+naproxen if you have high blood pressure. Sumatriptan+naproxen should not be taken if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Sumatriptan+naproxen contains painkiller, which might increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects such as ulceration, bleeding, and perforation of intestines or stomach. Therefore, consult your doctor if you have stomach ulcers.
