Headset
Headset is a fixed-dose combination of sumatriptan 85 mg + naproxen sodium 500 mg — the generic equivalent of Treximet. Combines a triptan (serotonergic action on 5-HT1B/1D) with an NSAID (anti-inflammatory action on prostaglandin pathway). Superior to either component alone for acute migraine in phase 3 trials (Brandes 2007, Silberstein 2008). Maximum 2 tablets per 24 hours.
✓ Medically reviewed by Morgan Ellis — Pharmacy Researcher · 8 years experience · Last reviewed: May 2026
⚡ Quick Answer — What is Headset?
Headset contains sumatriptan 85 mg + naproxen sodium 500 mg in a single tablet from WHO-GMP certified manufacturer — the generic equivalent of Treximet. It combines a triptan (attacks the serotonergic 5-HT1B/1D receptor arm of the migraine cascade) with an NSAID (attacks the prostaglandin-inflammation arm). The combination shows higher 2-hour pain freedom, higher sustained pain freedom at 24 hours, and less migraine recurrence than either component alone in head-to-head RCTs (Brandes 2007; Silberstein 2008). Take one tablet at first sign of migraine pain. May repeat after 2 hours if migraine recurs; maximum 2 tablets in 24 hours. Inherits the full contraindications and cautions of both constituents: cardiovascular disease, peptic ulcer disease, severe hepatic / renal impairment, and the triptan-ergot / triptan-MAOI interactions. Medication-overuse headache limit is 10 days/month.
What Is Headset?
Headset is an oral combination tablet containing sumatriptan 85 mg + naproxen sodium 500 mg from WHO-GMP certified manufacturer, supplied in 2-24 tablet packs. It is the generic equivalent of Treximet (GSK, US) — the first and only branded fixed-dose triptan-NSAID combination approved for acute migraine.
The pharmacological rationale is attacking migraine at two separate points in the attack cascade:
- Sumatriptan — selective 5-HT1B/1D agonist; vasoconstricts dilated cranial arteries and inhibits CGRP / substance P release from trigeminal nerve endings
- Naproxen sodium — non-selective COX-1/COX-2 inhibitor; reduces prostaglandin-mediated neurogenic inflammation, central sensitisation, and cutaneous allodynia
In the pivotal phase 3 trials, sumatriptan + naproxen outperformed sumatriptan alone, naproxen alone, and placebo for 2-hour pain freedom, 2-hour pain relief, sustained pain freedom 2-24 hours, and reduction of migraine-associated symptoms (photophobia, phonophobia, nausea).
When to Use Headset Instead of a Plain Triptan
- Severe attacks where you need faster / stronger control than a triptan alone has provided
- High-recurrence attacks — if you regularly need a second triptan dose at 4-12 hours, naproxen’s long half-life (14 hours) extends coverage and reduces recurrence
- Attacks with prominent inflammatory or allodynic features — scalp tenderness, neck stiffness, throbbing — where prostaglandin involvement is highest
- Patients who partially respond to plain sumatriptan but don’t get full pain freedom
- Menstrual migraine — hormone-driven prostaglandin surge makes the NSAID component especially useful
When Headset is NOT the right choice: mild migraine (use simpler analgesia), peptic ulcer disease or high GI-bleeding risk, uncontrolled hypertension, ischaemic heart disease, severe hepatic or renal impairment, third-trimester pregnancy.
Headset Dosage
- Take ONE tablet at first sign of migraine pain. Swallow whole with water. Food slightly delays absorption but does not reduce total effect.
- May repeat with a second tablet at least 2 hours after the first if the migraine recurs.
- Maximum 2 tablets in 24 hours.
- If the first dose produced no response, a second dose of the same product is unlikely to help for the same attack.
- Maximum 10 days per month across all triptans, ergots, and combination analgesics combined.
Side Effects
Inherits side-effect profiles of both components.
From sumatriptan (triptan side effects):
- Triptan sensations — chest / neck / jaw tightness, warmth, tingling (usually benign; distinguish from angina)
- Dizziness, drowsiness
- Flushing
From naproxen (NSAID side effects):
- Dyspepsia, epigastric pain, nausea (occasional)
- Peptic ulcer / GI bleeding (uncommon with short infrequent use; cumulative risk with daily use)
- Renal impairment on top of pre-existing renal disease
- Raised blood pressure with regular use
- Rash, photosensitivity
- Fluid retention
Contraindications
- Ischaemic heart disease, previous MI, coronary artery disease
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Peptic ulcer disease, GI bleeding, history of GI perforation
- Severe renal impairment (eGFR <30)
- Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C)
- Hemiplegic migraine, basilar migraine, migrainous infarction
- Use within 24 hours of another triptan or ergot
- Use within 14 days of an MAOI
- Aspirin/NSAID hypersensitivity (asthma + urticaria / angioedema triad)
- Third trimester pregnancy (NSAIDs cause premature ductus arteriosus closure)
- Hypersensitivity to sumatriptan, naproxen, or any component
Pregnancy: avoid in third trimester. First and second trimester use should be under obstetric guidance. Not routinely recommended.
Breastfeeding: both components pass into breast milk in small amounts. Generally considered compatible for occasional use. Avoid if the baby is premature or has a bleeding tendency.
Headset vs Single-Drug Alternatives
| Option | 2h Pain Freedom | 24h Sustained |
|---|---|---|
| Headset (sumatriptan 85 + naproxen 500) | ~30-40% | ~25% |
| Sumatriptan 100 mg alone | ~29% | ~16% |
| Naproxen 500 mg alone | ~15% | ~10% |
| Placebo | ~10% | ~6% |
Data from Brandes 2007 and Silberstein 2008 pivotal phase 3 trials.
Storage
Store below 25°C in the original blister. Keep out of reach of children. Use before expiry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Headset the same as Treximet?
Pharmacologically yes — both are sumatriptan 85 mg + naproxen sodium 500 mg fixed-dose combination tablets. Treximet is the GSK brand (US 2008); Headset from WHO-GMP certified manufacturer is a generic equivalent at a substantially lower price.
Can I take Headset if I’m already on a triptan?
No — Headset already contains a triptan. Do not take another triptan (sumatriptan, rizatriptan, zolmitriptan, eletriptan, naratriptan, almotriptan, frovatriptan) within 24 hours of a Headset dose.
Can I take Headset if I already took ibuprofen for a headache?
Avoid stacking NSAIDs in a single attack. If you took ibuprofen or naproxen earlier in the day and it didn’t work, switch to a plain triptan (sumatriptan, rizatriptan) rather than Headset to avoid doubling the NSAID dose.
How does Headset compare to sumatriptan alone?
Sumatriptan 85 + naproxen 500 shows roughly 35-40% 2-hour pain freedom vs 29% for sumatriptan 100 mg alone, and substantially less migraine recurrence at 24 hours. The combination is particularly advantageous for patients who respond to sumatriptan but suffer frequent 4-12 hour headache recurrence.
Can I take Headset in pregnancy?
Third trimester: no — naproxen causes premature closure of the fetal ductus arteriosus. First and second trimester: not routine; use only under obstetric guidance. Sumatriptan alone has more pregnancy data and is the preferred triptan in pregnancy when one is needed.
How often can I take Headset?
Maximum 2 tablets in 24 hours and no more than 10 days per month across all triptans, ergots, and combination analgesics combined. Over that threshold, medication-overuse headache develops.
Where can I buy Headset online?
You can buy Headset (sumatriptan 85 mg + 500 mg, 2-24 tablet packs) from MedsBase with discreet packaging and worldwide shipping.
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| Strength | 85+500 mg |
|---|---|
| Quantity | 2 Tablet/s, 4 Tablet/s, 6 Tablet/s, 12 Tablet/s, 24 Tablet/s |
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