Migraine can be treated with a number of medicinal and alternative treatments. Migraine medication is classified in to two categories- over the counter (OTC) drugs and non- steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Over the counter (OTC) migraine medication:

There are three over the counter (OTC) drugs that have been approved by the Food and drug Association (FDA). Excedrin Migraine (Composite of aspirin, acetaminophen and caffeine) was the first OTC medicine to be approved by the FDA for the treatment of migraine and associated symptoms. The other two FDA approved medicines are Advil Migraine and Motrin Migraine pain (both composite of ibuprofen).

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) for migraine medication:

These are the first type of medicines used for treatment of migraines that were mild to moderate in intensity. Medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen and naproxen are easily available NSAIDs without prescription. Out of the above four drugs, naproxen is reportedly the most effective in treating migraine headache whereas, acetaminophen works very fast in relieving children from migraine headache and ibuprofen proves to have a long lasting and better effect for up to 3 hours more than acetaminophen.

Triptans: This is a common drug used by individuals suffering from migraine attacks and has proved to be quite beneficial in providing relief from symptoms of pain, nausea and hypersensitivity to light. Sumatriptan was the first drug belonging to this category that was manufactured to treat migraine. Other drugs belonging to this category are Rizatriptan and eletriptan.

Ergots: These migraine medications have been in use for more than 50 years and were dominate the migraine treatment scene before triptants were launched. They are less effective than triptants but have fewer side effects. Dihydroergotamine belonging to the class of ergots is commonly used to treat migraine.

Cooling pads: These are a great way by means of which you can getinstant relief from a migraine attack. Migraine Ice and Thera Patch Headache Cool Gel are some products that have a gel that gives a cooling sensation on the skin when applied; the cooling sensation stays on for up to 4 hours from the time the gel based patch is applied.

Ginger: This isa home remedy that is safe and can be used by everybody, even pregnant and nursing women and children. Ginger can be consumed raw or crushed into a powder and taken. Ginger is known to have pain reducing properties and minimizes the symptoms associated with migraine.