Here is a list of conventional drugs used in the treatment of migraines.  (Because of their side effects, natural migraine remedies are preferable in many cases.)

1. Sumatriptan Sucinate:  Also known as Imitrex, Sumatriptan can be administered orally or intranasally.  Side effects include tingling, flushing, nausea, check or neck tightness or pain, and throat discomfort.  If the first does only provides partial pain relief, a second dose may be taken after an hour.  However, it is advised that a person should avoid taking this medication for five days following each complete dose.
2. Naratriptan:  Also known as Amerge, this drug remains in the bloodstream for six hours.  This is good for people with recurring migraines and with menstrual migraines.  Side effects include nausea and vomiting. It is taken orally.
3. Zolmitriptan:  Also referred to as Zomig, this drug is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream, and helps relieve migraines faster than other drugs.  It helps resolve the symptoms of migraine, such as nausea and sensitivity to light and sound.  Its side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, jaw pain, tingling of the skin, and tightness of the throat or neck.  It is taken orally.
4. Rizatriptan:  Commonly referred to as Maxalt, it is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream.  In fact, relief of migraines has been noted within 30 minutes of taking this drug.  Side effects include drowsiness, bitter taste and nausea. It is taken orally.
5. Ergotamine Tartrate: Nicknamed Ergot, this drug was commonly used to offset an attack before the introduction of Imitrex (Sumatriptan).  This works by decreasing serotonin levels, and causes the blood vessels to narrow in the brain.  (The migraine causes these same blood vessels to widen.)  Side effects include diarrhea, cramping, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, numbness and high blood pressure. Worse, it can lead to decreased circulation in the extremities.  Additionally, taking Ergot daily can lead to rebound headaches.  It is taken orally.
6. Dihydroergotamine Mesylate:  Nicknamed DHE, it is related to Ergotamine.  However, it causes nausea less frequently and causes the veins to narrow even more than the arteries.   It may be administered intranasally, or in cases of severe migraines, intravenously.  The narrowing of the blood vessels is a side effect that can cause more serious harm.
7. Isometheptene Mucate:  This drug is often combined with a mild sedative known as dichloralphenazone, along with acetaminophen.  The combination of these three drugs is called Midrin.  It works by narrowing the blood vessels that are widened during a migraine.  It is less dangerous than other migraine drugs.
8. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs:  Commonly referred to as NSAIDs, this class of drugs successfully relieves migraines in many people.  They work by stabilizing bodily proteins and reducing inflammation.  One specific type is naproxen sodium.  This is available without a prescription under the name Aleve.  By prescription only, as Anaprox or Naprelan. Other examples of this class include aspirin and ibuprofen.  Side effects include abdominal distress, nausea, diarrhea, heartburn, ringing of the ears (tinnitus).  More severe side effects include bleeding of the stomach and ulcers.

People who suffer from migraines but don’t want the side effects of the drugs mentioned above may prefer a natural migraine supplement.