The most common over the counter and prescription drugs used to treat both tension headaches as well as migraine headaches are aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol is the best example), ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil are commonly known ibuprofen brands,) or naproxen.

Three other pharmaceutical products that have had limited success in the treatment of migraines are primarily prescription medications. These migraine treatments include ergotamine tartrate, and sumatriptan. The third, extra-strength Excedrin is, of course, available over the counter. Excedrin includes caffeine. Caffeine has shown to be of considerable help with both tension headaches as well as migraines.

There are a number of alternative and homeopathic treatments recommended for either warding off or getting rid of migraines, although no one can say for any degree of certainty that they work a high percentage of the time or even for a large number of migraine sufferers.

These alternatives include the use of acupuncture or acupressure therapy, biofeedback therapy, chiropractic treatments, and the water-based hydrotherapy treatment. Many herbs have been tried for migraine help as well. These herbs include chamomile, feverfew, valerian (which is also a great help for insomnia), white willow, and skullcap.

Massage can help treat migraines, as can the supplement of extra magnesium into your diet. Something as simple as regular physical exercise may help prevent migraines. To rid yourself of a migraine you might try relaxation procedures such as yoga or meditation. One of the newer forms of migraine treatment is Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). What this last treatment for migraines does is send a very mild shock of electricity that is supposed to prevent your body from receiving signals of migraine pain.