Others might have good ideas, but I have found that nothing over the counter works for me. That's how I distinguish between a headache that is a migraine and some other kind of headache.

I also had horrible side effects from Imitrex (pills). It got rid of my headaches well, but I felt like I was dying for about 90 minutes with chest pains. Now I take Axert. It takes longer to work, but it has hardly any side effects for me.

Good Luck! I hope you find something that works better for you.

I've not found anything really otc or prescription that does much of anything to relive mine. I am sorry to hear about ur sideeffect problems. I've encountered some seriously annoying ones over the many yrs that I've dealt with this.

A product called LipiGesic M has helped me TREMENDOUSLY, and although I prefer OTC remedies, I am often skeptical about the outcomes. Near complete relief, zero "spacey" side effects. I say "near" because I will sometimes need one Excedrin plus coffee along with the LipiGesic M. Before LipiGesic M, I would take several pain relievers plus several cups of coffee. It was brutal on my stomach.

I recently went to CVS to replenish my supply (I hate to be without it), but it is no longer on the shelf. I contacted the company, and learned that they are developing a new package and new flavor (the taste wasn't bad, but it wasn't great).
It will now be called MigraPure.

Why does taste matter? Because it is a sub-lingual delivery, under the tongue makes it work faster. And it does work, and the best, most rapid effect occurs when the dose is taken at the first sign of the migraine.
I believe some of the older formulation might still be available on Amazon. Give it a try, it will help.

Thank you all so much for the suggestions!!