Do you also feel like you're missing out on the world when you get a migraine? Sometimes, even taking regular painkillers doesn't help with that severe, throbbing headache. The nausea, vomiting, and inability to look at the light that comes with it can make you feel like you're wasting your entire day. Today, we're going to talk about a special injection that doctors use to treat such severe migraines.
What is Dihydroergotamine?
Simply put, Dihydroergotamine (commonly known by the brand name DHE 45) is a medication that is given to treat migraine headaches after they have occurred . It is often used when other medications have not been able to control the headache.
Most importantly: This is not a medication used to prevent migraines. That is, it is not a medication to take daily before a headache occurs. It is given to reduce the severity of a headache once it has started.
Some people experience an 'aura' before a migraine headache. This means they may see flashes of light in front of their eyes, see shapes, or feel a tingling sensation in an arm or leg. This medicine is used for migraines with and without an aura.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Since this is a very powerful medication, it is extremely important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. If you have any of the conditions listed below, you should definitely inform your doctor before starting this medication.
| Health condition or problem | See if it applies to you |
|---|---|
| Heart disease or blood vessel problems | If you have chest pain, high blood pressure, a history of heart disease, or have had vascular surgery. |
| Heart disease risk factors | If you are a smoker, have high cholesterol, have a family history of heart disease, are a man over 40, or are a woman who has gone through menopause. |
| Other medical conditions | If you have kidney disease, liver disease, or any infection in the body. |
| Allergies | If you are allergic to dihydroergotamine, other ergot medications, any other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, this medicine is not suitable for use in these situations. |
How do you use this injection?
This medicine is given as an injection. It can be given subcutaneously, intramuscularly, or intravenously. If you need to use it at home, your doctor or nurse will show you how to prepare and inject it properly.
Please remember these things well:
- Use only the prescribed dose. Do not take more than your doctor tells you to or more often than prescribed.
- Not for daily use. This is not a daily medication. It is used only when you have a headache.
- Dispose of needles safely. Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. They should be placed in a special sharps container. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about getting one.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken more of this medicine than you should, it is an emergency. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Other medications that should not be used with this medicine (Interactions)
Dihydroergotamine can interact with many other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal products you're taking.
| Drug category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Avoid using Dihydroergotamine with this medicine completely. | |
| Other anti-nausea medications (Triptans) | Medications like Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan, Naratriptan |
| Some antibiotics | Erythromycin, Clarithromycin |
| Antifungals | Itraconazole, Ketoconazole, Voriconazole |
| Medicines for HIV or Hepatitis | Medications such as HIV Protease inhibitors |
| Please inform the doctor about this medicine as well. | |
| Medicines for high blood pressure and heart disease | Medications such as beta-blockers |
| Medication for depression | SSRI, SNRI class medications |
| Nicotine | Smoking, using nicotine patches or chewing gum |
This list is not complete, so always remember to tell your doctor about all the medications you take.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can have side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately or go to a hospital. | |
|---|---|
| Allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Heart and blood vessel related | Chest pain, tightness or discomfort, fast or irregular heartbeat. |
| Problems with the limbs | Pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. |
| Other | Muscle cramps or pain, vomiting. |
| If these symptoms persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Nausea | Stuffy nose or sore throat |
| Cold hands and feet | Change in taste of food |
Take-Home Message
- Dihydroergotamine is an injection given for severe migraine headaches, not a medication that prevents migraines.
- You should definitely tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have, any other medications you are taking, any allergies you have, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting this medication.
- Never use more than the dosage prescribed by your doctor. This is not a daily medication.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as chest pain, numbness in the limbs, pain, or rapid heartbeat, seek medical advice immediately .
- Dispose of used needles and syringes safely, in a sharps container only.
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