Clinical experience with patient administered subcutaneous dihydroergotamine mesylate in refractory headaches.

Abstract

This study examines the practicality and efficacy of dihydroergotamine mesylate (DHE) when self-administered subcutaneously in a population of refractory headache patients. Forty-three patients with chronic daily headache or migraine headache without aura, who had been taught self-injection of DHE either through the Raskin Protocol or in an outpatient headache clinic, were contacted by telephone and administered a questionnaire regarding usage and results from DHE injection. Ninety-two percent of patients could successfully administer DHE. Forty-six percent of patients experienced 90% or greater relief of pain and the majority of patients (77%) had greater than 50% relief. Emergency room use was decreased in 83% and 80% preferred DHE to their previous therapy. While side effects were common (79%), only four patients (9%) stopped DHE for this reason. No convincing evidence for the development of rebound headaches due to DHE was found in this sample.

• Authors: J A Klapper, J Stanton
• Journal: Headache (Headache) Vol. 32 Issue 1 Pg. 21-3 (Jan 1992) ISSN: 0017-8748 [Print] United States
• PMID: 1372884 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Dihydroergotamine

Topics

• Adult
• Aged
• Dihydroergotamine (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Headache (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Humans
• Injections, Subcutaneous
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Palliative Care
• Recurrence