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        Cluster Headache Help and Support >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies >> DHE
        
(Message started by: dmurp on Aug 15^th, 2006, 2:48pm)

Title: DHE
Post by dmurp on Aug 15^th, 2006, 2:48pm

Hey have been an eposodic for 9 years. I started my cluster a week ago and started lithium five days ago. My neuro called and said he wanted to try DHE by an IV for three days to stop attack till lithium kicked in. Any info on drug and what not? Thanks and PF days and nights to all.

Title: Re: DHE
Post by E-Double on Aug 15^th, 2006, 3:02pm

just make sure they KNOW how to administer it properly!!!!!

Title: Re: DHE
Post by unsolved1 on Aug 15^th, 2006, 7:32pm

I'm assuming that you've never had DHE before. You should ask your doc if it's necessary for you to have an EKG/EEG before taking DHE to see if you have any heart problems. Make sure your BP is within a normal range before you take each dose. Check your BP after each dose. You'll probably want an anti-naseau med with each dose. Don't take more than 1mg of DHE at a time. Ask the nurse(s) to dilute the DHE and ALWAYS say "PUSH SLOWLY PLEASE".

Can't think of any more tips right now. Goodluck.

DHE is pretty effective at stopping cluster attacks. Prepare for a little PF time !

UNsolved

Title: Re: DHE
Post by rickyshot on Aug 15^th, 2006, 7:52pm

Ditto to Unsolved post. I have had it many times and get very good results. But it is a powerful drug. There are some threads here on it. Check them out.

Title: Re: DHE
Post by dmurp on Aug 15^th, 2006, 8:17pm

Thanks now even more scared than I was. I have never had it before. Never had an EKG. My blood pressure is normal usually 110/60. Will the nurse know what in the heck I am talking about by saying push slowly? Also what about anti vomit meds? I am mother of two will it interfer with being able to take care of them? Thanks to all for their posts.

Title: Re: DHE
Post by brewcrew on Aug 15^th, 2006, 11:19pm

I just had my second 3-day IV DHE-45 treatment last week (first one was three years ago). I HATE spending 3 days in the hospital, but DAMN, is it effective! If your headaches have become intractable - nothing works to treat them anymore - you should try this as long as your doc clears you heart-wise.

Title: Re: DHE
Post by unsolved1 on Aug 15^th, 2006, 11:22pm

Tell the nurse to "Push it slowly" when he/she is about to give you the infusion (medication injection). They will know exactly what you mean. If you give it quickly, the side effects (If you have any) could increase.

I usually use 12.5mg of Phenegran for my anti-naseau med. It may cause drowsiness if you're not use to it. There are other drugs they basically work the same way that might not cause (as much) drowsiness. You may want to ask about it.

UNsolved

PS. I've used it many times with no major problems. Always provided relief from the 'headaches'. ;;D

Title: Re: DHE
Post by sarahmom on Aug 16^th, 2006, 12:36am

DHE is a wonderdrug for me, also. I am a regular user at home (self-injections). I agree with all of the above (especially the push slowly, and to take anti-nausea with it..there are many things you can be given like phenergan or reglan). Be forewarned that it can also cause upper leg muscle cramping that no matter what you do, you can not rid yourself of. It goes away on its own.

Another option your doctor MAY consider (because mine has done this for me since he is five hours from my home) is instead of admitting me in the hospital for many days until PF, he sent me home & home health came to my home. They set me up on what looks like a diabetic pack that administers the drug 24/7 to you, until you go a certain period of time PF. This may be an option your physician may consider for you since you mentioned having kids (I think the OP mentioned having kids).

Title: Re: DHE
Post by She-ra_mommy on Aug 16^th, 2006, 12:39am

Good luck with the DHe it did not work for me.

Title: Re: DHE
Post by unsolved1 on Aug 16^th, 2006, 10:36am

Wanted to make a few more comments:

Muscle cramps may be a sign of poor blood circulation and should be reported to your doc as soon as possible. Watch for whitening of the fingers & toes (if this occurs, discontinue immediately)

Some people do IM injections at home. If you do this, you must follow by the 'rules'. Taking too much DHE (or mixing w/ Triptans or Ergotamines) can cause serious side effects (some possibly life threatening).

I've never heard of anyone doing DHE IV treatments at home. It sounds absurd to me. IMO. You don't want to do this for the first time at home.

UNsolved

Title: Re: DHE
Post by dmurp on Aug 16^th, 2006, 8:46pm

well decided to forego the DHE until I see a specialist in headaches tomorrow. My doc prescribed me this and no never had it before and a home health nurse is suppose to come and do it. I am hoping the specialist will find an alternative treatment but if not willing to try just want to actually see someone instead of talking to my doc over the phone. Let you know what happens. Thanks to everyone. Pain free days and nights to all!

Title: Re: DHE
Post by E-Double on Aug 16^th, 2006, 8:54pm

I hope ya had a good day (relatively) and that I think you made the right decision.

Remember what I told ya......any time.........ring ring :)

Title: Re: DHE
Post by sarahmom on Aug 16^th, 2006, 9:31pm

I wish you the best dmurp. I hope you find the drugs that help you best!!! :)