Acute Migraine

• DHE treatments offer relief for acute migraines. This medicine has no preventative properties, according to Medicinenet.com.
  
  

Contraindications

• You cannot use this treatment for migraines that occur on one side of the brain (hemiplegic migraines) or those that occur at the spot where the neck and head meet (basilar migraine). Other contraindications include people with high blood pressure, certain types of heart conditions and peripheral vascular disease. This list is not exhaustive---be sure to tell your doctor about any medical conditions or medications you are using before taking this medicine.
  
  

Proper Use

• This injection can be administered subcutaneously (under the skin), intramuscularly or intravenously (IV). Your doctor will advise you which way. According to Medicinenet.com, if your first dose does not provide relief, you can give yourself another injection 60 minutes later---third doses are appropriate for subcutaneous and intramuscular routes. Do not consume grapefruit when using this treatment---it contains substances that interfere with bodily enzymes that break down many types of medications, including this one.
  
  

Action

• According to Drugs.com, two theories exist as to why DHE works for migraines. One claims the drug acts positively on blood vessels; the other maintains it inhibits an inflammatory response.
  
  

Side Effects

• Possible side effects include dizziness, headache, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and sweating. Other rare but serious side effects include mood changes, breathing difficulties, numbness, stomach pain, vision problems and irregular heartbeat.