Dihydroergotamine (DHE) is a medication used in specialized migraine treatment, administered intravenously so it works quickly in the bloodstream. It is often recommended for severe or prolonged migraines that have not responded to conventional medications. Because the infusion is performed in a clinical setting, patients are monitored to ensure safety and comfort.
Migraines involve complex neurological and vascular changes in the brain. During a migraine attack, certain nerve pathways become overactive and blood vessels may become inflamed or dilated, contributing to pain and other symptoms.
DHE targets serotonin receptors involved in migraine pathways. By stabilizing these receptors and regulating blood vessel activity, the therapy may help interrupt migraine cycles and reduce symptom severity.
Patients receiving DHE therapy may experience several potential benefits, depending on their migraine history and condition.
DHE therapy is often used to help break prolonged migraine cycles that have lasted for several days or longer.
Many patients report a reduction in headache intensity following treatment.
For individuals with recurring migraines, DHE therapy may help stabilize headache patterns.
DHE infusion therapy is commonly considered when standard migraine treatments have not provided relief.
As with any medical treatment, DHE infusion therapy may involve certain side effects. Most reactions are mild and temporary when treatment is administered under medical supervision.
Possible side effects may include:
Before beginning treatment, each patient undergoes a medical evaluation to determine whether DHE therapy is appropriate. Individuals with certain cardiovascular conditions or medication interactions may require alternative treatment options.
PTSD is commonly treated using:
Approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are commonly used to address PTSD symptoms.
Prescribed medications can help alleviate related symptoms such as anxiety and depression.
Emerging treatments, including Ketamine Therapy and Stellate Ganglion Block, offer hope for individuals with treatment-resistant PTSD.
During your consultation, our medical team reviews your migraine history, symptoms, and previous treatments to determine whether DHE infusion therapy is appropriate.
If DHE therapy is recommended, a treatment plan is created based on your migraine severity, medical history, and treatment goals.
The infusion is administered in a comfortable clinical environment. Most sessions last between 30 and 90 minutes while medical staff monitor your response.
After treatment, our team provides guidance on symptom monitoring and any recommended follow-up care to help maintain results.
DHE (Dihydroergotamine) therapy is a medication-based treatment used to help interrupt severe or persistent migraine cycles. DHE therapy may help with:
DHE therapy involves the administration of dihydroergotamine, a medication that works on serotonin receptors and blood vessels involved in migraine pathways.
DHE helps constrict dilated blood vessels and influence neurotransmitters involved in migraine attacks, which may help stop or reduce severe headaches.
DHE may be given through IV infusion, injection, or nasal spray, depending on the treatment plan.
IV DHE therapy sessions typically last about 60 minutes, though treatment plans may involve multiple doses over several days in some cases for ongoing or preventative care.
DHE is often considered when migraines are severe, persistent, or resistant to typical medications.
When administered under medical supervision, DHE has been used for decades and is considered a well-established treatment for migraine management.
Side effects can include nausea, high blood pressure, and muscle cramps, all of which can be treated real-time during your session.
In some individuals, DHE therapy can help break prolonged migraine cycles and reduce headache frequency.
Patients often have questions about:
Conditions treated at SoCal Infusions
What to expect during infusion therapy
Safety and medical supervision
Appointment scheduling and clinic hours
Location and accessibility
Payment options and financing
SoCal Infusions (Southern California Infusion Therapy) is a Pasadena-based clinic specializing in ketamine infusions and advanced infusion therapies for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and chronic pain conditions.
SoCal Infusions uses ketamine to help adults with complex mood and pain conditions, including major depression, anxiety disorders, suicidal ideation, PTSD, OCD, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), neuropathic pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, and select postpartum mood symptoms.
Patients begin with a medical evaluation. If ketamine is appropriate, the anesthesiology-led team creates a personalized infusion plan—typically a series of IV treatments delivered in a monitored, spa-like setting. Symptoms are closely tracked, and treatment plans are adjusted as needed.
In many cases, no referral is required, but a professional diagnosis of some sort IS needed to begin the process. We can contact your existing care team to request information.
The clinic is located at 301 S Fair Oaks Ave, Suite 301, Pasadena, CA, in a medical office building near major streets and local hospitals. It is convenient for patients from Pasadena, South Pasadena, and surrounding communities.
Appointments are typically available Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Good candidates are typically adults with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or chronic pain who have not responded well to standard treatments. The medical team reviews your health history, medications, and current symptoms to determine whether ketamine is a safe and appropriate option.
If chronic migraines continue to affect your daily life despite traditional treatments, DHE infusion therapy may offer a medically supervised option for relief.
Southern California Infusion Therapy offers the latest in innovative new treatments for chronic pain and mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and OCD.
Copyright © 2026 SoCal Infusions | SoCal Infusions provides medical and mental health services under the supervision of licensed healthcare providers. The information on this website is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions regarding your condition or care. Some treatments offered may be used off-label.
If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 immediately. If you are in crisis or having suicidal thoughts, call 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
