If you do use cannabis, quitting can ward off future episodes of CHS. In the first phase of CHS (the prodromal phase), you don’t vomit. Some people who use marijuana heavily get CHS while others don’t.
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)
- They may also prescribe antipsychotic medications such as haloperidol (Haldol) or olanzapine (Zyprexa) to help you calm down as you switch to the recovery phase.
- While any amount of long-term cannabis use can lead to CHS, daily cannabis use seems to be more likely to cause CHS than using it less often.
- After you quit, you may still have symptoms and side effects for a few days to a few weeks.
Symptoms of withdrawal can include disrupted sleep, increased heart rate, sweating, irritability and mood swings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “It may be that the cannabinoid is only sort of one aspect of the way the patient is hurting that needs to be addressed to really get them to heal,” he said. A doctor confirmed that Brittany’s years of cannabis use had manifested in CHS. This article will explain the causes of CHS and the available treatment options.
The Endogenous Cannabinoids (Endocannabinoids)
Problems with keeping food and water down can lead to dehydration. The only treatment known to cure CHS is to stop using cannabis and not resume its use. The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Federal Practitioner, Frontline Medical Communications Inc., the U.S. This article may discuss unlabeled or investigational use of certain drugs. The only treatments available to people with CHS are those that restore hydration and help control nausea and vomiting.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Diagnosis, Pathophysiology, and Treatment—a Systematic Review
Treatment involves stopping cannabis use and symptom management. The diagnostic criteria for CHS were ill-defined prior to the establishment of the Rome IV criteria of 2016.[20][21] Per the Rome IV criteria, all 3 of the following must be met to be diagnosed with CHS. They must be present for at least the last three months and the beginning of symptoms must be at least 6 months prior to the diagnosis being made. If you have symptoms, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask for your detailed medical history. Let your doctor know how much marijuana you use and how often you use it.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) and Marijuana Use
It’s still possible to develop CHS if you use cannabis for many years without having any problems. Most of his previous admissions were attributed to viral gastroenteritis due to the self-limited nature of the symptoms. However, after abstaining from alcohol for long periods, the patient had continued recurrence of the symptoms and increased frequency of presentations to the ED. The convergence of legislative efforts, increasing prevalence, and tetrahydrocannabinol toxicity make this difficult-to-diagnose condition important to consider. As the laws regarding the possession and use of marijuana change, CHS may become more prevalent because more people will have legal access to the drug. As CHS is a new diagnosis, the manufacturers of these drugs did not design them for treating CHS, but a doctor may opt to prescribe them for this use.
The prodromal phase can last for months, or even years in some cases. Symptoms are most common in early middle-aged adults who have used cannabis regularly since adolescence. Research suggests cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome that CHS is a permanent condition that can only be effectively treated by quitting cannabis. Continuing to use cannabis despite CHS can lead to potentially life threatening complications.
Deterrence and Patient Education
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a very unpleasant — and potentially dangerous — complication of long-term marijuana use. Because of this possible complication, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ it’s important to use caution with marijuana and other cannabis products. If you think you have CHS or cannabis use disorder, talk to a healthcare provider.
How Is CHS Treated?
- Compulsive hot showering or bathing may be critical in distinguishing CHS from CVS and other conditions with similar symptoms.
- One study looking at Reddit posts on the subject found that spicy food, greasy food, coffee, black tea, and alcohol were frequently mentioned as CHS triggers.
- Because of this possible complication, it’s important to use caution with marijuana and other cannabis products.
- Since there are so many active chemicals in cannabis, the exact cause of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is unknown.
- In two case reports, doctors used lorazepam (Ativan) to manage CHS-related nausea and vomiting.
Many people with CHS go to their doctor or an emergency room (ER) for treatment. However, doctors may find it challenging to diagnose the syndrome because people tend not to report their use of marijuana. Severe and uncontrollable vomiting increases the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, and in rare cases, patients can experience esophageal tears, Camenga said. Doctors often treat CHS patients who seek help at hospitals with fluids.
