Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Treatment, Symptoms, More

But quitting cold turkey can lead to cannabis withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, anger, sleep disturbances, depressed mood, and loss of appetite. Working with a counselor and taking a tricyclic antidepressant (such as amitriptyline) “can help with marijuana cessation,” Angulo says. When CHS flare-ups occur and the vomiting is profuse, people can become dehydrated, which is why they should seek urgent medical care. That way, they can receive intravenous fluids (with electrolytes) and anti-emetics drugs (anti-nausea medications such as ondansetron, promethazine, or prochlorperazine) to stop the vomiting. In other instances, they may be given a benzodiazepine cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (such as alprazolam) or an antipsychotic medication (such as haloperidol) to try to stop an episode in its tracks.

• When combined with the fact that people may not reveal they use cannabis, getting the right diagnosis can take years.
• Doctors have also noticed that people in the hyperemesis stage take frequent showers and baths, which seem to relieve nausea.
• Certain therapies, such as taking hot showers or using prescription medications, may help relieve symptoms.
• In addition, frequent vomiting from any cause can lead to erosion of tooth enamel and potentially tooth loss, she adds.
• Your doctor probably should send you to see a stomach doctor, who knows more about your problem and can help you feel better.

Pharmacology of Cannabinoids

Per the consensus guideline, treatment should focus on symptom relief and education on the need for cannabis cessation. Capsaicin is a readily available topical preparation that is =https://ecosoberhouse.com/ reasonable to use as first-line treatment. Antipsychotics including haloperidol and olanzapine have been reported to provide complete symptom relief in limited case studies. Conventional antiemetics including antihistamines, serotonin antagonists, dopamine antagonists and benzodiazepines may have limited effectiveness. Emergency physicians should avoid opioids if the diagnosis of CHS is certain and educate patients that cannabis cessation is the only intervention that will provide complete symptom relief.

Differential Diagnosis

While symptoms can be managed, the only way to stop CHS for good is to quit using cannabis in any form. Addiction rehab programs or CBT may be helpful resources for quitting cannabis. Speak with a doctor or healthcare professional if you or someone you know has symptoms of CHS. To diagnose CHS, a healthcare professional will study your symptoms and ask you questions.

Conditions

When you do this, your symptoms usually start to go away in few days to Twelve-step program a few months. Over time, the symptoms will go away completely unless you start to use again. One 2018 study found that 32.9% of self-reported frequent marijuana users who’d gone to the emergency room (ER) had symptoms of CHS. And a 2022 Canadian study found that ER visits for CHS-related problems had increased 13-fold between 2014 and 2021. (Recreational use and sale of cannabis in Canada was legalized starting in 2018). It’s not clear what percentage of all heavy marijuana users have experienced CHS.

Some researchers have published their findings from their personal experience with the condition in clinical journals. Doctors have also noticed that people in the hyperemesis stage take frequent showers and baths, which seem to relieve nausea. People in the hyperemesis stage will experience intense and persistent nausea and vomiting. In CHS, receptors that bind to the different components of marijuana can become altered. Some receptors may become more active, while others can shut down.