Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: Causes, symptoms, and treatment

However, questions remain about the dosage of cannabis, individual and genetic susceptibility, abstinence period and the inclusion of abdominal pain as a criterion. The clinical effects of volume depletion dominate complications related to CHS. Reports of severe volume depletion resulting in acute kidney injury and severe electrolyte disturbances with rhabdomyolysis have been reported in the literature 49.

Wellness Phase

• Other pharmacologic alternatives were also explored with mixed to unproven efficacy.
• Venkatesan et al have proposed a new criterion for CHS with the use of clinical features, cannabis use patterns including duration and frequency, and symptoms resolution after at least 6 months of cessation 48.
• This stage can persist for months or even years before progressing to full-blown CHS.

Cannabis was first used for medicinal purposes around 400 AD in the United States (U.S.) 3. Ancient Chinese texts document the use of Cannabis sativa for pain and cramp relief. Research has suggested a genetic predisposition to CHS, with mutations in five specific genes being more common among those affected. Certain individuals might inherit a sensitivity to the gastrointestinal effects of THC, predisposing them to develop CHS. In refractory CHS cases, experimental therapies such as benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and dopaminergic agents like haloperidol have been explored.

The Impact of CHS

• The hyperemetic phase may continue until the person completely stops using marijuana.
• This raises important concerns about the safety profile of future cannabinoid-based medications and therapies.
• While symptoms can be managed, the only way to stop CHS for good is to quit using cannabis in any form.

Through a holistic and individualized treatment regimen, healthcare providers can navigate the challenges of CHS, offering hope and relief to those affected by this puzzling condition. The vasodilation induced by heat exposure in hot showers can enhance peripheral blood vessel dilation, promoting improved circulation. With the absence of definitive biomarkers, the diagnostic journey amphetamine addiction treatment for CHS predominantly revolves around the process of exclusion.

• It’s not clear what percentage of all heavy marijuana users have experienced CHS.
• Shrine, indicating its use in ancient Jewish religious ceremonies 2.
• But not every person who uses marijuana, even long-term use, develops CHS.

Impact of Cannabis Use

Quality is non-negotiable, opt for lab-tested products from dispensaries to avoid contaminants. THC can overdo hunger, per a 2014 study linking heavy use to higher calorie intake (Penner et al., 2014). CBD and THC may interact with meds (e.g., via liver enzymes), so consult a doctor if on prescriptions.

Links to NCBI Databases

ECS affects nausea and vomiting pathways in multiple ways, as noted in Fig. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a very unpleasant — and potentially dangerous — complication of long-term marijuana use. Because of this possible complication, 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.

Symptoms, patients often eat well, maintain weight, and remain functional at work. The patients continue using cannabis in this phase, believing in its anti-nausea effects. CB2 receptors help to control inflammation, visceral pain, and intestinal motility 34. They are found in lamina propria plasma cells and activated macrophages. Nausea and vomiting are regulated in ECS through central and peripheral pathways 35. Dysfunction in these pathways leads to recurrent nausea and vomiting in CHS.

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. Researchers aren’t sure exactly why weed causes CHS symptoms only in some people. Cannabis weaves a complex tale https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-long-does-cocaine-stay-in-your-system/ with appetite and digestion; THC sparks hunger, CBD soothes inflammation, and THCV curbs cravings. Via the ECS, it offers natural pathways for weight control, digestive relief, and wellness. Whether you’re like Sarah, regaining appetite with THC, or John, managing snacking with CBD, informed use unlocks its potential.

What is cannabis hyperemesis syndrome?

At the same time, the thermoregulatory function of endocannabinoids might explain compulsive hot bathing in CHS patients. The prevalence of cannabis CHS is expected to rise as legal restrictions on its recreational use decrease in several states. Education and awareness are vital in diagnosing and treating CHS as its prevalence increases. This comprehensive review explores the ECS’s involvement, CHS management approaches, and knowledge gaps to enhance understanding of this syndrome.

Unveiling the Complexities of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Mechanisms Underlying CHS

For example, the drug can change the time it takes the stomach to empty. That’s the tight band of muscle that opens and closes to let food from the esophagus into the stomach. Long-term marijuana use can change the way the affected molecules respond and lead to the symptoms of CHS. In the last decade, several reports describing the structure and function of the CB1R, its allosteric ligands, and their translational potential have increased enormously. Abrupt cessation of cannabis use may cause catatonia from hypoactivity of GABA and dopamine D2 receptors, along with hyperactivity of the glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 71,72.