Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life. Whether you’re just learning about CHS, dealing with symptoms, or looking for community support, we’re here to help guide your journey.

• This leads to high THC concentrations, particularly after consuming potent cannabis, which explains its pro-emetic effects 51.
• In a study of the treatment of neuropathic pain with topical capsaicin, the most common adverse effect was a burning sensation upon application, localized erythema, and nonproductive cough 106.
• Diagnosing CHS might take time because not all medical professionals are familiar with it yet.
• Narcotic pain medications, for instance, should generally be avoided in CHS patients.
• When it comes to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) treatment, it’s essential to differentiate between controlling the symptoms and treating the actual condition.
• Taking hot baths or showers relieves cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome symptoms for a while.

How soon after cannabis hyperemesis syndrome treatment will I feel better?

Nausea ceases, appetite resumes, body weight is regained, and bathing/showering regimen returns to normal. One study found a median time of 8 years from symptoms beginning to diagnosis – with some patients going up to 21 years with symptoms before a CHS diagnosis. Patients in that study went to the ER an average of 22 times for their symptoms before getting a diagnosis.

I’ve been vomiting for 5 days, I can’t keep any food down, and I’ve lost weight. What do I do?

Chronic cannabis users tend to have significant THC reserves in their fat tissue, which can be mobilized during stressful situations. These supportive treatments can help people during the hyperemesis stage of the condition, but recovery depends on the person stopping their use of marijuana. First, doctors treating people with CHS advise them to stop using marijuana. During the hyperemesis stage, doctors focus on preventing dehydration and stopping the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seven of the patients abstained from marijuana during this time and had no further episodes; 3 patients resumed their use of marijuana and had further episodes 120. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) is a condition caused by long-term marijuana use, characterized by recurrent nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Individuals with CHS often find relief from symptoms through hot showers or baths. CHS is a rare but serious condition that may develop after years of heavy marijuana consumption.

This overstimulation disrupts the delicate balance of the GI functions, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. The direct effects of cannabinoids include the activation of cannabinoid receptors on the surface of GI cells, which can influence the release of neurotransmitters and hormones that regulate GI function. A recent, published cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (chs) in 2016, case report describes the first use in the literature of propranolol to treat CHS 117. A 37-year-old man in profound distress suffering hyperemesis presents at the ED, stating he had similar experiences in the past which could be relieved with hot showers, but this time hot water provided no relief.

Nortriptyline drug addiction and doxepin have fewer adverse effects and provide substantial therapeutic benefits. The dose can be gradually increased in 10 mg increments every 1–2 weeks until the G.I. Motility, mucosal hemostasis, and the release of chemical mediators such as histamine, prostaglandin, acetylcholine, and serotonin 68. Cannabinoid’s interaction with cannabinoid receptors inhibits GABA-mediated neurotransmission, thus reducing the negative inhibition of dopaminergic neurons. This increases dopamine release and decreases extracellular glutamate in the striatum and mesolimbic systems 69,70. These physiological alterations manifest as anxiety, tremors, and paranoia in some cannabis users.

As the marijuana landscape evolves, ongoing education about its health implications is critical in preventing CHS and promoting safer consumption practices. At Leafy Mate, we are dedicated to empowering you with the knowledge needed to navigate this complex landscape responsibly. We provide resources that connect you with reliable medical marijuana physicians and premium brands, offering guidance tailored to your needs. Research shows that completely stopping marijuana is the only proven way to prevent CHS from recurring for those who have experienced it.

The response to stress is important in survival, but long-term stress can have negative effects on one’s health 31. Endocannabinoids play their part in allostasis by promoting recovery from stress and further bring back homeostasis of the neurotransmitters, neurohormones, and neuropeptides 32. Only peer-reviewed articles, case reports, clinical trials, and review articles focusing on CHS or its comparison with similar disorders (e.g., CVS) were considered. Both primary research and secondary literature, such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses, were included to provide a broad perspective on the condition. Researchers need to study CHS in more detail to make it easier for doctors to recognize and treat the condition. Further studies are also necessary to determine the causes of CHS and its risk factors.

Management of Acute Episodes

Some individuals, for instance, also admitted to smoking 2000 mg of THC per day. Cannabinoids affect the pituitary–adrenal axis and stress-responsive https://ultramovie.fr/the-most-addictive-drugs-understanding-the-factors-2/ brain regions. Studies suggest that CHS may involve disruption at the hippocampal–hypothalamic–pituitary level 22.

What should we be considering at the time of discharge?

“Cannabinoid” points to the active chemical compounds in the Cannabis sativa plant, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). These cannabinoids typically bind to receptors in different parts of the body, such as the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract. While cannabis is often thought of as a remedy for nausea, CHS flips that script and leads to severe vomiting after chronic use.

Medically Reviewed By: Dr. Bryon Mcquirt

One study found up to 6% of people who went to the emergency room for cyclical vomiting had CHS. Researchers have only recently discovered CHS, so some doctors or healthcare professionals may not recognize the condition. The susceptibility to CHS may also be influenced by cytochrome CYP450 metabolism and genetic polymorphisms. Variations in genes encoding enzymes like CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP3A4 can lead to an excess accumulation of cannabinoid metabolites, potentially triggering vomiting.

The authors found no cases of geriatric CHS (≥65 years), but there is no reason evident why geriatric individuals who used marijuana long term would be immune from CHS. It is not known why the syndrome develops in some, but not all, long-term marijuana users and why symptoms take longer to manifest in some patients than others. Although there were very few case studies involving CHS patients with eating disorders, bulimia might present in such a way that it could be confused with CHS.