What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome? Heres what to know, and why experts say its on the rise

The use of lorazepam for CHS is also off-label, so a person’s doctor would need to make them aware of this fact. Another doctor reported using a combination of injectable lorazepam and promethazine, another antinausea medication. CB1 receptors are mostly present in the brain, but they also occur in other organs.

Prodromal stage

On the basis that only a small number of regular and long term users of marijuana develop CHS, some researchers suggest that genetics might play a role. Other researchers theorize that the effects of marijuana can change with chronic use. People with CHS usually have a long history of marijuana use. They also experience episodes of vomiting that return every few weeks or months.

What are the possible complications of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?

These chemicals can change the time it takes drug addiction treatment your stomach to empty food. They can begin as mild problems that make you feel sick in the morning. Belly pain and a sense that you are going to vomit are also common. “There is evidence that if you send a message to the brain that competes with the message that’s causing the nausea, vomiting, that you can suppress it,” Camilleri said.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) and Marijuana Use

• It tends to affect people who use cannabis at least once a week and happens more often in adults who’ve been using cannabis since their adolescent years.
• Doctors have also noticed that people in the hyperemesis stage take frequent showers and baths, which seem to relieve nausea.
• Receptors are specialized cells that respond to specific stimuli or changes in the environment.
• If you need help quitting, ask your doctor whether a drug rehabilitation program is a good fit for you.
• People often remain misdiagnosed for years, which delays treatment.

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 receptors may become more active, while others can shut down. The only way to prevent https://ecosoberhouse.com/ CHS is to avoid using any form of marijuana. It’s still possible to develop CHS if you use cannabis for many years without having any problems.

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Treatment

But it’s also important to acknowledge the positive uses of marijuana, Camilleri said. He noted a 72-year-old patient who uses cannabis to help her sleep. It’s not clear if some people are more prone to the syndrome than others.

However, researchers have yet to determine the cause of CHS since it does not affect all users of marijuana. One possible treatment option involves the use of benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam, to control nausea and vomiting. Benzodiazepines are controlled substances that people must use with caution, particularly those with a history of drug use. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a condition that sometimes develops due to the long term use of marijuana. To make a diagnosis, your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough physical examination and ask you about your past health and current symptoms. It’s helpful to volunteer your history of cannabis use with your provider if you are not asked about it.

Hot baths and showers tend to help reduce or curb the symptoms. Many people with CHS will compulsively shower or bathe — often for hours every day — to relieve CHS symptoms. It’s a condition that can lead to serious health complications if you don’t get treatment for it. The only way to end CHS symptoms is to completely stop using all marijuana products. After you quit, you may still what is chs have symptoms and side effects for a few days to a few weeks. Currently, doctors do not have treatment guidelines for the management of CHS.

With the widespread use, increased potency and legalization of marijuana in multiple states in the U.S., CHS may be becoming increasingly common. 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. These supportive treatments can help people during the hyperemesis stage of the condition, but recovery depends on the person stopping their use of marijuana.

How is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome diagnosed?

As CHS is a newly described condition, many doctors may find it challenging to diagnose and treat. Researchers have tried to explain what causes CHS, but further study is necessary. Research is ongoing on the exact way that cannabis triggers this problem. In the meantime, the best way to relieve CHS symptoms is to stop using the drug. Chronic cannabis use is the primary risk factor for developing CHS. Using cannabis for a prolonged period increases your risk of this condition.