Because you still believe marijuana helps nausea, you might use it more often, accidentally making your condition worse. The ongoing but mild nature of this phase can fool people into thinking they just have a sensitive stomach or deal with morning sickness. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome follows a repeating cycle, with three distinct phases that people move through while continuing to use marijuana. These phases can last different lengths of time, and not everyone’s experience is identical. A typical person diagnosed with CHS might have smoked or ingested marijuana for about 19 years.
The Three Phases of CHS
While CHS does resolve with cannabis cessation, the manner of cessation significantly impacts outcomes. Patients often use cannabis for valid medical reasons, and unsupported cessation can lead to relapse. The best way to manage CHS and prevent complications is to discontinue cannabis use. This doesn’t mean everyone who tries cannabis occasionally will wind up with https://www.decomo.lk/alcoholism-life-expectancy-how-long-do-alcoholics/ this condition.
- 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.
- It doesn’t matter if you’re smoking flower, using edibles, or vaping high-THC concentrates—if you want to break free of CHS, you’ll need to halt all marijuana use.
- However, experts believe that rates of CHS are increasing due to the increasing potency of marijuana and other cannabis products, particularly concentrates that contain far more THC than the plant form.
The Difference Between an Anxiety Attack and a Panic Attack
Endocannabinoids are arachidonic acid derivatives that are biochemically similar to anandamide and 2-AG what are the first signs of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome and likewise bind to CB1 and CB2 27, 28. Once they are activated, anandamide and 2-AG have different pathways for biosynthesis and subsequent degradation, in that anandamide is metabolized mainly by FAAH while 2-AG is metabolized via monoacylglycerol lipase 30. Endocannabinoids are present in the CNS and enteric nervous systems and are released locally on demand by neuronal signaling; they are released in small amounts and become rapidly inactivated 28. Because many people with CHS do not initially recognize that cannabis is the cause, they may undergo multiple medical tests and treatments before reaching a diagnosis.
⚠️ Conditions That Can Mimic CHS
Both patients reported a burning sensation where the capsaicin was applied but were satisfied with the results 97. Hyperemesis syndrome is a condition marked by severe and persistent nausea and vomiting, often accompanied by abdominal pain and dehydration. In the context of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), hyperemesis syndrome is a critical component, with patients experiencing recurrent episodes of severe vomiting, persistent nausea, and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be debilitating, leading to significant discomfort and health complications. Diagnosing CHS can be challenging because its symptoms mimic those of other gastrointestinal disorders, such as cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) or gastritis. Not only that, but the condition is rare, and some people are afraid to be honest with their healthcare providers about their substance use.
- CBG is not psychotropic and acts as an antagonist at both CB1 and serotonin receptors 46.
- These cannabinoids typically bind to receptors in different parts of the body, such as the brain, spinal cord, and gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
- These symptoms can easily be mistaken for other conditions like cyclic vomiting syndrome, which makes accurate diagnosis a challenge 5.
It is likely that topical capsaicin used for CHS treatment would have similar adverse effects. People with CHS also tend to have a strong urge to take very hot showers or baths. That’s because hot water can help ease cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome symptoms like nausea. The hot temperature affects a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which regulates temperature and throwing up. Capsaicin, a topical agent with an active compound derived from chili peppers, interacts with transient receptor potential vanilloid-1 (TRPV1) receptors 86. TRPV1 receptors are involved in the modulation of transmitting pain signals and altering pain perception 87.
Patients with Cannabis-Related Illness are Presenting More Frequently in Duke Health Emergency Department
- Slow up-titration helps to adapt and minimize anticholinergic side effects, including dry mouth, sedation, constipation, postural hypotension, palpitations, chronic fatigue, blurred vision, nightmares, and mild hallucinations.
- Healthcare providers carefully evaluate these criteria to differentiate CHS from other gastrointestinal conditions.
- This phase begins with severe symptoms that intensify rapidly within a few hours 54.
However, these beneficial effects seem to backfire when use becomes too frequent or too heavy. The active chemicals in cannabis build up drug addiction in fatty tissues over time, and researchers believe this accumulation can overstimulate receptors, fueling persistent vomiting. The most effective treatment is stopping marijuana use, which can be achieved through medical detoxification and therapy. Treatment centers provide programs that support individuals in overcoming marijuana addiction and managing CHS symptoms through professional care, therapy, and aftercare support. While marijuana is widely known for its ability to ease symptoms such as anxiety, chronic pain, and nausea, for some individuals, excessive use can lead to the opposite effect, resulting in a cycle of vomiting and discomfort.
But for some people, chronic use can make this whole timing system discombobulated. And it can alter the whole motility, the movement cycle, of the gastrointestinal tract. Basically, it’s disrupting the timing, which is where nausea and vomiting originate. Cannabis can both induce and subdue vomiting, a paradox doctors don’t fully understand, Camilleri said.
Studies indicate that when patients trust their physicians, they are more likely to disclose sensitive health-related behaviors and adhere to medical recommendations 107. This trust also encourages patients to accept a CHS diagnosis, preventing them from seeking unnecessary medical consultations and receiving inappropriate treatments. In the last decade, several reports describing the structure and function of the CB1R, its allosteric ligands, and their translational potential have increased enormously.
Diagnostic Considerations
We are a team of highly trained Psychologists and Psychiatrists who use the most progressive therapeutic treatment approaches, including medication if necessary. If you’ve ever used marijuana, you probably know that it can make you hungry. The “munchies” are a common side effect of marijuana, making people hungry and crave sweet treats or savory foods.