It’s important to note that each individual’s recovery timeline can vary; some may recover faster or slower than others. The key to recovery is the complete cessation of cannabis use and supportive care to manage symptoms.1 Recovery from CHS can be challenging, but remembering these guidelines can make the process less arduous. Patience, self-care, and professional guidance can make a significant difference in regaining health and wellness. Many find cannabis an effective treatment for nausea and vomiting. Ironically, cannabis use is also the cause of a condition called Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), where nausea and frequent vomiting are the primary symptoms. Kerby is the only certified substance use disorder professional who sees patients on Children’s main campus in Seattle.
What Are Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Treatment Options?
These episodes of vomiting are often separated by weeks or months, and there is a return to baseline between episodes. Importantly, for the definition of cyclic vomiting syndrome, these episodes of vomiting cannot be attributed to other disorders. This factor is a key distinguishing feature from cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, where the toxicokinetics of cannabis itself influence the course of the disease. A thorough history, physical examination and directed testing of differential diagnoses may assist in ruling out these diagnoses.
Hyperemesis induced by cannabis
When you do this, your symptoms usually start to go away in few days to a few months. Over time, the symptoms will go away completely unless you start to use again. After quitting weed, most people start to feel better within 10 days or so, although it may take what is chs a few weeks or months to fully recover from CHS. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare condition that develops in people who use cannabis frequently over a period of several years.
- The clinical effects of volume depletion dominate complications related to CHS.
- Cannabis is often considered a harmless or therapeutic substance, but heavy and prolonged use can have unexpected side effects.
- This article will explain the causes of CHS and the available treatment options.
- Quitting cannabis is essential to prevent recurring symptoms.
- One of the 4 who recovered went back to using marijuana and the vomiting resumed.
- Kelly Kerby, a mental health counselor and substance use disorder professional, has worked at Seattle Children’s for two stints — first from 2009 to 2015, and more recently in her current role since September 2020.
Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS)
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome or cannabis hyperemesis syndrome is commonly abbreviated as CHS. CHS affects those who consume cannabis, also known as marijuana and weed. The only treatment for CHS is to stop the consumption of cannabis. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) can affect people who use cannabis (marijuana) long-term. The first step to recovery is the cessation of cannabis use.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Treatment: How Long Does It Take to Recover?
Currently, Nicki is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling Education and Supervision at Grand Canyon University. Nicki’s research interests include the use of Positive Psychology interventions with dual diagnosis clients. Nicki hopes to contribute to the body of knowledge in treating substance use disorders. Quitting cannabis is essential to prevent recurring symptoms.
Food Recommendations while in the Hyperemetic phase:
- But measuring dose is a challenging task for people smoking and vaping cannabis, and for researchers trying to gauge the effects of daily use.
- Understanding CHS is essential for those who use cannabis regularly or suspect they may have this condition.
- Symptoms become more severe and debilitating in this hyper (excessive) emetic (vomiting) phase.
It’s a serious medical problem that can cause major health issues if you leave it untreated. If you have any symptoms of severe dehydration, like dizziness, confusion and a rapid heartbeat, call 911 right away. Most people with CHS who stop using cannabis have relief from symptoms within 10 days. The only known treatment to permanently get rid of CHS is to stop cannabis use completely. You may have symptoms and side effects of CHS for a few weeks after quitting cannabis.
Treatment Options for CHS
In the first phase of CHS (the prodromal phase), you don’t vomit. This word is a combination of “screaming” and “vomiting.” You’re in so much pain that you’re screaming while you’re vomiting. 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. Acute dehydration and electrolyte imbalance can cause organ failure and death. You can also sustain life-threatening injuries if you hit your head during a seizure. Researchers are still trying to figure out exactly what causes CHS in some people who regularly use cannabis but not others.
Symptoms of CHS typically come on several years after the start of chronic marijuana use. But not everyone who uses marijuana long-term experiences CHS. Persistent vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances, which can be life-threatening.
Relying on the information from this website is Drug rehabilitation strictly at your discretion. You must take responsibility for abiding the law of the city, country or the jurisdiction where you are located. When a person has the symptoms, especially vomiting, it may cause additional issues such as dehydration. In addition, if the condition is not treated, some other complications may arise, such as weakness, muscle spasms, shock, to name a few.
- Then, a physical exam is necessary, including a stomach exam.
- We do these to make sure that nothing really bad is happening.
- Cannabis has many active ingredients, including tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.
- The frequency and prevalence of CHS change in accordance with the doses of tetrahydrocannabinol and other cannabinoids in various formulations of cannabis.
- Medical intervention now can prevent more severe complications.
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. Like many people who develop CHS, Brandon Danielson was initially misdiagnosed.
