Does CHS cause anxiety?
The prodromal stage of CHS is characterized by anxiety, severe nausea, and an array of autonomic symptoms, such as, sweating, flushing, and increased thirst, with symptoms being more severe in the morning. The prodromal stage can last for months before any vomiting attacks occur.
- Blood tests for anemia and infection.
- Tests for electrolytes.
- Tests for pancreas and liver enzymes, to check these organs.
- Pregnancy test.
- Urine analysis, to test for infection or other urinary causes.
- Drug screen, to test for drug-related causes of vomiting.
The primary symptoms of CHS are intense and persistent nausea and vomiting. People with this condition vomit extensively, often without warning, and can vomit up to five times per hour. They may also experience diffused abdominal pain, often report weight loss, and appear dehydrated.
The prodromal phase is characterized by mild symptoms of CHS, including nausea, anxiety, mild discomfort, sweating, and increased thirst; symptoms are more severe in the morning.
In times of stress or illness, the stores of THC may be released from fat as it's metabolized by the body, triggering or perpetuating CHS symptoms.
Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)
CHS usually starts after years of using marijuana many times a week. Initial symptoms are feeling sick to the stomach, belly pain and the feeling like you may throw up. A lot of people can still eat without throwing up.
The length of time it takes to develop CHS varies; however, most patients present 1 to 5 years after chronic cannabis use. Presentation with symptoms similar to those of CHS prior to 1 year of chronic cannabis use should not preclude diagnosis.
CHS does not occur in all cannabis users. More research is necessary to understand why some users get CHS and others do not. Some research suggests that there may be a genetic factor, making some people more likely to develop CHS.
The signs and symptoms of CHS can be the same as other medical conditions, so it can be hard to diagnose. People with CHS often have severe nausea and vomiting that is hard to control. They may vomit more than 20 times a day and it may last more than 24 hours.
Consider capsaicin cream, benzodiazepines, antiemetics and antipsychotics for treatment of CHS.
How can I reduce my CHS symptoms?
The only way to stop CHS symptoms is to completely stop using all marijuana products. After you quit, you may still have symptoms and side effects for a few weeks. But over time, your symptoms will go away.
CHS comprises three phases: prodromal, hyperemetic and recovery.
CHS patients have a long prodromal phase (up to several years) which is characterised by nausea, abdominal pain, and fear of vomiting while the patients maintain normal eating patterns [2]. During the hyperemesis phase, patients experience heavy nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain [2].
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is characterized by recurrent episodes of intractable nausea and vomiting in patients using cannabis daily for years. Patients with CHS benefit compulsively from hot water since it relieves symptoms. The possible mechanism is skin vasodilation.
Research suggests that CHS is a permanent condition that can only be effectively treated by quitting cannabis. Continuing to use cannabis despite CHS can lead to potentially life threatening complications.
Consider capsaicin cream, benzodiazepines, antiemetics and antipsychotics for treatment of CHS.
CHS is an episodic syndrome with vomiting episodes that last for 24–48 h at a time separated by asymptomatic periods that may last weeks or months [13].
There is no cure for CHS. If your healthcare provider has diagnosed you with CHS, treatment will include medications to help manage your symptoms, but the only way to prevent future episodes of nausea and vomiting is to stop using cannabis.
CHS symptoms often subside within two days, although some effects persist for several weeks.
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is characterized by recurrent episodes of intractable nausea and vomiting in patients using cannabis daily for years. Patients with CHS benefit compulsively from hot water since it relieves symptoms. The possible mechanism is skin vasodilation.
How long does it take for cannabinoid receptors to return to normal?
Research states that brain receptors called cannabinoid 1 receptors start to return to normal after 2 days without marijuana, and they regain normal functioning within 4 weeks of stopping the drug.