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Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: An Emerging Drug-Induced Disease
J Andrew Woods1, Nicholas J D Wright, Jonathan Gee
11Wingate University School of Pharmacy, Wingate, NC; 2Departments of Pharmacy, 3Internal Medicine, and 4Gastroenterology, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC.
American Journal of Therapeutics
|January 14, 2014
Summary
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome is a condition caused by chronic marijuana use, leading to severe nausea and vomiting. Symptoms resolve with cannabis cessation, highlighting its link to habitual marijuana abuse.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is an adverse effect of chronic marijuana use.
- It is characterized by cyclic nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and compulsive bathing for relief.
Observation:
- A 37-year-old male with habitual marijuana abuse presented with intractable nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Physical examination revealed abdominal skin changes from heat application; labs showed mild leukocytosis and acute renal dysfunction.
- Diagnostic examinations were noncontributory, and urine toxicology was positive for marijuana.
Findings:
- The patient's symptoms resolved with IV hydration, antiemetics, and pain management, returning to baseline.
- CHS symptoms resolve upon cannabis cessation and recur with reinitiation, supporting a causal link.
- A Naranjo score of 5 indicated probable cyclic vomiting associated with chronic cannabis abuse.
Implications:
- Increasing marijuana use necessitates healthcare provider awareness of CHS.
- Recognizing CHS is crucial for effective diagnosis and management of chronic cannabis users.
- Understanding this drug-induced phenomenon is vital given the prevalence of marijuana use.
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