From the Guidelines
The medical term for cannabis-related cyclical vomiting is Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). This condition is characterized by recurrent episodes of severe nausea, persistent vomiting, and abdominal pain in regular cannabis users, as described in a 2024 commentary on the diagnosis and management of CHS 1. The most effective treatment is complete cessation of cannabis use, which typically leads to resolution of symptoms after a period of abstinence from cannabis use for at least 6 months, or at least equal to the total duration of 3 typical vomiting cycles in that patient 1.
Key Characteristics of CHS
- Recurrent episodes of severe nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Regular cannabis use
- Resolution of symptoms with cannabis cessation
Management of CHS
- Cannabis cessation
- Topical capsaicin for acute and short-term care
- Benzodiazepines, haloperidol, promethazine, olanzapine, and ondansetron for symptom control
- Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, for long-term management
- Avoidance of opioids due to worsening of nausea and high risk of addiction 1
Clinical Approach
In the emergency department, immediate evaluation for life-threatening disorders is necessary, while in the outpatient setting, differential diagnosis includes rumination syndrome, gastroparesis, and functional chronic nausea and vomiting syndrome 1.
From the Research
Medical Term for Cannabis-Induced Cyclical Vomiting
The medical term for cannabis-induced cyclical vomiting is:
Characteristics of CHS
Key characteristics of CHS include:
- History of regular cannabis use 2
- Cyclic nausea and vomiting 2, 3, 4, 5
- Resolution of symptoms after stopping cannabis use 2
- Compulsive hot baths or showers with symptom relief 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
- Abdominal pain 2, 4
- Male predominance 2
Treatment of CHS
Treatment options for CHS include: