Is haloperidol the wonder drug for cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome?

BMJ Case Rep. 2017 Jan 4:2017:bcr2016218239. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2016-218239.

Abstract

Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a rare clinical syndrome characterised by nausea, cyclic vomiting and severe abdominal pain in association with chronic cannabis use. It is often under-recognised or misdiagnosed, resulting in the unnecessary workup and frequent hospitalisations. Long-term treatment of CHS is abstinence from cannabis, but acute symptomatic management has been a struggle for many clinicians. The present report highlights the use of haloperidol as an agent that successfully and safely treats the unrelenting symptoms of CHS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiemetics / therapeutic use*
  • Cannabinoids / adverse effects*
  • Haloperidol / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marijuana Abuse / complications*
  • Nausea / chemically induced*
  • Nausea / drug therapy
  • Syndrome
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Vomiting / chemically induced*
  • Vomiting / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antiemetics
  • Cannabinoids
  • Haloperidol