Author: Don Stader, MD

Educational Pearls:

• Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is different than cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). It is important to differentiate the two.
• CHS is thought to be caused by activation of THC receptors in the gut
• CVS is associated with migraines and therefore responds to similar medications
• Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is an alternative to haloperidol (Haldol)
• Amitriptyline, as well as anti-epileptics can be used to prevent CVS
• Opioids worsen CVS

References

Lapoint J, Meyer S, Yu CK, Koenig KL, Lev R, Thihalolipavan S, Staats K, Kahn CA.Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome: Public Health Implications and a Novel Model Treatment Guideline. West J Emerg Med. 2018 Mar;19(2):380-386. doi: 10.5811/westjem.2017.11.36368. Epub 2017 Nov 8. PubMed PMID: 29560069; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC5851514.

Boles RG, Lovett-Barr MR, Preston A, Li BU, Adams K. Treatment of cyclic vomiting syndrome with co-enzyme Q10 and amitriptyline, a retrospective study. BMC Neurol. 2010;10:10. Epub 2010 Jan 28.

Hikita T, Kodama H, Kaneko S, Amakata K, Ogita K, Mochizuki D, Kaga F, Nakamoto N, Fujii Y, Kikuchi A. Sumatriptan as a treatment for cyclic vomiting syndrome: a clinical trial. Cephalalgia. 2011;31(4):504. Epub 2010 Dec 8.

Summarized by Will Dewispelaere, MS3 | Edited by Erik Verzemnieks, MD