Haloperidol for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

This trial tests whether haloperidol, an antipsychotic medication, can help individuals with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) manage symptoms at home. CHS affects frequent cannabis users, causing severe nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. The trial aims to determine if having haloperidol at home reduces emergency room visits. Participants should frequently use cannabis and find relief from symptoms with hot showers or experience worsening symptoms after cannabis use. Eligible participants must have had at least two episodes of severe nausea and vomiting. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research seeks to understand how haloperidol affects people with CHS, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking treatment insights.

Previous studies have used haloperidol to treat symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), which causes severe nausea and vomiting from cannabis use. Research has shown that haloperidol can alleviate these symptoms. However, some patients reported side effects. For instance, one study found that patients taking a higher dose of haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg) experienced extra-pyramidal symptoms (EPS), such as muscle stiffness and restlessness.

Another study found that about 13% of patients experienced akathisia, a feeling of inner restlessness. Additionally, some patients returned to the hospital for ongoing nausea or muscle spasms.

Haloperidol is unique because it offers a different approach to treating Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) compared to standard treatments like antiemetics and proton pump inhibitors. While most treatments for CHS focus on controlling symptoms like nausea and vomiting, haloperidol works by targeting the brain's dopamine receptors, which may provide more direct relief of symptoms. This mechanism of action could potentially lead to faster and more effective symptom management, exciting researchers who are eager to explore more efficient ways to help patients suffering from CHS.

Research has shown that haloperidol, the treatment under study in this trial, can help treat cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), which causes repeated nausea and vomiting from cannabis use. Studies have found that haloperidol relieves nausea and stomach pain more effectively than ondansetron, another common anti-nausea drug. It also reduces the time people with CHS spend in emergency rooms. Previous research suggests that haloperidol quickly improves symptoms. Overall, this medication appears promising for managing the discomfort of CHS.⁴⁶⁷⁸⁹