As medical director for Medical Cannabis of Southern California I have taken care of patients who have been diagnosed with Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS). Cannabis is an incredible treatment for patients who suffer from this disorder. CVS is characterized by recurring episodes of severe nausea and vomiting which last from hours to days. Patients typically have periods of weeks to months without an episode and then can have episodes unexpectedly. It typically starts in children ages 3-7 and remits in early adulthood however it can persist throughout a patients life. The medical community is unclear as to what the cause is but they seem to think to genetics on the maternal side. Many times patients also experience migraine headaches. This disorder can be very debilitating and lead to hospitalization if a patient becomes severely dehydrated as a result of vomiting or develops an imbalance in their electrolytes (ie. Sodium) Typical treatments are anti-emetics (Zofran/Compazine etc), IV fluids and rest.
What I have found from evaluating patients with CVS is that they seem to do extremely well with cannabis. Their episodes of vomiting are less frequent. When they experience nausea and vomiting it is less intense and their appetites are greatly improved. Many times patients will medicate with cannabis on a regular basis to keep episodes from occurring (prophylactic treatment). Once a patient identifies the triggers for his/her vomiting they can time when they medicate.
Cannabinoids (medically active ingredient in the cannabis plant) have incredible anti-emetic(vomiting) properties. The FDA has approved a drug called marinol which is THC (tetrahydrocannibinol) in the pill form. THC is only one of over 70 cannabinoids that exert their effect. The plant has all of these additional cannabinoids which make it the ideal treatment for CVS. It is easily tolerated and does not cause any harm to the major organ systems. It is also an incredible appetite stimulant. Ironically this is one of the side effects of using cannabis.
If you suffer from CVS and would like more information to see if cannabis can help you reduce your episodes of CVS please visit our website at www.MCSoCal.com and pre-qualify for free online. Dr. Sean Breen has offices in Long Beach, Irvine and Encinitas. 877-721-0047
