Haloperidol vs Olanzapine for CHS
(CH2O Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine whether haloperidol or olanzapine more effectively treats nausea and abdominal pain associated with cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a condition causing repeated vomiting in regular cannabis users. The study will assess the effectiveness of each medication in alleviating these symptoms. It suits individuals who use cannabis nearly daily and have been diagnosed with CHS or experience recurrent vomiting episodes. Participants will be divided into two groups to test each medication. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants an opportunity to contribute to potentially groundbreaking treatment advancements.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop all current medications, but you cannot participate if you are taking drugs that should not be used with haloperidol or olanzapine, or if you are already taking antipsychotics.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Past research on haloperidol revealed some safety concerns. One study found that 13% of patients experienced restlessness, known as akathisia, and 38% returned to the doctor due to ongoing nausea or other side effects. This indicates that while haloperidol can be effective, it may cause uncomfortable side effects for some individuals.
Olanzapine presents different findings. Although not officially approved for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), it is often used for this condition and tends to cause fewer movement-related side effects compared to other drugs. This suggests it might be gentler on the body for some patients.
Both drugs have been available for a while and are generally well-tolerated, but some individuals might experience side effects. Discussing any concerns with a doctor before joining a clinical trial is important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) because they offer new possibilities beyond traditional antiemetic therapies. Haloperidol, typically used as an antipsychotic, is being explored for its potential to alleviate nausea through dopamine receptor blockade, which could offer relief where standard antiemetics might not suffice. Olanzapine, another antipsychotic, also shows promise due to its ability to target multiple neurotransmitter pathways, potentially providing a broader spectrum of symptom relief. These treatments are intriguing because they could address CHS symptoms more effectively by acting on different pathways compared to existing options.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for CHS?
This trial will compare Haloperidol and Olanzapine for treating symptoms of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). Research has shown that both drugs can help treat CHS symptoms. Participants in the Haloperidol arm may experience quick relief from symptoms like nausea and stomach pain, often allowing them to leave the hospital within hours. Reports indicate that haloperidol reduces the need for additional medications and shortens hospital stays. Meanwhile, participants in the Olanzapine arm may find it effective in managing CHS symptoms, with patients responding well to treatment. Olanzapine also tends to cause fewer movement-related side effects compared to some other treatments. This trial aims to determine which drug is more effective for CHS, but evidence supports the potential benefits of both.678910
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals who are experiencing nausea and abdominal pain due to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) and are currently in the emergency department. Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria details were not provided.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either Haloperidol or Olanzapine intramuscularly and are monitored for nausea and abdominal pain using a visual analog scale
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for discharge readiness and any need for rescue antiemetics or further treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Haloperidol
- Olanzapine
Trial Overview
The study aims to compare the effectiveness of Haloperidol versus Olanzapine, each at a dose of 10 milligrams, in treating symptoms of CHS. Effectiveness will be measured using a visual scale for assessing nausea and pain.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Active Control
haloperidol
olanzapine
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Mercy Bon Secours Saint Vincent Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
Citations
Is haloperidol the wonder drug for cannabinoid ...
The present report highlights the use of haloperidol as an agent that successfully and safely treats the unrelenting symptoms of CHS.
2.
journals.lww.com
journals.lww.com/americantherapeutics/fulltext/2017/01000/haloperidol,_a_novel_treatment_for_cannabinoid.10.aspxHaloperidol, a Novel Treatment for Cannabinoid ...
Haloperidol was successful in treating our 4 patients with CHS. All of our cases obtained significant symptomatic relief and were discharged within 8 hours of ...
3.
clinicaltrials.gov
clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04176055?term=AREA%5BInterventionSearch%5D(HALOPERIDOL)%20AND%20AREA%5BStudyType%5D(INTERVENTIONAL)&rank=4Study Details | NCT04176055 | Treatment Strategies in CHS
Currently, the generally accepted management for CHS is complete cannabis abstinence as traditional anti-emetics appear to be minimally effective. Preliminary ...
32 Droperidol on Prevention of Emesis from Cannabinoid ...
Previous studies have reported fewer rescue medications required, shorter time to discharge, and fewer return visits to the ED with the use of haloperidol for ...
Intravenous Haloperidol Versus Ondansetron for Cannabis ...
This study suggests that haloperidol is superior to ondansetron for cannabis-induced hyperemesis. Anecdotal evidence has emerged in favor of haloperidol, ...
Mitigating the Risk of QTc Prolongation When Using ...
Patients with CHS are at higher risk of QTc prolongation due to cannabis use, electrolyte imbalance, and antiemetic medications.
7.
hopkinsmedicine.org
hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/files/allchildrens/clinical-pathways/chs_pathway-2025-08-18.pdfCannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Clinical Pathway
The Haloperidol versus Ondansetron for Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (HaVOC) study is a randomized controlled trial that demonstrated promising ...
32 Droperidol on Prevention of Emesis from Cannabinoid ...
Recent prospective studies have demonstrated the superiority of haloperidol, a dopamine antagonist, over ondansetron for the treatment of CHS. Interim analysis ...
Haloperidol as an anti-emetic for Cannabis Hyperemesis ...
Safety outcomes in Haloperidol (0.1 mg/kg) group found 1-episode akathisia (13%), and 3 (38%) return visits (1 ongoing nausea, 2 dystonic ...
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome: A 6‐year audit of ...
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is a condition characterised by cyclical nausea, vomiting and in some cases, abdominal pain in the setting of regular ...
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