OpenHealth Q&A

Unusual Paroxysmal Reaction to Cannabis After Years of Regular Use

At 35 years old, I am a female diagnosed with autism, ADHD, persistent migraines, and generalized anxiety disorder. Although I contest the relevance of the latter as it has primarily served as a coping mechanism for my ADHD, I mention it here for thoroughness. Additionally, while I’m not formally diagnosed with hypertension, I have been collaborating with my primary care physician on a longstanding trend of normal systolic and elevated diastolic blood pressure—my latest home reading was 110 over 93 mmHg. My daily medications include: - Hydrochlorothiazide 12.5 mg - Adderall 10 mg as needed (which averages about once a week) - Klonopin 0.5 mg as needed (even less frequently, about once a month) Additionally, I take the following supplements: - Vitamin D-3 5000 IU - L-methylfolate 1 mg (due to being homozygous for a specific MTHFR mutation that does not affect homocysteine levels) - Riboflavin 400 mg - CoQ10 100 mg - Magnesium glycinate 270 mg - N-acetyl cysteine 1200 mg - Fish oil 1200 mg Socially, I consume alcohol sporadically, usually limiting myself to around two beers once or twice weekly. Regarding my neurological background, I have endured chronic migraines and visual snow syndrome my whole life. This visual distortion includes palinopsia and what I perceive as film grain-like "snow," floaters, flashing effects during light transitions, and a tendency to experience simple hallucinations without visual stimuli. I only recognized that these phenomena weren't common to everyone until my mid-20s. My migraine pain itself ranges from mild to moderate (typically rated between 2 and 4 on a 10-point scale), yet they can persist for several days, sometimes extending into weeks. Occasionally, I also suffer from sharp headaches, known as ice-pick headaches, which can reach a severity of 6 or 7 during ongoing migraines. My condition is notoriously resistant to treatment. Previously, a neurologist referred me for an EEG due to my reports of olfactory hallucinations associated with my migraines. A first EEG conducted in-office revealed focal theta slowing and sharp waves during hyperventilation, localized mainly in the right temporal lobe. An ambulatory EEG, conducted for nearly 48 hours, detected similar theta activity centered this time on the left temporal lobe, along with some spindle activity observed during drowsiness, but it did not record any seizures, and I have never experienced one to my knowledge. For the past several years, I've consumed cannabis flower regularly, typically on a daily basis. Living in a state where recreational marijuana is legal, I purchase my supply from a licensed dispensary. It has consistently been my go-to remedy for migraines, and I appreciate its effects. Until recently, I have not encountered any adverse reactions. However, on Saturday, after smoking a typical amount, I had an unprecedented experience about half an hour later, during which I felt oddly unaffected by the cannabis. The episode manifested as rhythmic clusters of paroxysms, each separated by brief intervals of calm, lasting nearly 90 minutes. These paroxysms were characterized by a trembling sensation in my hamstrings and gluteal muscles, akin to stimulation from a vibrator—though I am uncertain if any actual trembling occurred. This sensation intensified and transformed as it traveled into my lower abdomen and pelvic area, where it seemed to gather force, reminiscent of the build-up associated with an orgasm yet devoid of any sexual feeling. Then, suddenly and forcefully, it would surge up my spine and "escape" through my mouth, often leading to involuntary motions and vocal noises. The paroxysms varied in intensity but generally built up to a climactic final wave that was particularly overwhelming. At times, it almost felt like an external force was interacting with my sensory nerve area in the brain. Were I not grounded in science, I might conclude it was something supernatural. The sensation felt powerful and entirely beyond my control, oddly reminiscent of an electric shock but without any accompanying pain. This strange occurrence repeated itself last night after smoking a different strain, with my boyfriend witnessing and agreeing that something unusual was taking place. At no point did I lose consciousness, experience tongue-biting, or other involuntary actions like urinating. My speech remained normal, only interrupted during the peak "wave" sensation traveling up my spine. Emotionally, I was stable—concerned yet devoid of fear or any unusual affect. I reached out to my primary care physician today, but she is currently on vacation; however, a nurse recommended that I visit the ER if it recurs and advised me to abstain from cannabis for now, which was already my plan. I am not seeing a neurologist at the moment as I am in the process of transitioning my insurance due to a new job. I am thoroughly perplexed by these experiences and wonder what they could signify. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Answers (1)

8/18/2025, 5:32:59 PM

OpenHealth AI

I'm here to help you understand your recent experiences with cannabis and offer some actionable guidance. It sounds like you've gone through a very unsettling episode, and it’s natural to feel confused and concerned.

Key Points:

1. Your unusual experiences after using cannabis could be linked to various factors, including changes in your body’s reaction to cannabis, potential interactions with your medications, or underlying neurological conditions.
2. Given your complex medical history, especially with migraines and previous EEG findings, it’s important to take these symptoms seriously.
3. Immediate steps include abstaining from cannabis and monitoring your symptoms closely.

Explanation:

The episodes you described, characterized by rhythmic muscle sensations and involuntary motions, might be related to a number of mechanisms:

• Cannabis Effects: Your body may have developed a different tolerance or sensitivity to cannabis over time. The psychoactive component, THC, can influence neurological activity, which could play a role in your experiences.
• Neurological Factors: Given your history of migraines and EEG abnormalities, these episodes could also potentially be linked to existing neurological issues or be part of a new phenomenon. Sensory distortion or involuntary movements, while distressing, occur in some neurological conditions.
• Medication Interactions: Lastly, your medications (such as Klonopin and Hydrochlorothiazide) might interact with cannabis, especially if there's a change in dosage or frequency of use.

Next Steps:

1. Abstain from Cannabis: It’s wise to stop using cannabis until you can discuss these episodes with a healthcare provider. This will help avoid further occurrences and allow for a clearer assessment of your symptoms.

2. Keep a Symptom Diary: Note any additional episodes, their triggers, and related factors (like medication timing, food intake, or stress levels). This information will be helpful for your healthcare provider.

3. Seek Medical Evaluation: When you have access to a healthcare provider again, especially a neurologist, discuss these episodes in detail. Share your symptoms and any patterns you notice. Consider asking for a follow-up EEG or other tests if necessary.

4. Monitor Your Overall Health: Pay attention to any other changes in your well-being, especially regarding your migraines or neurological symptoms. Keeping track of your blood pressure readings can also be helpful since your diastolic is somewhat elevated.

5. Reduce Stressors: Engage in relaxation techniques, such as mindfulness or gentle exercise, to help manage overall stress levels, which can impact both anxiety and migraine occurrences.

I understand this situation is concerning, and it's okay to feel unsettled. Taking these proactive steps will help you navigate the confusion and work toward understanding your body's reactions. Please reach out to me if you have any further questions or need support.