Is THC safe for me with malignant hyperthermia?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am susceptible to malignant hyperthermia, which was diagnosed on the operating table, and was triggered by an anesthetic that almost killed me.

Since then, I have developed severe mental health problems and was suggested to try medicinal products containing THC. Now I wonder whether consuming THC would pose a risk to my malignant hyperthermia susceptibility.

Is there a known link?
Or would it be safe in that regard?

Please guide.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Regarding your query, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) does not trigger malignant hyperthermia (a type of severe reaction that occurs in response to particular medications used during general anesthesia). However, episodes of cannabis-induced psychosis, especially after the use of higher potency THC formulations, can co-present with fever, tachycardia (a fast heart rate), and hypertension.

These symptoms could be mistaken for other conditions with similar symptom clusters like malignant hyperthermia, serotonin syndrome (a potentially life-threatening drug reaction that results from having too much serotonin in your body), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare but life-threatening reaction that can occur in response to antipsychotic medications), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine overdose, or thyrotoxicosis (a rare but severe and life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism).

These symptoms are prominent after withdrawal. So, in my opinion, THC will not trigger MH, but its withdrawal can mimic MH (malignant hyperthermia).

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if you need any help.

Thank you.