Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am a 20-year-old female, and I have been smoking formaldehyde-laced weed for about two years (around four days each month). Now, I am experiencing gallbladder pain, kidney pain (I had a history of kidney stones before I started smoking), visual snow, occasional difficulty breathing, and my weight is now below normal (94.7 pounds). My questions are:
What is happening to my health?
How can I get this substance out of my body?
The last time I smoked was three weeks ago, but I am still experiencing excessive saliva production.
Could this be a lung injury or something else? What should I expect regarding my health?
Kindly advise.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
Smoking marijuana laced with formaldehyde is extremely dangerous and can cause serious damage to multiple organs and systems over time. Symptoms like gallbladder and kidney pain, breathing difficulty, visual snow, memory loss, and low body weight may be the result of cumulative toxicity and damage from repeated exposure. Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical known to irritate mucous membranes, damage lung tissue, and affect the central nervous system.
Excessive saliva production could be a lingering neurotoxic effect, while visual snow and coordination issues may indicate ongoing neurological irritation or possibly a hallucinogen-persisting perception disorder (HPPD). Given your history of kidney stones, the kidney pain may reflect a flare-up, and the gallbladder symptoms could stem from poor nutrition, toxin accumulation, or other metabolic changes caused by substance exposure. It is also possible that some degree of lung or airway injury has occurred, even if regular coughing is not present.
Recovery is possible, especially if all use is stopped, proper medical evaluation is sought, and the body is supported through healing care. It is strongly recommended to see a physician urgently for a full medical assessment, including liver and kidney function tests, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or computed tomography scan) for the kidneys and gallbladder, a lung evaluation (such as a chest X-ray or CT scan), and a neurological consultation if the visual and cognitive symptoms continue.
Supportive detox may involve proper hydration, a high-antioxidant diet, and possibly liver and kidney support supplements under medical supervision. If HPPD is suspected, a neurologist or psychiatrist may consider treatments such as Clonazepam, Lamotrigine, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), depending on the severity of symptoms. Pulmonary issues may require the use of bronchodilators or steroids if lung inflammation is identified. Malnutrition should be managed with the help of a nutritionist to safely regain weight and restore nutritional balance.
The most important step is to completely avoid all illicit or laced substances. Avoid using any unknown or street-sold marijuana, as it is often impossible to know what substances are present. Focus on developing a healthy lifestyle that includes adequate hydration, clean eating, regular physical activity, and proper sleep. Mental health support is also essential. Consider consulting a counselor or joining a support group, especially if anxiety, depression, or dependency have developed due to past use. Lastly, regular follow-ups with healthcare professionals will help monitor progress and detect any remaining health concerns early.
I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Ashraf Ghani
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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