HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Slow Movements, Excessive Sleep And Constant Staring After Prolonged Cannabis Abuse?

default
Posted on Mon, 2 May 2016
Question: My brother is 20 yrs old 6ft 90kg. He has been using bhaang goli (bhola made from cannabis plant) since one year. At present he is in a very bad state. He does not respond on calling. He just ansers in one or two words only. he shivers all the time. He is very slow in his movemnets. He does not know when to go for urine/toilet. He keeps on staring withpout blinking his eyes for long hours. He sleeps for long hours in the day and stays awake at nights. The doctor (Psychiartist) is saying he is in depression and will be fine after 3-4 months course. The doctore has not found any drug/substance in his blood. Have the bhaang caused some damage to his brain ? is it reversible??please suggest us
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (52 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
To large extent it is reversible

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using healthcaremagic.

I read your query and understand your concerns. First of all it is not possible to determine whether it was bhang which brought the depression or other way around. Many patients when feel depressed they search for something to get themselves upto mark and substance abuse is most common among which bhang features prominence due to its wide availability.

The symptoms mentioned over here are indicative of depression or amotivation syndrome. Whatever the symptoms they are largely treatable and he will recover to a great extent over time. Cannabis is not known to cause some irreversible damage to brain although few cases do not recover completely.

I must inform you that stopping bhang is extremely important for better recovery as long term use can cause more damage which becomes difficult to treat over time.

I hope this helps you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)
Hello
Thanks doctor,
At present he is not having any bhaang/bhola. We are consulting witha psychatrist at our place. He is being given anti depression medicines and some brain tonics. Is it advisible to go for psychologist for a therpay treatment also. Shoud he be kept in some rehabilitation center for some time. I have searched on net excessive use of bhola/bhaang goli causes holes in nervous system that is not reversible. Pls help.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Not much role of psychotherapy at this stage

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXX,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

If he is not using bhang I do not feel rehabilitation center is required to involve in his treatment process.

Similarly cannabis induced depression is better treated with medication rather than psychotherey. In case there are residual symptoms after adequate treatment psychotherapy can be used for those residual symptoms.

I do not think that information is applicable for someone who used cannabis for just one year. The irreversible changes tend to take a decade rather than a year. So it can be said that the information over internet is correct but not applicable to your brother.

I hope this clarifies.
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (29 hours later)
Hello Sir,
At present my brother is taking the following medicine course:
Carbolith sr 400
Omesec rd
Ciplar 10
Biorich
Rexipra 15
Are these medicines ok for the ongoing treatement.??
How long will it take to recover?? What type of diet is good for him.??

Thanks & Regards
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (19 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
There is no special diet

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for reverting back to me.

His current treatment is correct as per his diagnosis is concerned and there is possibility of good improvement over a period of six to twelve weeks. For treatment of cannabis induced psychosis it is right treatment although I feel that Omesec RD can be removed if he doses not have any gastritis or gas problem.


Regarding diet it is important to follow low calorie diet and there is need to avoid high fats and sugar. In addition to that a regular physical exercise will be optimum for better recovery.

Hope I am able to answer your concerns.
Thanks and regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (3 hours later)
Thanks for your answer Doctor,

Sir, I would also like to have your advice for the following:-
1) Is a CT scan or MRI needed??
2) Why is he not able to hold things or move easily. He cannot make a firm grip of things with his hands.
3)Sometimes he pees on the bed. He says he doesnt come to know when we wants to go for urine/toilet.
4) What type of excersies are recommended. Is morning walk good??
5) What solutions do you recommend for faster recovery.?

I hope you would answer my question using ur experience and expertise.
Thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I think there is need for neurological evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for follow up.

I think MRI brain is required as he is having few symptoms which can not be explained on basis of cannabis alone as mentioned in question 2 and 3 and two in particular as incontinence can be explained on the basis of excessive sedation caused by current treatment. It is also possibly a side effect of lithium which causes increase volume of urine. The difficulty in holding can also be due to side effects of lithim as it causes tremor.

Having said this I feel there is need for complete neurological evaluation along with MRI brain so if anything hidden can be explored and corrective measures can be take.

Regarding exercise yes morning walk have definite value and it should be encouraged by all possible means. Brisk walk is best form of exercise.

Proper medication and avoidance of cannabis while having healthy life style with good diet and exercise is key to recovery.

I hope this helps you.
Thanks and regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Naveen Kumar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3355 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Slow Movements, Excessive Sleep And Constant Staring After Prolonged Cannabis Abuse?

Brief Answer: To large extent it is reversible Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using healthcaremagic. I read your query and understand your concerns. First of all it is not possible to determine whether it was bhang which brought the depression or other way around. Many patients when feel depressed they search for something to get themselves upto mark and substance abuse is most common among which bhang features prominence due to its wide availability. The symptoms mentioned over here are indicative of depression or amotivation syndrome. Whatever the symptoms they are largely treatable and he will recover to a great extent over time. Cannabis is not known to cause some irreversible damage to brain although few cases do not recover completely. I must inform you that stopping bhang is extremely important for better recovery as long term use can cause more damage which becomes difficult to treat over time. I hope this helps you. If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you. If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for me, so that I get a good feedback. In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link: http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386 Thanks and regards