Extreme Thirst and facial sensations with Marijuana

[stars24]

9 months ago I smoked some marijuana and had some strange reactions, namely facial sensations (a tingling or numbness, or a sensation as if someone was touching my face) and extreme thirst. I went to the hospital and just said I was dehydrated because I didn't want to get in trouble for the drug, and after the IV I was better. I smoked marijuana a few days after this episode with no problems.

Two months later I smoked marijuana and got the previous reaction, but this time I didn't want to go to the hospital so I just tried to drink a lot of fluids. This time the problem didn't go away (I have not smoked marijuana since).  I am always extremely thirsty and I have to drink large amounts of water or gatorade to quench my thirst. I am almost always thirsty and if I cannot drink fluids for a while the facial sensations return more severely. A few months ago I went to the hospital to get hydrated on an IV but that didn't do anything. I also described the symptoms to my primary care doctor and she didn't know what it was--however, I only described the symptoms to her and didn't tell her about the marijuana because again I wasn't sure what the repurcussions were.

Do you have any idea what this might be? I have never heard of anyone with this problem before. I just want these strange sensations to go away and I don't want to have to drinkso much fluids! Also would I get in legal trouble if i mentioned the marijuana use to my doctor or to doctors or nurses in the ER? Please help! Thank you!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There can be several causes for the symptoms.  Feeling thirsty all the time can be indicative of a salt imbalance or kidney problems.  Other electrolyte disorders can also lead to neurologic symptoms.

Blood tests to evaluate the metabolic panel and kidney function can be considered.  I would also test the thyroid function as well as obtain tests for vitamin B12.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician, or in conjunction with a neurologist.

It is also possible that the marijuana use may lead to these symptoms - however, I would obtain the blood tests nevertheless.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[burris]

Well, your description is very subjective, so it is really hard to tell you.

But- have you considered drinking fluids before smoking?

Also, is it possible your pot is laced with something else that is causing that reaction.

Maybe instead of the munchies, you are just thirsty..

[Kalio1]

Have you considered not smoking pot?
If your abnormal thirst persists even without smoking pot you should be evaluated by your doctor. Tell the doctor about your increased thirst.

[girl522]

Anything you tell your doctor is confidential.  They can not reveal anything you say to them unless your talking about suicide.  And if your under 18, they can't tell your parents.  It's doctor-patient confidentiality.  Your case is a perfect example of why they have this.  Patients will not tell their doctors what is really going on if they think they will tell on them and then they may never figure out what is really going on because the doctors aren't getting all the informaiton.  Just tell your doctor the truth you'd be surprised what they hear.  Nothing suprises them.

[clovismanhunt]

Marijuana laced with other drugs such as PCP may cause theses symptoms, pot sellers sometimes put it on weed or even put Meth on it to make customers come back because it mahes it so strong.
Grow your own pot if you insist on smoking pot. That's the only way you will know it is not laced with some stupid other dope. Be careful, too much PCP on pot, and permanent brain damamage can occur !

[nitramog]

pot can throw off your blood sugar wach out for diabetis ??mayby its ang ziaty and you need more dugs ya ya dugs our drugs???