More people are using cannabis today for medicinal and recreational purposes. Some studies and anecdotes state their efficacy in various medical conditions.
Most of us are well aware of the relaxing and mood uplifting effects of cannabinoids, and we have various studies to back this up. Chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety are commonly known medical illnesses for which people use cannabis.
Cannabis has an uplifting effect on our mood and can help us combat depression in some cases. However, it's best to consult your doctor before starting on medication.
You can get in touch with a physician and apply for a medical card to legally buy cannabis for managing your condition.
State laws allow you to grow up to 6 plants in California, although you can apply for a medical marijuana grower license in Stockton to grow up to 99 plants.
This would involve some investment and effort initially but would save you a monthly trip to a dispensary and would be beneficial in the long run.
Before we proceed to think about using cannabis and antidepressants together, let us discuss a few basic things.
What is Depression?
According to WHO (World Health Organization), around 264 million people around the globe suffer from depression. It is the leading cause of mental burden and leads to a degraded mental state. It is also recorded that women suffer more from depression than men.
Commonly occurring symptoms than can are seen in depressed individuals are,
- Lack of interest in daily activities
- Decreased focus and attention
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Thoughts of suicide
Alcohol use, drug abuse, and anxiety disorders are also common comorbidities that are linked with depression.
What Are Anti-Depressants And Their Types?
Antidepressants are mood-enhancing drugs, commonly prescribed for treating depression. They work by balancing the neurotransmitters in our brain that are responsible for various functions, including our emotional response, memory, and transmitting messages between neurons to muscles.
We can divide antidepressants into two categories,
- SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
- Improves how brain circuits use serotonin
- SNRIs (serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors)
Improves the working of brain circuits that use both serotonin and norepinephrine
Serotonin and norepinephrine are neurotransmitters found in your brain. In depressed patients, their working is imperiled.
Interaction of Weed With Various Anti-Depressants
There are various SNRIs and SSRIs available to us; their long term usage causes multiple side effects, including insomnia, fatigue, drowsiness, and loss of sexual desire.
Let us find out how cannabinoids preset in cannabis interact with some commonly used antidepressants.
Zoloft(SSRI) and Marijuana
Cannabis inhibits certain enzymes found in our liver that metabolize SSRI; this results in a higher concentration of the drug.
This combination is only moderately significant and is most likely to increase the side effects. Their combination can cause impaired judgments in patients and could trigger panic attacks.
Lexapro(SSRI) and Marijuana
Lexapro have a similar effect when used with cannabis; its best to avoid this combination as well. Additionally, it could, trigger mild hypomania.
Effexor(SNRI) and Cannabis
Effexor is a type of SNRI and involves a low to moderate rise in side effects.
Prozac(SNRI) and Cannabis
Prozac, in combination with marijuana, could increase side effects like drowsiness, confusion, and many patients might might it difficult to concentrate.
Conclusion:
Although, Studies suggest that the serotonergic system and the endocannabinoid system are closely linked with each other, and cannabinoids provide an essential regulatory control of serotonin receptors.
There is no such evidence that antidepressants and cannabis have a positive effect on patients.
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