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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Caleb462 on September 3, 2003, at 2:43:28
Does anyone know or have any experience with this? Could regular use of cannabis prevent the theraputic effects of an anti-depressant? I ask because I'm in my 3rd week on Nardil, but I've also just learned I really, really, really like pot.
Any studies? Ancedotal reports?
I kind of doubt cannabis would have a negative effect on the changing in brain function in response to long-term anti-depressant therapy, but you never know... and I don't wanna screw anything up.
Posted by crushedout on September 3, 2003, at 9:15:40
In reply to Regular use of cannabis and anti-depressants, posted by Caleb462 on September 3, 2003, at 2:43:28
I've been a heavy pot-smoker for a long time and I just started taking anti-depressants a few months ago. I've found that I'm doing really well despite the pot, which tends to depress me, but doesn't nearly as much as it used to now that I'm on meds. I'm also finding that I need to smoke pot less and less the better I feel. But I still enjoy it, and I highly doubt that it interferes with the meds, although it certainly does have emotional consequences independent of the meds (i.e., a tendency towards lethargy and depression, which can be somewhat debilitating if you do too much).
> Does anyone know or have any experience with this? Could regular use of cannabis prevent the theraputic effects of an anti-depressant? I ask because I'm in my 3rd week on Nardil, but I've also just learned I really, really, really like pot.
>
> Any studies? Ancedotal reports?
>
> I kind of doubt cannabis would have a negative effect on the changing in brain function in response to long-term anti-depressant therapy, but you never know... and I don't wanna screw anything up.
Posted by Eddie Sylvano on September 3, 2003, at 9:17:27
In reply to Regular use of cannabis and anti-depressants, posted by Caleb462 on September 3, 2003, at 2:43:28
> I kind of doubt cannabis would have a negative effect on the changing in brain function in response to long-term anti-depressant therapy, but you never know... and I don't wanna screw anything up.
----------I've never seen any studies done on the topic either. Considering the acknowledgement by the medical community that depressives are more likely to smoke, it's kind of surprising.
Looking at the literature on the NIH site, most of the studies assert (roughly) that
1)Smoking pot is correlated to depression
2)People who smoke pot are more likely to do other drugs
3)ADHD types like to smoke pot.
None of these claims really surprise me. If you're depressed, you're less likely to care about any negative effects of pot, and if it makes you feel better, you'll probably do it. If you smoke pot, you probably have to buy it from a dealer. Dealers often sell other drugs, so it makes sense that some smokers will buy them as well (it's convenient), while those who aren't currently smoking (or doing hard drugs) don't have access to a dealer, and are less likely to use drugs. ADHD types are chronically bored, and will do plenty of 'deviant' activities to keep life interesting.
As far as addressing issues of concern to actual pot smokers, there just isn't much research. the only info I could find on drug interactions were several spot reports of potential issues involving tricyclics, one involving a manic episode occuring in a smoker on prozac, and one report concluding that Wellbutrin isn't a good drug for pot cessation.
Now, I've smoked for about 3 years while on various drugs (serzone/effexor/celexa/imipramine) and didn't have any problems. I also had periods of abstainence during that time in order to see if there was indeed any difference (usually 2 months), and found little change. That's just me, though. Plenty of other people on the board here will tell you that it gave them panic attacks, or whatnot. As a side note, I've quit once again at the request of my pdoc, and I'll probably stay off (with occasional exceptions). After a while, the novelty wears off some, and it's a kinda pricey habit. Keep your usage light, and you'll get the most benefit.
Posted by Sebastian on September 3, 2003, at 20:13:05
In reply to Regular use of cannabis and anti-depressants, posted by Caleb462 on September 3, 2003, at 2:43:28
Cannabis will prolong the anti-depressant efect as long as you are smoking. I did this for years. Finaly gave it up 2 years ago. Now I am getting better and can start coming down on some of my medicine. In fact it was probably the cannabis that made me need the medicine in the first place. I think it will produce long term therapy. Studies prove pot to be a deppresant, while anti-depressants to be a _____.
Sebastian
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on September 4, 2003, at 17:55:08
In reply to Regular use of cannabis and anti-depressants, posted by Caleb462 on September 3, 2003, at 2:43:28
The only problem I could foresee with this combination (aside from the obvious pulmonary effects of smoking) is that the marijuana amotivational syndrome could greatly intensify the apathy caused by most serotonergic antidepressants. But, taking an MAOI, I assume you're not having that side effect. So, in a nutshell... smoke on! :-)
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