Is it possible to combine medical marijuana therapy with SSRIs?

Combining medical marijuana therapy with SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) is problematic because in many cases it is difficult for doctors to choose the right pharmacotherapy (m.in. due to the patient's symptoms), let alone combine it with cannabis drugs.

In addition, the cannabinoids in medical marijuana can increase the concentration of SSRIs in the body, which can cause or increase the severity of side effects associated with basic pharmacotherapy. However, if the dose of drugs and marijuana is properly selected, such a situation may not occur at all.

Studies conducted so far on medical marijuana and depression mainly include patients with drug-resistant depression that does not respond to pharmacological treatment, e.g. SSRIs, m.in. a study conducted in the USA in 2016 on the effects of medical marijuana on patients with depression showed that the subjects experienced a significant improvement in well-being and a reduction in most symptoms associated with depression. In addition, cannabis also benefited patients' sleep by making it easier to fall asleep and improving sleep quality.

In conclusion, the use of medical marijuana and antidepressants is possible, but requires individual adjustment of both therapies to the patient's symptoms. Close cooperation between doctor and patient is also important, as this is the only way to avoid serious side effects and achieve the best treatment results.

I also encourage you to read materials on similar topics:

https://www.gdziepolek.pl/artykuly/marihuana-z-apteki

https://www.gdziepolek.pl/artykuly/jak-wyglada-leczenie-marihuana-medyczna

https://www.gdziepolek.pl/artykuly/czym-rozni-sie-cbd-od-thc-marihuana-medyczna-olejki-cbd

https://www.gdziepolek.pl/blog/kiedy-medyczna-marihuana-wroci-do-aptek

Hello to all patients.
I decided to contribute to this topic. I have been an oncological patient since childhood – I suffer from bone cancer and numerous neoplastic degenerations. I am accompanied by very strong, chronic pain that prevents me from functioning normally.

As if that wasn't enough, I also struggle with the full spectrum of personality disorders, including PTSD, anxiety depression, and severe panic attacks.

I currently use medical marijuana along with other medications, such as: • paroxetine, • mirtazapine, • pregabalin, • oxcarbazepine (Oxepilax).

Previously, I used opioid drugs that interacted with other preparations. I have been taking medical marijuana for 2 years, every day, and I have never experienced any interactions with the medications listed. Due to cancer pain, I use quite high doses – on average 2 grams a day, divided into 2 or 4 portions.

I am satisfied with the whole therapy. After developing a tolerance to the drug, I do not feel excessive intoxication. However, a decrease in the concentration of the active substance in the body causes the cancer pain to recur, which disappears only after a few days, when the appropriate level of the substance in the blood is reached again.

I use an unusual combination of drugs that is rather not practiced unless someone has drug-resistant depression: paroxetine, sertraline, clonazepam, pregabalin, zolpidem and I have been treating myself with medical marijuana every day for 3 years. One doctor decided to combine two SSRIs, while others did not want to because of the risk of serotonin syndrome and increased side effects. Literally crumbs of herb are enough for me to feel the effect. Once a day in the evening is optimal use for me. If I consume more often, it weakens the effect of SSRIs in the following days. I've been treated with SSRIs for 20 years, so I have a high tolerance to these drugs, so it's probably my individual body reaction. I only use Indica-dominant strains, i.e. calming. On the other hand, stimulating sativa strains increase anxiety and anxiety for about 2 hours.

I used hemp preparations with a concentration of 22% THC combining them with sertraline and I didn't notice negative symptoms like in others it would work, I don't know