Marijuana and Zoloft – Can You Mix Them?

Zoloft is a commonly prescribed medication for anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc. It belongs to the SSRIs. Studies show that cannabis can also be helpful in fighting these mental health issues. And, you can legally buy and use cannabis products by getting a recommendation from an MMJ doctor New Jersey.

So, is it a good idea to replace Zoloft with marijuana? Can mixing both provide you better results? Let’s discuss in detail.

How Does Zoloft Work?

Zoloft (sertraline) is an antidepressant approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder in adults. It can help boost mood, quality of sleep, appetite, and energy levels. Many reports feeling less anxious and afraid after taking this drug.

Zoloft works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that’s linked to regulating mood. Since it’s associated with positive emotions, serotonin is often called a “feel-good” chemical.

The drug is available in tablet or liquid form. So, you can take the medication with or without food. Capsules are often taken with food. If you are using the liquid form of Zoloft, you need to mix it with beverages.

How much sertraline you should take depends on your condition. Talk to a licensed doctor to seek professional help regarding Zoloft dosing.

Zoloft Side-Effects

Although Zoloft provides various health benefits, it can lead to several side-effects, such as-

• Headache

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Aggression

• Chest pain

• Sleep problems

• Change in appetite

• Dry mouth

In some cases, Zoloft and other SSRIs can cause high levels of serotonin in the body. And, too much serotonin can lead to mild to severe health risks. Serotonin syndrome can also result in death.

What’s Marijuana & How Does it Work?

Marijuana is extracted from the cannabis plants. It’s available in various forms, such as flowers, concentrates, oils, topicals, etc. Thus, you can consume it in various ways, such as inhaling, ingesting, topical delivery, etc.

When you consume marijuana, its cannabinoids stimulate the endocannabinoid system—the complex cell-signaling system that regulates important functions such as mood, memory, sleep, etc. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds available in the cannabis plant. THC & CBD are the two major cannabinoids. Science says that phytocannabinoids mimic the functions of endocannabinoids produced by the system naturally.

Studies show that cannabis can be used for managing various conditions, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, etc. CBD is helpful in increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, thus improving mood and managing other symptoms of anxiety.

Additionally, cannabis can help accelerate the production of dopamine, thus activating the reward system of the brain. Lack of dopamine in the brain can lead to ADHD.

Recent research shows that 2-AG reduces anxiety-causing effects between the amygdala and frontal cortex regions of the brain. The endocannabinoid binds to the same receptors as THC.

There’s scientific evidence that short-term cannabis use can help reduce levels of anxiety and depression. But, over time, it can lead to worsening depression symptoms.

It’s important to note that different cannabis strains are packed with different concentrations of cannabinoids such as THC and CBD. So, you should check the label carefully when buying flowers, concentrates or other products.

Moreover, dosage and cannabis delivery methods play a vital role in the kind of therapeutic effects you receive. Talk to a licensed MMJ doctor in New Jersey, and get professional advice for using cannabis.

Marijuana Side-Effects

Marijuana use is linked to various side effects. The cannabis smoke contains a wide range of toxins and carcinogens, which are inhaled along with cannabinoids. In other words, smoking marijuana can lead to lung problems and other respiratory issues. According to the American Lung Association, smoke generated from cannabis combustion contains many of the same toxins as tobacco smoke.

THC can affect the brain’s frontal cortex region, thus causing consumers to make poor decisions. Additionally, it may impair one’s physical abilities, thus causing problems when performing regular activities.

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is another major side-effect associated with marijuana consumption. It can lead to a strong desire to use marijuana-infused products. CUD usually occurs by taking larger amounts of cannabis over a longer period.

Marijuana Interaction With Sertraline

Is it safe to consume cannabis while on Zoloft or other drugs?

Medical experts suggest that you should avoid mixing marijuana with Zoloft. It may worsen the side-effects (listed above) of the latter. This occurs due to the fact that cannabis inhibits certain enzymes, which metabolize Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. As a result, concentration of the drug in the blood increases, causing adverse reactions. That’s why doctors suggest avoiding mixing CBD with medications that come with a grapefruit warning.

Another concern is that both marijuana and Zoloft increase levels of serotonin in the brain. Thus, mixing the both can increase the risks of serotonin syndrome, thus leading to issues discussed above.

Moreover, there’s some speculation that marijuana and SSRIs interaction can increase the risks of hypomania.

So, don’t mix cannabis with Zoloft. In fact, it’s hard to determine the effects of each when combined. If you are currently on Zoloft, don’t start marijuana treatment on your own. Discuss your condition with a licensed MMJ doctor New Jersey, and seek professional help.

Final Thoughts

Both Zoloft and marijuana are beneficial in fighting anxiety, depression, panic attacks, etc. And, both are linked to side-effects. So, it’s necessary to learn how to use them appropriately.

Avoid mixing cannabis with sertraline. Marijuana Zoloft interaction can worsen the side-effects, cause serotonin syndrome, etc.

To use marijuana products legally, apply for a marijuana evaluation. With an MMJ card, you can save cannabis taxes and get age relaxations.

We at Online Medical Card have established a reputation as a trusted medical marijuana clinic. We have a team of 420 doctors who always ensure that patients get the best services. You can apply for a medical marijuana card in three simple steps-

• Fill a simple form online

• Talk to an MMJ doctor in New Jersey via video call

• Receive your recommendation letter via email

Source: https://mdganja.com/blog/marijuana-and-zoloft-can-you-mix-them/