Side Effects from Combining SSRIs and Marijuana
Research specific to combining Zoloft and weed or marijuana is limited. However, related studies have been done of the effects of marijuana on two other SSIRs, escitalopram and citalopram, and are comparative in scope and context.
The research concluded that combining these SSRIs with medical marijuana resulted in higher blood plasma levels of the SSRI. The side effects of both marijuana and SSRIs include cognitive impairment and sedation, and others, but in combination, these side effects can be amplified.5
Side Effects of Zoloft Alone
Let’s look at the Zoloft side effects listed on the drug’s label.6
Common side effects of Zoloft can include:
Increased suicidality (see black box warning on the label)- Activation of mania or hypomania (hypomania means shorter duration or intensity of mania symptoms)
- Tremors
- Nausea, vomiting
- Gastrointestinal dysfunction, i.e., constipation, diarrhea, and appetite changes
- Loss of sexual function or interest
- Abdominal pain
- Heart palpitations
- Visual impairment
- Fatigue, somnolence
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis)
Side Effects of Marijuana Alone
Now let’s look at the side effects of marijuana/THC products like weed, vaping, dabs, edibles, etc.
Documented side effects of marijuana can include:
Psychosis- Symptoms of schizophrenia
- Anxiety, paranoia
- Mood disorders
- Impaired brain function – loss of 2 points per year of IQ with continued marijuana usage 9
- Cardiovascular risks
- Addiction
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Risk of serotonin syndrome when consumed at high levels
Notably, THC is a fat-soluble molecule that accumulates in the tissues of the body and is slow to clear. Repeated usage over a period of time will elevate THC levels cumulatively inside the body, residing in the fatty tissues. The solid components of the brain are 60% fat according to clinical research published in the Taiwanese Journal of Neurology.10
Accumulations of fat-soluble toxins can be seen as a risk to brain health. ATMC recognizes this potential risk and treats it with safe and gentle neurotoxin removal techniques.
What About Interactions Between Medical Marijuana and Prescription Medication?
There have been studies showing small to moderate benefits of medical marijuana (typically very low THC content) for chronic pain and relief of nausea in chemotherapy patients.
However, studies show cases where medical marijuana use can interact with conventional medications like the SSRI Zoloft, and many others. This can result in unpredictable symptom presentation, affect the plasma levels of the medication, and cause other undesirable cross-effects during a treatment using conventional drugs in combination with medical marijuana. Please review the research below the article for a greater understanding of these drug-drug interactions.1,2,4,5,7
More About Serotonin Syndrome
While rare, included here is a description of serotonin syndrome. This is a reaction that occurs when serotonin is released at toxically high levels. This life-threatening condition can be brought on by combining two or more serotonergic substances. Zoloft is serotonergic, and so is weed. The risk is therefore heightened, just as it is when two types of SSRIs are taken together. Serotonin syndrome is also known as serotonin toxicity.11
Serotonin syndrome requires emergency treatment as it can be life-threatening if left untreated. Be aware of the signs of serotonin syndrome, and take necessary action to ensure the safety of anyone who is combining two serotonergic agents, such as Zoloft and weed. Any serotonergic medications, drugs, or herbals like St John’s Wort taken together, can be especially risky especially in high quantities or for long durations of time.12
Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome include:
Sudden high fever, up to 106 deg. or higher- Flushing
- Agitation
- Mental confusion
- Hallucinations
- Sensitivity to light
- Elevated heart rate, hypertension
- Akathisia
- Pupil dilation
- Tremor
- Rigid muscles
These symptoms may not all present, and some may be milder or more intense than others. Just be aware that if these are observed, medical attention is needed on an immediate basis. Call for an ambulance and take the person to the emergency room without delay.
How ATMC Can Help
If you are struggling with cannabis use, interactions between drugs like weed and Zoloft, or have other concerns you’d like to talk to us about, please contact us. We are happy to provide all the resources possible to help find the solutions and end the suffering for you or for your loved one.
Call to speak with our team today!
Related Reading: Why Cannabis May Cause Psychosis in Some People
Weed usually refers to recreational dried cannabis that is smoked. The psychoactive effects come from the THC content. As mentioned, weed is serotonergic, contributing to the euphoric effects. But with serotonin at high levels, paranoia and anxiety can result.
