Antidepressants and other drugs that aim to raise serotonin levels in the brain can occasionally result in serotonin syndrome, a condition known as the “feel-good hormone” or serotonin excess. It is always advised to consult with a MMJ card doctor before you start consuming marijuana for medical purposes.
However, what about marijuana usage? Does marijuana have the same potential to cause serotonin syndrome as certain antidepressants? Thankfully, there is very little chance that cannabis use alone will result in this illness.
Serotonin syndrome risk may rise if it is taken with other medications that are known to release or block serotonin reuptake, such as antidepressants, stimulants, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Acute tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) toxicity can present with symptoms similar to serotonin syndrome, including “dilated pupils, rigidity in both lower extremities, and clonus (involuntary muscle contractions) in both feet after inhaling the vapor of a highly potent form of marijuana.” But in contrast to serotonin syndrome, THC toxicity is not as harmful.
What is Serotonin Syndrome?
A serious adverse drug reaction known as “serotonin syndrome” is brought on by drugs that raise serotonin levels in the body. One alternative term for serotonin syndrome is “serotonin toxicity.” The following drugs are the most common ones that cause serotonin syndrome:
- SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox, also a sigma-1 receptor agonist), escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva, Brisdelle), sertraline (Zoloft), and other antidepressants are included.
- Inhibitors of serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake (SNRIs). comprises antidepressants such as venlafaxine (Effexor XR), levomilnacipran (Fetzima), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). Venlafaxine and duloxetine prescriptions are also written for anxiety and chronic pain.
- Tricyclic antidepressants. What are they? comprises the following medications: imipramine (Tofranil), lofepramine (Gamanil), amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), dosulepin/dothiepin (Prothiaden), and nortriptyline (Pamelor). Neuropathic pain (pain in the nerves) may also be treated with TCAs.
- Inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAOIs). A potent class of antidepressants that stop serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine from being broken down in the brain. MAOIs include tranylcypromine (Parnate), selegiline (Emsam), phenelzine (Nardil), and isocarboxazid (Marplan).
- Some types of migraine drugs. In particular, agonists of the serotonin receptor such as imitrex (triptan) and sumatriptan.
- Drugs for ADHD. Include other stimulants like methylphenidate (Ritalin) and amphetamine-based Adderall and Mydayis (equal parts amphetamine and dextroamphetamine).
- Opioids in the phenylpiperidine series. Includes methadone (Dolophine, Methadose), meperidine (Demerol), fentanyl (Actiq, Duragesic, Fentora, Sublimaze), and tramadol (Ultram).
- Analogues of morphine. Comprises codeine (Nalex and paracetamol-codeine combinations like co-codamol) and oxycodone (OxyContin).
- Illegal stimulants are drugs. It consists of amphetamine, methamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA).
- Psychedelic drugs. It consists of diethylamide lysergic acid (LSD). This is uncommon, though, and usually happens when taking other medications.
Symptoms
Serotonin syndrome symptoms include:
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Delirium
- Headache
- Agitation or restlessness
- Muscle twitching and involuntary muscle contractions (spasms)
- Loss of coordination
- Sweating
- Shivering
- High body temperatures
- Increased heart rate
- Raised blood pressure (hypertension)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Serotonin syndrome shares several symptoms with THC overdose. It is unlikely, though, that THC by itself will result in serotonin syndrome. It’s interesting to note that long-term use of cannabis with high THC content may blunt dopamine and serotonin receptors.
Serotonin syndrome is frequently treated with benzodiazepines, which include diazepam (Valium), because of their sedative properties.
Causes
The most common cause of serotonin syndrome is medication that either increases the body’s production of serotonin or blocks serotonin receptors’ ability to absorb serotonin.
Combining drugs that raise serotonin levels in the body—such as an antidepressant and a migraine medication—usually results in the condition. Serotonin syndrome is more likely to occur when one or more serotonin-inducing medications are taken at higher dosages. Adding cannabis or cannabidiol (CBD) to the mix may also make it more likely.
Potential Dangers
One serious side effect of some medications is serotonin syndrome. Serotonin excess manifests as mild symptoms like diarrhea and shivering or severe symptoms like muscle rigidity, fever, and seizures.
If treatment for severe serotonin syndrome is not received, coma and death may result. Consult a physician if you encounter any of the aforementioned symptoms.
Can Marijuana Lead to Serotonin Syndrome?
It is improbable that serotonin syndrome can be brought on just by cannabis use. However, when cannabis is taken in conjunction with high doses of antidepressants or medications from the tryptamine class for migraines, there is an increased risk of serotonin toxicity.
Potential Benefits
Your risk of serotonin syndrome can be decreased by using medical cannabis to cut back on your use of antidepressants or painkillers for conditions like migraines or nerve pain.
Potential Risks
Toxic effects are more likely when cannabis is combined with high doses of medications that raise serotonin levels in the body and brain.
What to Do If You Need to Use Cannabis and Antidepressants Together
Despite the rarity of serotonin syndrome, it is still worthwhile to substitute or lower your antidepressant intake if you use medical cannabis for anxiety or depression. This will help to minimize negative side effects like agitation, oversedation, and dizziness.
Additionally, moderate cannabis use can help to lessen some of the side effects of antidepressant use, like headaches, nausea, and appetite loss.
Final Words!
Thankfully, the human body tolerates both SSRIs and medical cannabis well. Serotonin syndrome is still an uncommon occurrence, even though it is still advisable to minimize SSRI consumption if you use medical cannabis.
On the other hand, people who take stronger antidepressants, certain kinds of migraine drugs, or stimulants should exercise caution if they also use medical marijuana because serotonin syndrome is more likely to occur. Ultimately, before taking prescription drugs with marijuana, it is advisable to discuss them with your doctor if you are taking any, especially antidepressants.
In your home state, apply for the cheapest medical marijuana card. The online clinic at Online MMJ Sacramento is now open and available to provide you with helpful advice while you proceed with the application process.
