Zoloft is a prescription drug used for treating depression, panic disorder, PTSD, and OCD.
Studies say that marijuana is effective in managing these medical conditions. The herb is now legal in more than 30 US states. And, you can legally access dispensaries in your state by getting a medical marijuana card.
How do Zoloft & cannabis work?
What happens if you take both the drugs together?
Will you experience better effects?
Are there any risks?
Let’s find out.
Table of Contents
What is Zoloft & How Does it Work?
Zoloft (Sertraline) is an FDA-approved SSRI for panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults. This drug may help in improving mood, sleep, appetite, etc., thus prompting mental health.
It’s believed that SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that affects mood, sleep and emotion.
Zoloft and other SSRIs block the reabsorption of serotonin; thus more chemicals are available to transfer signals between nerve cells. Reduced levels of serotonin may cause depression & related mental illnesses.
Zoloft is available in tablet and liquid form. Use this medicine daily in the morning or evening. You can take it with or without food.
The amount of medication you should take depends on the severity of your medical condition. An overdose of Zoloft may lead to nausea or vomiting.
Moreover, Zoloft can cause sexual problems. Research says that about 25 percent of the men who take an SSRI experience erectile dysfunction.
Follow your doctor’s dosing guidelines to avoid any unpleasant side-effects.
What is Marijuana & How Does it Work?
Marijuana, also called herb, pot, etc., is dried flowers of the cannabis sativa plant. Most of the patients consume marijuana through smoking and vaping. However, the herb is available in various other forms such as edibles, tinctures, oils and topicals.
Related- Different Methods to Consume Medical Marijuana [Explained]
Marijuana contains a wide range of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD. THC is a mind-altering chemical that provides intoxicating effects. It attaches to the brain receptors that control various bodily functions.
In other words, THC changes the way brain receptors communicate in the body. Effects of THC are immediate if you inhale cannabis while it takes longer to reach the bloodstream if you eat marijuana.
THC and anandamide have the same chemical structure. It can mimic the functions of the latter—binding to receptors and releasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine. This helps in improving cognitive function.
In 2016, researchers at McGill University evaluated the effects of cannabis use regularly and occasionally. They discovered that marijuana helped in managing depression symptoms. They reported that low-THC doses helped produce serotonin, but high-THC doses worsened the depression symptoms.
Marijuana’s non-psychoactive cannabinoid CBD has potential antidepressant properties. Some animal studies suggest that CBD may impact serotonin receptors, thus producing antidepressant effects.
According to a 2018 study, CBD’s antidepressant effect depends on the serotonin levels. The cannabinoid doesn’t appear to alter levels of serotonin. But, it affects the way the brain responds to serotonin available in your body.
Want to learn more about CBD oil? Check out the following video-
Research says that the ratio and concentration of THC and CBD play a key role in marijuana’s effects on the body and mind. So, make sure you check THC and CBD content in cannabis products carefully before buying them.
Marijuana Side-Effects
When you smoke cannabis, THC enters the bloodstream through the lungs. Studies show that the marijuana smoke contains a wide range of carcinogens, which increase the risks of lung cancer.
Moreover, THC can impair coordination, brain development and functionality. If you take high doses, it can lead to hallucination or anxiety.
Other side-effects associated with marijuana use are-
- Change in mood
- Memory loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
To avoid these risks, you should learn how to use cannabis for managing your medical condition. Choose the right strains, doses and consumption methods.
Related- How to Use Medical Marijuana? [Quick Tips]
Marijuana as an Alternative to Zoloft
Is it a good idea to replace Zoloft with medical marijuana?
Zoloft and other antidepressants help reduce anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. But, they cause side-effects such as low libido, headaches, vomiting, etc.
On the other hand, cannabis can be used as an effective treatment for anxiety, depression etc. It helps improve mood, memory, sleep and various other bodily functions by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. As discussed above, marijuana causes various side-effects; but you can avoid them by taking the right strains and doses.
We suggest you avoid self-medicating with cannabis. Talk to your doctor before starting cannabis treatment or replacing Zoloft with it.
Combining Marijuana And Zoloft
Both are effective for anxiety and other mental illnesses. Will combining marijuana and Zoloft provide you better effects?
Medical researchers believe that taking different substances together may cause adverse effects.
Also, you can’t determine the effects of different drugs when you mix them.
So, we suggest you avoid combining cannabis with Zoloft or other medications.
If you are on Zoloft or other medications, don’t start cannabis treatment before consulting a licensed doctor.
Bottom Line
Marijuana and Zoloft help fight anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, etc. Cannabis contains cannabinoids that bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, thus altering various functions. Zoloft works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.
Combining cannabis and Zoloft may cause adverse effects. So, avoid taking both the substances together. Take one substance at a time and monitor its effects instead. This way, you are able to distinguish the effects of each treatment. Talk to your doctor if you need professional help.
To access medical marijuana legally, get a doctor’s recommendation. Medical Marijuana Card Riverside can help you apply for your 420 evaluations online. Here’s the process-
- Sign up for an account online
- See a doctor via video call
- Receive your doctor-signed recommendation letter via email
