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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 20 of 20. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by alexa on May 11, 2001, at 14:42:35
Ok, so what's the deal with pot in the mix with the above mention medicinal cocktail?
Anyone have any notion?
I've been aggrivated lately and have been delving into weed.
I appreciate any and all comments.
Thank you,
Alexa
Posted by Ann NY on May 11, 2001, at 15:39:22
In reply to Pot and Bipolar,Topomax/Effexor/Seroquel/Klonopin, posted by alexa on May 11, 2001, at 14:42:35
My psychiatrist, who I love, says it's O.K. to smoke pot while on Effexor (although she "would never recommend smoking pot"). I'd be careful the the other drugs. I know pot is a bad mix with certian drugs.
> Ok, so what's the deal with pot in the mix with the above mention medicinal cocktail?
>
> Anyone have any notion?
>
> I've been aggrivated lately and have been delving into weed.
>
>
> I appreciate any and all comments.
>
>
> Thank you,
>
>
> Alexa
Posted by stjames on May 11, 2001, at 17:22:11
In reply to Pot and Bipolar,Topomax/Effexor/Seroquel/Klonopin, posted by alexa on May 11, 2001, at 14:42:35
Even if you just take Klonopin at night it is a long acting benzo and pot potentates all benzos, in some the amount of potentation is exponantial
(not 2 times stronger but 2 X 2 or 2 X 2 X 2 times stronger) So I would first try it at home when you have some time to sleep and see how it effects you.James
Posted by SalArmy4me on May 11, 2001, at 19:01:23
In reply to Pot and Bipolar,Topomax/Effexor/Seroquel/Klonopin, posted by alexa on May 11, 2001, at 14:42:35
Not that I don't want you to have a good time, but you must know the risk of cannabis, especially in bipolar disorder:
JOHNS, ANDREW. Psychiatric effects of cannabis+. British Journal of Psychiatry. 178:116-122, February 2001.
"...An appreciable proportion of cannabis users report adverse effects, including psychotic states following heavy consumption, and regular users are at risk of dependence. People with major mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder are especially vulnerable in that cannabis generally provokes relapse and aggravates existing symptoms..."Also: http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Psychosis-from-long-term-m.html
Posted by alexa on May 15, 2001, at 0:40:14
In reply to Cannabis use in bipolar » alexa, posted by SalArmy4me on May 11, 2001, at 19:01:23
Is there anyone else that casually smokes pot with their illness and has some feedback for me?
Posted by Nichole on May 15, 2001, at 2:22:14
In reply to Pot Smoking - Anyone Else?, posted by alexa on May 15, 2001, at 0:40:14
Oh brother.
What is wrong with you people?
Methadone, heroin, other opiates... now pot...
AND YOU REALLY WONDER WHY YOUR AREN'T GETTING BETTER????????? This shit is really just common sense. Good lord.
Posted by Dr. Bob on May 15, 2001, at 11:19:43
In reply to Re: Pot Smoking - Anyone Else? » alexa, posted by Nichole on May 15, 2001, at 2:22:14
> What is wrong with you people?
The idea is to be supportive here, so I'm going to try to block you from posting.
Bob
PS: Any follow-ups regarding civility or being blocked, if not redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration, may be deleted.
Posted by alexa on May 15, 2001, at 13:15:05
In reply to Re: blocked from posting » Nichole, posted by Dr. Bob on May 15, 2001, at 11:19:43
What I'd like to know is if smoking Pot is a detriment on a sporadic basis for a biplolar person. My psychiatrist didn't seem to have any detrimental words toward it and I wanted to see what the consenses was here on the board is. That's all. I know that it is illegal. I have a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and am working in Aerospace full-time for the last ten years. But, sometimes the angst of the regiment of this illness gets to me as well as some of my other social situations and I succumb to the ease of escapism of the narcotics- though, not the heavy-duty ones. I don't abuse alcohol, and haven't tried any other drugs.
I sincerely would like other positive or negative feedback about experience from others. That's all.
Sincerely,Alexa
Posted by JahL on May 15, 2001, at 16:32:37
In reply to Pot Smoking - Anyone Else?, posted by alexa on May 15, 2001, at 0:40:14
> Is there anyone else that casually smokes pot with their illness and has some feedback for me?
Hi alexa.
It's not you that's blocked :-)
Due to my illness I am a heavy-duty smoker. During the day it quells my agitation/temper & at night it's the *only* thing that gets me to sleep.
I have taken it with 25+ meds, including all those you mention except Topomax, & there's never been (to my knowledge!) any kind of adverse interaction. Also, I'm fairly sure pot doesn't have any deleterious effect upon my depression; *certainly* no more than certain ill-prescribed ADs I could mention....
In fact I would go stir-crazy w/o Mary; I need something to 'fill the hole' (if you understand) & I don't touch the heavier stuff these days.
Just ask if you wanna know more.
J.
(DISCLAIMER-sigh-I do not in any way endorse marijuana use %-) )
Posted by alexa on May 15, 2001, at 17:56:43
In reply to Re: Pot Smoking - Anyone Else? » alexa, posted by JahL on May 15, 2001, at 16:32:37
Thank you for your feedback. I know several people with depression and other illnesses who do smoke pot on a casual basis and I was positive that I could have a civil discussion with some civil people here on the board. For me, I've only smoked it three times so far, and it was a brief escape from thinking that I wasn't normal. It was different than alcohol in that I felt more mellow. But, I did feel an interaction with my medication because unknowingly I'd just taken some klonopin and hadn't expected to smoke the weed. So my head was swimming. On the other two occassions, it was different and I felt happy and alleviated from pressure and stress.
There are alot of pot smokers out there and taking them with their meds. I know of several in my small world.
Thanks for your input,
Sincerely,Alexa
Posted by MorganW on May 15, 2001, at 17:56:44
In reply to Who is being blocked? Is Pot a detriment Dr.? » Dr. Bob, posted by alexa on May 15, 2001, at 13:15:05
Alexa,
It was Nichole that was blocked... so don't worry. :-) I have no experience with it.. but my best friend is bi polar.. on many meds.. and she smokes before bed so she can sleep the night through. She claims it's the only thing that helps her nightime agitation. If that helps any. I've never, nor has she.... noticed it interacting in a negative way with her meds... tho that's not to say it doesn't.
Posted by JahL on May 15, 2001, at 18:47:14
In reply to Re: Pot Smoking - Anyone Else?, posted by alexa on May 15, 2001, at 17:56:43
> > I was positive that I could have a civil discussion with some civil people here on the board.
I think it was SLS or Cam who recently expressed their disappointment at the decline in informed, interactive dialogue here. All sorts used to be *discussed* here (some of it of a v. technical nature).
> > There are alot of pot smokers out there and taking them with their meds. I know of several in my small world.
I think the 'uninitiated' would be shocked @ how prevalent pot *use* is. I guess people don't advertise the fact they indulge in "illegal" activity (in the UK the criminalisation of pot has alienated a whole generation, which seems to have become distinctly anti-establishment because of this, amongst other things).
I only know about 2 people under the age of 35 who don't at least occasionally indulge, & I know people from all walks of life.
J.
Posted by alexa on May 16, 2001, at 10:42:59
In reply to Re: Pot Smoking » alexa, posted by JahL on May 15, 2001, at 18:47:14
>
> > > There are alot of pot smokers out there and taking them with their meds. I know of several in my small world.
>
> I think the 'uninitiated' would be shocked @ how prevalent pot *use* is. I guess people don't advertise the fact they indulge in "illegal" activity (in the UK the criminalisation of pot has alienated a whole generation, which seems to have become distinctly anti-establishment because of this, amongst other things).
>
> I only know about 2 people under the age of 35 who don't at least occasionally indulge, & I know people from all walks of life.
>
> J.
I agree with you that there are probably alot of people here who probably don't want to disclose their pot use. But, I'm sure that they must know of others who have illnesses and are smoking it. I would like to know how it affects their illnesses.
Thanks for your insight,
Alexa
Posted by Cece on May 17, 2001, at 2:15:05
In reply to Re: Pot Smoking , posted by alexa on May 16, 2001, at 10:42:59
Hi Alexa-
For many years, quite a number of years ago, before I was in treatment for my bipolar II, I was "addicted" to pot, and also to alcohol. I know that pot isn't addictive in the true medical sense of the word, but I was hooked- I would smoke every day, then say "shit, I don't really want to feel like this, I can't wait until it wears off", and then as soon as it wore off I would smoke more. At first I felt that it enhanced my creativity, but eventually it was hell. I also drank every night, alone- I see now that I was quelling my hypomania- getting drunk and incapacitated forced me to stop.
For several years I went to AA and stopped both drinking and smoking, which was a great relief. Once I got the overload of pot out of my system I found that my emotional lability calmed down, and that I felt physically stronger. After a few years of treatment for my BP, I found that I could drink alcohol in extreme moderation (I know that you weren't really asking about alcohol, but indulge me- it's part of my story)- Neurontin seemed to quell my desire to drink compulsively, plus I had broken the compulsive habit through 6 years of abstinence. My pdoc said that other patients had reported similar effects from Neurontin. I only smoked pot once in a blue moon when I was around it and in the mood. Mostly, I had lost interest.
A few months ago, I started dating a guy who smokes pot regularly, and I tried it again. What I've found is that I enjoy it in private, especially for sex, but don't enjoy going out in the world stoned- I don't communicate well, and get very self-conscious. I don't seem to notice any interaction with any of my meds, and I am on a lot of them. So, I'm now able to enjoy both alcohol and pot, in moderation, without any desire to get totally blitzed. But having been an abuser in the past, I do keep an eye on myself- the last thing I want is to sink into that hellhole again. My illness provides me with its own share of hellholes- even with good treatment.
I guess like with meds, we all react somewhat differently, and need to be our own observers. Clearly, pot helps some people with all sorts of problems, physical and psychological. And now, for me, it provides an entertaining change in reality. But I also know, that for some of us, it has the potential to be a trap, and I respect its power.
Has this been at all helpful? I hope so. You seem to be an intelligent and honest person, and I wish you all the best.
Cece
Posted by Ginger on May 18, 2001, at 9:46:31
In reply to Re: Pot Smoking - Anyone Else? » alexa, posted by Nichole on May 15, 2001, at 2:22:14
Sorry, Nichole, but I think common sense is knowing that you can't possibly place marijuana in the same group of drugs as heroin, methadone, and/or any other opiate. Plus, marijuana is not an opiate, it's a psychedelic. There is a huge difference. The government may have a "Class A" stamp on both heroin and marijuana, but they are far from being in the same class. Anyone who is truly informed on the subject knows that. Heroin use can be deadly. Marijuana also is not physically addictive, but heroin is. Also, I've never in my life heard of anyone dying from a marijuana overdose. Have you? I'm not talking about cancer as a result of years of usage, I mean an actual drug overdose.
If you were to do some research, you would find that science has shown that the effects of alcohol are worse than marijuana. For that matter, a cigarette is more damaging to a person than a joint is.
Finally, marijuana is 100% natural and is native to our planet. Quite frankly, I see it as a gift from God or as a gift from the earth, whichever way you can relate to best. There's a reason why marijuana had been considered sacred amongst the spiritual leaders of certain native american indian tribes.
I personally don't buy into the hype surrounding 'good' drugs vs. 'bad' drugs. People have good and bad relationships with drugs, no matter is it's a 'good' drug, i.e. prescription drug, or 'bad' drug, i.e. a street drug. They're all drugs. All drugs have side effects and possible adverse reactions, end of story. Unbiased, objective information and education is the key to being able to make a sound, informed decision about any type of drug use or non-use. I am not a drug advocate, but I am certainly an advocate of objective information.
You have the right to personally think or feel that smoking marijuana is wrong and I would defend you on that. However, I think its wrong for you to push your morals onto others and deliberately try to make people feel bad, guilty, or worse than they may already be feeling, especially if you haven't checked your facts. This site is full of concerned people who are reaching out for information and support. May I suggest that next time, you try being a little more constructive with your critisims.
Posted by JahL on May 18, 2001, at 10:47:38
In reply to Re: Pot Smoking - Anyone Else?, posted by Ginger on May 18, 2001, at 9:46:31
> Finally, marijuana is 100% natural and is native to our planet. Quite frankly, I see it as a gift from God or as a gift from the earth, whichever way you can relate to best. There's a reason why marijuana had been considered sacred amongst the spiritual leaders of certain native american indian tribes.Nice post. As my favourite comedian once said: "how can they [govt.] call NATURE UNNATURAL? It_makes_no _f*cking_sense."
Like you, I think it is easy to for one to generalise their personal experiences for everyone (& we all do it at times). People (myself included) must constantly remind themselves of the concept of heterogeneity.
j
Posted by September on February 15, 2003, at 22:58:04
In reply to Re: Pot » Ginger, posted by JahL on May 18, 2001, at 10:47:38
I'm 15 and haven't tried pot... I plan to sometime soon... I'm diagnosed with clinical depression from a chemical imbalance... but I beleive I'm bi-polar. Anyway, I was wondering if pot would interfere with my medication, I take Zoloft, 50 mg doses (I think it needs to be increased or I need to switch to something else). If anyone could get back to me on this, it'd be much appreciated.
Posted by bozeman on February 16, 2003, at 16:48:28
In reply to Does pot lessen the effects of Zoloft?, posted by September on February 15, 2003, at 22:58:04
> I'm 15 and haven't tried pot... I plan to sometime soon... I'm diagnosed with clinical depression from a chemical imbalance... but I beleive I'm bi-polar. Anyway, I was wondering if pot would interfere with my medication, I take Zoloft, 50 mg doses (I think it needs to be increased or I need to switch to something else). If anyone could get back to me on this, it'd be much appreciated.
>>
Marijuana (and alcohol, for that matter) is a depressant, it will have a "depressant" effect on your CNS . . . the therapeutic effect of Zoloft is usually intended to "counteract" depression . . .
Posted by Dysfunk on February 17, 2003, at 13:01:37
In reply to Re: Does pot lessen the effects of Zoloft? » September, posted by bozeman on February 16, 2003, at 16:48:28
I agree- you get an initial high from pot, but the lows afterwards are much more difficult for a depressed person. I should know. I spent my entire high school years high, self-medicating I guess. When I wasn't high, I was so depressed, that per se, but it is possible to enjoy the high times so much that you never want to stop. The feeling is addictive. Be careful if you are Bipolar September....you could just make things worse. The same goes for alcohol.
Posted by Sandra Lynn on August 9, 2003, at 9:27:39
In reply to Re: Does pot lessen the effects of Zoloft? » September, posted by bozeman on February 16, 2003, at 16:48:28
i recently found out that my ex-boyfriend. is bi-polar (type I). he is currently on zoloft, and now lithum. while we were going out i noticed his additude change once he started using pot on a regular basis. when we started dating he was happy, which i now see was probally one of his mood of elation, but his lows didnt seem as low as they are now. im no Dr. but i think it his lows are magnified ten-fold after his pot smoking. HIs parents found out about the pot smoking and now randomly test him. and his mood has been getting better. my question is how can i help him? or is there anyway for me to help him get back to a normal mood or do you just have to wait it out?
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