Interactions Between Cannabis and Mirtazapine: A Personal Exploration

Introduction

As a long-term cannabis user who recently started taking mirtazapine for a mental health condition, I have observed several unique interactions between the two substances. In this article, I will share my personal experiences, insights, and concerns regarding potential interactions and side effects.

Background and Personal Experience

For the past seven years, I have been a heavy cannabis consumer, primarily using it to manage stress and improve my overall well-being. Recently, for the past three years, I have been taking mirtazapine as prescribed by my psychiatrist to address depression and anxiety. Surprisingly, the combination of cannabis and mirtazapine seemed to work well for me, except for the notable feeling of heightened tiredness.

When I took mirtazapine, I generally slept well and experienced a significant improvement in my appetite. However, in August, I had a sudden and severe experience that left me questioning whether it might be due to the combined use of these two substances. During this period, my legs started to feel tingly and numb, and the sensations spread throughout my body, making everyday activities like hugging and walking in crowded areas extremely challenging. I experienced dizziness, frequent falls, and heart palpitations, which lasted for about three weeks.

Second Major Incident

Fearing that the combination of cannabis and mirtazapine might be the culprit, I stopped smoking cannabis to see if the symptoms would improve. Unfortunately, the symptoms persisted even after halting cannabis use. Interestingly, the symptoms started again when I took time off work and stayed at home for two weeks. It was only after returning to work and resuming my usual activities that I gradually started to feel better.

I also had a boiler issue in my home, which was assumed to be causing carbon monoxide poisoning. However, the symptoms only affected me and not my family members, and the boiler issue was resolved after the chimney was fixed. Despite this, the doctor did not find a clear link between the symptoms and carbon monoxide poisoning, attributing the dizziness to rapid breathing causing carbon dioxide in the blood.

Investigation and Reflection

Given these complications, I sought medical advice from my psychiatrist. He acknowledged my cannabis use as a factor and advised against smoking, citing concerns from some individuals. My confusion lies in how my breathing, which only changed after the strange sensations began, could be the cause of such a reaction. Furthermore, experiencing a panic attack after resuming cannabis use three months later further complicated the situation.

These events have made me wary of resuming cannabis use, despite my desire to enjoy its benefits. The experience has taught me the importance of closely monitoring my body's response to different substances and seeking medical advice when necessary.

Conclusion

While the exact cause of my experience remains unclear, my case underscores the potential interactions between cannabis and mirtazapine, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and consulting medical professionals to ensure safe and effective management of mental health.

Key Takeaways

The combination of cannabis and mirtazapine can lead to unique side effects such as heightened tiredness and unexplained sensations. Potential interactions between cannabis and mirtazapine should be reviewed with a healthcare provider to ensure safe use. Physical symptoms like dizziness and heart palpitations may not always be linked to one's breathing or smoking habits, indicating the importance of comprehensive medical evaluation. For patients managing mental health conditions, it is crucial to be cautious with substances that may interact with prescribed medications.

Keywords

cannabis and mirtazapine drug interactions side effects carbon monoxide poisoning mental health