{"formatVersion":"1.1","id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants","path":"/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants","title":"Cannabis and Antidepressants","family":"Library detail","description":"Using cannabis while taking antidepressants carries many risks, including reducing the effects of the medication and increasing the likelihood of side effects.","language":"en-US","access":{"audience":"custom-shared-preview","indexable":true},"provenance":{"sourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.com/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants","wordpressId":"396","contentCompleteness":"complete","dateScope":"original-source"},"authors":[{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jill-sensenig#person","name":"Jill Sensenig","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jill-sensenig"}],"reviewer":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair#person","name":"Morgan Blair","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair"},"dates":{"datePublished":"2023-02-23T09:05:25Z","dateModified":"2025-08-22T18:14:12Z","lastReviewed":"2023-02-23"},"content":{"html":"<nav class=\"breadcrumbs\" aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\"><ol><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/\">Home</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library\">Library</a></li><li><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/substance-use-disorders\">Substance Use Disorders</a></li><li><span aria-current=\"page\">Cannabis and Antidepressants</span></li></ol></nav><div class=\"article-page article-standard\" data-library-standard><div class=\"article-main-grid\"><header class=\"article-heading\"><h1>Cannabis and Antidepressants</h1><p class=\"article-inline-credits\"><span>Written by <a class=\"article-credit-person\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jill-sensenig\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3067.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" loading=\"lazy\">Jill Sensenig</a></span><span>Medically reviewed by <a class=\"article-credit-person\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3070.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"22\" height=\"22\" loading=\"lazy\">Morgan Blair</a></span></p><div class=\"article-dates\"><span>Published on <time datetime=\"2023-02-23T09:05:25Z\">February 23, 2023</time></span><span aria-hidden=\"true\"> · </span><span>Updated on <time datetime=\"2025-08-22T18:14:12Z\">August 22, 2025</time></span></div></header><div class=\"article-jumpbar\"></div><div class=\"article-layout\"><div class=\"article-reading\"><article class=\"prose\" id=\"article-content\"><div class=\"article-intro\" data-source-field=\"hero\"><p>Millions of Americans take antidepressants, regarded as the first-line treatment for depression and other mental health conditions such as anxiety <sup>[1]</sup>, and millions of Americans also use cannabis. The CDC estimated that 48.2 million Americans used cannabis in 2019. <sup><a href=\"#antipsychotic-antidepressant-use-expenses-united-states-between-2013-2018\" aria-label=\"Reference 2\" class=\"article-inline-link article-citation\">[2]</a></sup> With so many Americans using antidepressants or cannabis, it is important to consider and understand the potential side effects and risks of cannabis use while taking anti-depressants.</p><p>Cannabis affects almost every system in the body, and the main effect for most people who use it is to feel high. However, some unwanted experience effects like severe anxiety, panic, paranoia, and psychosis can also occur. <sup>[3]</sup></p></div><figure class=\"article-feature\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-17120.webp\" alt=\"One person gently holds another person&#x27;s clasped hands.\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\"></figure><section class=\"article-takeaways\" aria-labelledby=\"key-takeaways\"><h2 id=\"key-takeaways\">Key takeaways</h2><ul><li>Cannabis can produce anxiety, panic, paranoia, and other unwanted effects as well as intoxication.</li><li>Cannabis can interact with antidepressants by affecting drug metabolism and increasing exposure to some medications.</li><li>Interaction risks differ across antidepressant classes and can include serious cognitive and cardiovascular effects.</li></ul></section><h2 id=\"physical-effects-of-cannabis-use\">Physical effects of cannabis use</h2><p>\nCannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, contains over 400 chemicals, including 60 cannabinoids. The plant, flowers, seeds, and stalks all contain cannabinoids. <sup>[3]</sup> THC amounts vary depending on how cannabis products are created with different plant strains and oils. <sup>[3]</sup> The most potent compound and the most well-known and studied is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). <sup>[3]</sup> Cannabinol and cannabidiol are two other compounds commonly studied. <sup>[3]</sup>\n</p><p>Cannabis products are typically smoked and inhaled or eaten when combined with food products.</p><p>When cannabis is smoked, around 50% of the THC is inhaled and absorbed by the lungs. Within minutes, THC reaches the bloodstream and the brain. <sup>[3]</sup> THCs effects are felt between 30 minutes and 2 hours after ingesting a cannabis product because it takes longer to enter the bloodstream after being processed by the liver and by slow absorption in the gut. <sup>[3]</sup></p><p>Cannabis consumption affects almost every system in the body. The main effect of recreational use is a euphoric feeling described as a \"high.\" <sup>[3]</sup> Some people can experience adverse effects, such as severe anxiety, panic, paranoia, and psychosis. <sup>[3]</sup> People using cannabis may experience things differently; colors may appear brighter and more intense; they may have altered spatial awareness and impaired perception of time. <sup>[3]</sup></p><p>\nHeavy, consistent, and long-term use of cannabis may impair people who use it even though they are not high, according to research on their long-term and chronic use of the drug. Long term, heavy use, such as in those with a marijuana use disorder, impairs attention, memory, and the ability to process complex information. <sup>[3]</sup>\n</p><h2 id=\"how-do-antidepressants-affect-the-brain\">How do antidepressants affect the brain?</h2><p>\nThere are five main types of antidepressant medication: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), and atypical antidepressants. <sup>[1]</sup> Each one affects the brain differently by targeting different neurotransmitters. <sup>[4]</sup>\n</p><p>The three neurotransmitters most prescribed antidepressants target are serotonin levels, norepinephrine, and dopamine, and they each serve different functions in the brain and body. <sup>[4]</sup></p><p>Dopamine plays important roles in executive functioning (e.g., working memory, self-control, organizing, prioritizing, and problem-solving), learning, motor control, and emotion. <sup>[4]</sup> Serotonin regulates several brain processes, such as regulating mood, perception, anger, and appetite, <sup>[5]</sup> and body functions, such as cardiovascular, bladder, and bowel functioning and control. <sup>[4]</sup></p><p>Norepinephrine plays two roles; one is a neurotransmitter involved in bodily processes such as sleep, stress, focus, and attention. The other essential function is forcing the contraction and rate of the heart and is involved in the flight or fight response. <sup>[4]</sup></p><p>SSRIs are the first-line treatment for depression and anxiety, but SNRIs are also commonly prescribed. The main difference between the two is that SSRIs increase serotonin in the brain, and SNRIs increase serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. <sup>[1]</sup></p><p>Atypical antidepressant medication, like other antidepressants, change the levels of serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine in the brain. However, they work differently and, in some people, are more likely to cause adverse effects.</p><p>TCAs interact with five different neurotransmitters; they block alpha cholinergic, muscarinic, and histaminergic receptors, as well as the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Each drug within the TCA category of antidepressants can affect specific neurotransmitters differently. The way TCAs combine with different chemical structures in the body makes them more likely to produce more significant side effects. <sup>[6]</sup></p><p>\nMAOIs are a different class of antidepressants. Like other prescription medications, they have several dietary restrictions and are known to cause serious side effects and safety concerns, so they are only considered as a treatment option after exhausting other medication treatment options. <sup>[7]</sup>\n</p><h2 id=\"what-are-the-risks-of-mixing-cannabis-and-antidepressants\">What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants?</h2><p>\nCYP1A2 is an enzyme that helps the body break down and eliminate chemicals, hormones, and drugs from the body. <sup>[8]</sup> Smoking marijuana may affect how medications are metabolized by this enzyme and cleared from the body, which results in lower amounts of the antidepressant in your body. This may result in antidepressants not working as well to control the symptoms for which they were prescribed. <sup>[8]</sup>\nIt is often thought that weed is harmless, but when mixed with certain medications, you may have a higher risk of experiencing side effects or more adverse reactions. There are known drug-to-drug interactions that can occur between weed and antidepressants. These can vary depending on the type of antidepressant you are taking. Here are some of the potential interactions an antidepressant drug with cannabis:\n</p><h3 id=\"ssris-a-growing-body-of-evidence-indicates-that-ssris-like-sertraline-and-citalopram-metabolized-by-the-enzyme-cyp2c19-are-impacted-by-concentrations-of-cbd-and-thc\">SSRIs</h3><p>\nA growing body of evidence indicates that SSRIs like sertraline and citalopram, metabolized by the enzyme CYP2C19, are impacted by concentrations of CBD and THC. <sup>[9]</sup> Because cannabis prevents the body from metabolizing and eliminating SSRIs from the body as it usually would, cannabis can raise the levels of SSRIs in your bloodstream. When SSRI levels are excessively high, it may lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. <sup>[10]</sup>\n</p><h3 id=\"snris-some-snris-like-duloxetine-is-metabolized-through-the-liver-and-eliminated-from-the-body-through-different-enzymes-cyp1a2-cannabinoids-can-interfere-with-the-enzyme-increasing-the-amount-of-duloxetine-in-the-blood-and-a-higher-likelihood-of-side-effects\">SNRIs</h3><p>\nSome SNRIs, like duloxetine, is metabolized through the liver and eliminated from the body through different enzymes (CYP1A2). Cannabinoids can interfere with the enzyme, increasing the amount of duloxetine in the blood and a higher likelihood of side effects. <sup>[8]</sup> Severe and potentially fatal side effects are possible, including serotonin syndrome, hyponatremia, hemorrhagic events, and QT interval prolongation, just to name a few. <sup>[8]</sup>\n</p><h3 id=\"tcas-cannabis-blocks-the-enzyme-cyp2d6-which-can-increase-the-concentrations-of-ssris-tcas-and-other-drugs-in-the-blood-amitriptyline-is-one-tca-that-is-likely-to-create-significant-side-effects-when-combined-with-cannabis-and-may-lead-to-life-threatening-interactions-amitriptyline-combined-with-cannabis-has-caused-cognitive-changes-delirium-and-life-threatening-interactions-such-as-sustained-supraventricular-tachycardia-a-dangerous-and-possibly-fatally-high-heart-rate\">TCAs</h3><p>\nCannabis blocks the enzyme CYP2D6, which can increase the concentrations of SSRIs, TCAs, and other drugs in the blood. Amitriptyline is one TCA that is likely to create significant side effects when combined with cannabis and may lead to life-threatening interactions. Amitriptyline combined with cannabis has caused cognitive changes, delirium, and life-threatening interactions such as sustained supraventricular tachycardia (a dangerous and possibly fatally high heart rate). <sup>[11]</sup>\n</p><h3 id=\"maois-cannabis-can-also-interact-with-maois-maoi-medications-such-as-tranylcypromine-phenelzine-and-isocarboxazid-can-cause-these-medications-to-stay-in-the-circulatory-system-heart-blood-vessels-blood-longer-than-they-should-which-means-it-can-cause-unpleasant-side-effects\">MAOIs</h3><p>\nCannabis can also interact with MAOIs. MAOI medications such as tranylcypromine, phenelzine, and isocarboxazid can cause these medications to stay in the circulatory system (heart, blood vessels, blood) longer than they should, which means it can cause unpleasant side effects. <sup>[12]</sup></p></article><div class=\"article-endmatter\"><section class=\"article-sources\" id=\"references\" data-source-references=\"\" data-reference-list=\"\" data-reference-style=\"author-date-numbered\"><h2 id=\"references-2\">References</h2><ol>\n    <li id=\"treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan\" data-reference-number=\"1\">Sheffler ZM, Patel P, Abdijadid S. Antidepressants. [Updated 2022 Nov 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">National Library of Medicine</a></li>\n    <li id=\"antipsychotic-antidepressant-use-expenses-united-states-between-2013-2018\" data-reference-number=\"2\">Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Use and Expenses in the United States Between 2013 and 2018. Content last reviewed March 2022. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. <a href=\"https://www.ahrq.gov/data/visualizations/prescription-antidepressants.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">ahrq.gov</a></li>\n    <li id=\"pharmacology-effects-cannabis-brief-review\" data-reference-number=\"3\">Ashton, C. (2001). Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: A brief review. British Journal of Psychiatry,178(2), 101-106. doi:10.1192/bjp.178.2.101</li>\n    <li id=\"treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-source\" data-reference-number=\"4\">Sheffler ZM, Reddy V, Pillarisetty LS. Physiology, Neurotransmitters. [Updated 2022 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">National Library of Medicine</a></li>\n    <li id=\"expanded-biology-serotonin\" data-reference-number=\"5\">Berger, M., Gray, J. A., &amp; Roth, B. L. (2009). The expanded biology of serotonin. Annual review of medicine, 60, 355–366. <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.med.60.042307.110802\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">The expanded biology of serotonin</a></li>\n    <li id=\"treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-2\" data-reference-number=\"6\">Moraczewski J, Aedma KK. Tricyclic Antidepressants. [Updated 2022 Nov 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">National Library of Medicine</a></li>\n    <li id=\"monoamine-oxidase-inhibitors-maoi-updated-2022-jul-19\" data-reference-number=\"7\">Sub Laban T, Saadabadi A. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) [Updated 2022 Jul 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: <a href=\"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">National Library of Medicine</a></li>\n    <li id=\"potential-pharmacokinetic-drug-drug-interactions-between-cannabinoids-drugs-used\" data-reference-number=\"8\">Vázquez, M., Guevara, N., Maldonado, C., Guido, P. C., &amp; Schaiquevich, P. (2020). Potential Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions between Cannabinoids and Drugs Used for Chronic Pain. BioMed research international, 2020, 3902740. <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3902740\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Potential Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions between Cannabinoids and Drugs Used…</a></li>\n    <li id=\"impact-marijuana-antidepressant-treatment-adolescents-clinical-pharmacologic-considerati\" data-reference-number=\"9\">Vaughn, S. E., Strawn, J. R., Poweleit, E. A., Sarangdhar, M., &amp; Ramsey, L. B. (2021). The Impact of Marijuana on Antidepressant Treatment in Adolescents: Clinical and Pharmacologic Considerations. Journal of personalized medicine, 11(7), 615. <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11070615\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">The Impact of Marijuana on Antidepressant Treatment in Adolescents</a></li>\n    <li id=\"medical-cannabis-adverse-effects-drug-interactions-powerpoint-slides\" data-reference-number=\"10\">Medical Cannabis Adverse Effects &amp; Drug Interactions[PowerPoint Slides]. Department of Health. Retrieved from URL: <a href=\"https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoh.dc.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdc%2Fsites%2Fdoh%2Fpublication%2Fattachments%2FMedical%2520Cannabis%2520Adverse%2520Effects%2520and%2520Drug%2520Interactions_0.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">docs.google.com</a></li>\n    <li id=\"case-report-adverse-effects-taking-tricyclic-antidepressants-smoking-marijuana\" data-reference-number=\"11\">Mannion V. (1999). Case report: adverse effects of taking tricyclic antidepressants and smoking marijuana. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 45, 2683–2684.</li>\n    <li id=\"cannabidiol-interactions-medications-illicit-substances-alcohol-comprehensive-review\" data-reference-number=\"12\">Balachandran, P., Elsohly, M., &amp; Hill, K. P. (2021). Cannabidiol Interactions with Medications, Illicit Substances, and Alcohol: a Comprehensive Review. Journal of general internal medicine, 36(7), 2074–2084. <a href=\"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-06504-8\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Cannabidiol Interactions with Medications, Illicit Substances, and Alcohol</a></li>\n</ol></section><section class=\"article-medical article-panel\"><h2 id=\"medical-content\">Medical Content</h2><p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/clinical-affairs\">The Clinical Affairs Team</a> at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the <a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/publishing/editorial-policy\">Editorial Policy</a>.</p></section><section class=\"article-about article-panel\"><h2 id=\"about-mentalhealth-com\">About MentalHealth.com</h2><p>MentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.</p><div class=\"article-contributors\"><section class=\"article-bio\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3067.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><div><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Author</p><h3 id=\"jill-sensenig\"><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jill-sensenig\">Jill Sensenig</a></h3><p class=\"article-bio-credentials\">MBA</p><p>Jill Sensenig is a medical writer with 16+ years experience in the healthcare industry as a writer, editor, and author.</p><dl><div><dt>Published</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2023-02-23T09:05:25Z\">February 23, 2023</time></dd></div><div><dt>Updated</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2025-08-22T18:14:12Z\">August 22, 2025</time></dd></div></dl></div></section><section class=\"article-bio\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3070.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><div><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Medical Reviewer</p><h3 id=\"morgan-blair\"><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair\">Morgan Blair</a></h3><p class=\"article-bio-credentials\">MA, LPCC</p><p>Morgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.</p><dl><div><dt>Reviewed</dt><dd><time datetime=\"2023-02-23\">February 23, 2023</time></dd></div></dl></div></section></div></section><section class=\"article-expert article-expert-mobile\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><div class=\"article-expert-identity\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/18538.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roger-watts\">Roger P. Watts <span class=\"expert-credentials\">Ph.D.</span></a></h2></div><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Addiction therapy and recovery</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roger-watts\">View experience</a></section><section class=\"article-topic-community article-topic-community-mobile\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-17234.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Medications</h2><p>Explore questions and perspectives about psychiatric medications and the treatment experience.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/medications\">Explore community</a></section></div></div><aside class=\"article-sidebar\" tabindex=\"0\" data-bounded-rail=\"\" aria-label=\"Article navigation and related information\"><details class=\"article-contents\" open data-section-preview=\"3\" data-expanded=\"false\" data-scrolled-past=\"false\"><summary><strong>Table of contents</strong><span aria-hidden=\"true\"></span><small data-current-section=\"\">Choose a section</small></summary><nav aria-label=\"Article contents\"><ol id=\"article-section-list\"><li><a href=\"#physical-effects-of-cannabis-use\" title=\"Physical effects of cannabis use\" aria-label=\"Physical effects of cannabis use\">Physical effects of cannabis use</a></li><li><a href=\"#how-do-antidepressants-affect-the-brain\" title=\"How do antidepressants affect the brain?\" aria-label=\"How do antidepressants affect the brain?\">How do antidepressants affect the brain?</a></li><li><a href=\"#what-are-the-risks-of-mixing-cannabis-and-antidepressants\" title=\"What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants?\" aria-label=\"What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants?\">What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants?</a></li></ol><button type=\"button\" class=\"article-sections-toggle\" data-sections-toggle aria-controls=\"article-section-list\" aria-expanded=\"false\">View more</button></nav></details><section class=\"article-expert\" aria-label=\"Subject matter expert\" data-expert-kind=\"related\"><p class=\"article-bio-role\">Subject matter expert</p><div class=\"article-expert-identity\"><img src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/18538.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"64\" height=\"64\" loading=\"lazy\"><h2><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roger-watts\">Roger P. Watts <span class=\"expert-credentials\">Ph.D.</span></a></h2></div><p class=\"article-expert-focus\">Addiction therapy and recovery</p><a class=\"profile-experience-link experience-button\" href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roger-watts\">View experience</a></section><section class=\"article-topic-community\" aria-label=\"Related communities\"><img class=\"topic-community-banner\" src=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-17234.webp\" alt=\"\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" loading=\"lazy\"><p class=\"topic-community-label\">Related communities</p><h2>Medications</h2><p>Explore questions and perspectives about psychiatric medications and the treatment experience.</p><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/medications\">Explore community</a></section></aside></div></div></div>","text":"HomeLibrarySubstance Use DisordersCannabis and AntidepressantsCannabis and AntidepressantsWritten by Jill SensenigMedically reviewed by Morgan BlairPublished on February 23, 2023 · Updated on August 22, 2025Millions of Americans take antidepressants, regarded as the first-line treatment for depression and other mental health conditions such as anxiety [1], and millions of Americans also use cannabis. The CDC estimated that 48.2 million Americans used cannabis in 2019. [2] With so many Americans using antidepressants or cannabis, it is important to consider and understand the potential side effects and risks of cannabis use while taking anti-depressants.Cannabis affects almost every system in the body, and the main effect for most people who use it is to feel high. However, some unwanted experience effects like severe anxiety, panic, paranoia, and psychosis can also occur. [3]Key takeawaysCannabis can produce anxiety, panic, paranoia, and other unwanted effects as well as intoxication.Cannabis can interact with antidepressants by affecting drug metabolism and increasing exposure to some medications.Interaction risks differ across antidepressant classes and can include serious cognitive and cardiovascular effects.Physical effects of cannabis use Cannabis, also known as marijuana or weed, contains over 400 chemicals, including 60 cannabinoids. The plant, flowers, seeds, and stalks all contain cannabinoids. [3] THC amounts vary depending on how cannabis products are created with different plant strains and oils. [3] The most potent compound and the most well-known and studied is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). [3] Cannabinol and cannabidiol are two other compounds commonly studied. [3] Cannabis products are typically smoked and inhaled or eaten when combined with food products.When cannabis is smoked, around 50% of the THC is inhaled and absorbed by the lungs. Within minutes, THC reaches the bloodstream and the brain. [3] THCs effects are felt between 30 minutes and 2 hours after ingesting a cannabis product because it takes longer to enter the bloodstream after being processed by the liver and by slow absorption in the gut. [3]Cannabis consumption affects almost every system in the body. The main effect of recreational use is a euphoric feeling described as a \"high.\" [3] Some people can experience adverse effects, such as severe anxiety, panic, paranoia, and psychosis. [3] People using cannabis may experience things differently; colors may appear brighter and more intense; they may have altered spatial awareness and impaired perception of time. [3] Heavy, consistent, and long-term use of cannabis may impair people who use it even though they are not high, according to research on their long-term and chronic use of the drug. Long term, heavy use, such as in those with a marijuana use disorder, impairs attention, memory, and the ability to process complex information. [3] How do antidepressants affect the brain? There are five main types of antidepressant medication: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), and atypical antidepressants. [1] Each one affects the brain differently by targeting different neurotransmitters. [4] The three neurotransmitters most prescribed antidepressants target are serotonin levels, norepinephrine, and dopamine, and they each serve different functions in the brain and body. [4]Dopamine plays important roles in executive functioning (e.g., working memory, self-control, organizing, prioritizing, and problem-solving), learning, motor control, and emotion. [4] Serotonin regulates several brain processes, such as regulating mood, perception, anger, and appetite, [5] and body functions, such as cardiovascular, bladder, and bowel functioning and control. [4]Norepinephrine plays two roles; one is a neurotransmitter involved in bodily processes such as sleep, stress, focus, and attention. The other essential function is forcing the contraction and rate of the heart and is involved in the flight or fight response. [4]SSRIs are the first-line treatment for depression and anxiety, but SNRIs are also commonly prescribed. The main difference between the two is that SSRIs increase serotonin in the brain, and SNRIs increase serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. [1]Atypical antidepressant medication, like other antidepressants, change the levels of serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine in the brain. However, they work differently and, in some people, are more likely to cause adverse effects.TCAs interact with five different neurotransmitters; they block alpha cholinergic, muscarinic, and histaminergic receptors, as well as the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Each drug within the TCA category of antidepressants can affect specific neurotransmitters differently. The way TCAs combine with different chemical structures in the body makes them more likely to produce more significant side effects. [6] MAOIs are a different class of antidepressants. Like other prescription medications, they have several dietary restrictions and are known to cause serious side effects and safety concerns, so they are only considered as a treatment option after exhausting other medication treatment options. [7] What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants? CYP1A2 is an enzyme that helps the body break down and eliminate chemicals, hormones, and drugs from the body. [8] Smoking marijuana may affect how medications are metabolized by this enzyme and cleared from the body, which results in lower amounts of the antidepressant in your body. This may result in antidepressants not working as well to control the symptoms for which they were prescribed. [8] It is often thought that weed is harmless, but when mixed with certain medications, you may have a higher risk of experiencing side effects or more adverse reactions. There are known drug-to-drug interactions that can occur between weed and antidepressants. These can vary depending on the type of antidepressant you are taking. Here are some of the potential interactions an antidepressant drug with cannabis: SSRIs A growing body of evidence indicates that SSRIs like sertraline and citalopram, metabolized by the enzyme CYP2C19, are impacted by concentrations of CBD and THC. [9] Because cannabis prevents the body from metabolizing and eliminating SSRIs from the body as it usually would, cannabis can raise the levels of SSRIs in your bloodstream. When SSRI levels are excessively high, it may lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be fatal. [10] SNRIs Some SNRIs, like duloxetine, is metabolized through the liver and eliminated from the body through different enzymes (CYP1A2). Cannabinoids can interfere with the enzyme, increasing the amount of duloxetine in the blood and a higher likelihood of side effects. [8] Severe and potentially fatal side effects are possible, including serotonin syndrome, hyponatremia, hemorrhagic events, and QT interval prolongation, just to name a few. [8] TCAs Cannabis blocks the enzyme CYP2D6, which can increase the concentrations of SSRIs, TCAs, and other drugs in the blood. Amitriptyline is one TCA that is likely to create significant side effects when combined with cannabis and may lead to life-threatening interactions. Amitriptyline combined with cannabis has caused cognitive changes, delirium, and life-threatening interactions such as sustained supraventricular tachycardia (a dangerous and possibly fatally high heart rate). [11] MAOIs Cannabis can also interact with MAOIs. MAOI medications such as tranylcypromine, phenelzine, and isocarboxazid can cause these medications to stay in the circulatory system (heart, blood vessels, blood) longer than they should, which means it can cause unpleasant side effects. [12]References Sheffler ZM, Patel P, Abdijadid S. Antidepressants. [Updated 2022 Nov 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: National Library of Medicine Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Use and Expenses in the United States Between 2013 and 2018. Content last reviewed March 2022. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. ahrq.gov Ashton, C. (2001). Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: A brief review. British Journal of Psychiatry,178(2), 101-106. doi:10.1192/bjp.178.2.101 Sheffler ZM, Reddy V, Pillarisetty LS. Physiology, Neurotransmitters. [Updated 2022 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: National Library of Medicine Berger, M., Gray, J. A., & Roth, B. L. (2009). The expanded biology of serotonin. Annual review of medicine, 60, 355–366. The expanded biology of serotonin Moraczewski J, Aedma KK. Tricyclic Antidepressants. [Updated 2022 Nov 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: National Library of Medicine Sub Laban T, Saadabadi A. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) [Updated 2022 Jul 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: National Library of Medicine Vázquez, M., Guevara, N., Maldonado, C., Guido, P. C., & Schaiquevich, P. (2020). Potential Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions between Cannabinoids and Drugs Used for Chronic Pain. BioMed research international, 2020, 3902740. Potential Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions between Cannabinoids and Drugs Used… Vaughn, S. E., Strawn, J. R., Poweleit, E. A., Sarangdhar, M., & Ramsey, L. B. (2021). The Impact of Marijuana on Antidepressant Treatment in Adolescents: Clinical and Pharmacologic Considerations. Journal of personalized medicine, 11(7), 615. The Impact of Marijuana on Antidepressant Treatment in Adolescents Medical Cannabis Adverse Effects & Drug Interactions[PowerPoint Slides]. Department of Health. Retrieved from URL: docs.google.com Mannion V. (1999). Case report: adverse effects of taking tricyclic antidepressants and smoking marijuana. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 45, 2683–2684. Balachandran, P., Elsohly, M., & Hill, K. P. (2021). Cannabidiol Interactions with Medications, Illicit Substances, and Alcohol: a Comprehensive Review. Journal of general internal medicine, 36(7), 2074–2084. Cannabidiol Interactions with Medications, Illicit Substances, and Alcohol Medical ContentThe Clinical Affairs Team at MentalHealth.com is a dedicated group of medical professionals with diverse and extensive clinical experience. They actively contribute to the development of content, products, and services, and meticulously review all medical material before publication to ensure accuracy and alignment with current research and conversations in mental health. For more information, please visit the Editorial Policy.About MentalHealth.comMentalHealth.com helps people understand themselves, build healthier relationships, and access the right care. We bring together mental health education, diagnostics, and care management to support well-being throughout every phase of life.AuthorJill SensenigMBAJill Sensenig is a medical writer with 16+ years experience in the healthcare industry as a writer, editor, and author.PublishedFebruary 23, 2023UpdatedAugust 22, 2025Medical ReviewerMorgan BlairMA, LPCCMorgan Blair is a licensed therapist, writer and medical reviewer, holding a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Northwestern University.ReviewedFebruary 23, 2023Subject matter expertRoger P. Watts Ph.D.Addiction therapy and recoveryView experienceRelated communitiesMedicationsExplore questions and perspectives about psychiatric medications and the treatment experience.Explore communityTable of contentsChoose a sectionPhysical effects of cannabis useHow do antidepressants affect the brain?What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants?View moreSubject matter expertRoger P. Watts Ph.D.Addiction therapy and recoveryView experienceRelated communitiesMedicationsExplore questions and perspectives about psychiatric medications and the treatment experience.Explore community","wordCount":1688},"schema":{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization","name":"MentalHealth.com","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#website","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","name":"MentalHealth.com","inLanguage":"en-US","publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"}},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Library","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Substance Use Disorders","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/substance-use-disorders"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"name":"Cannabis and Antidepressants","item":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants"}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#primaryimage","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-17120.webp","contentUrl":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/library/editorial-17120.webp","width":1200,"height":675,"encodingFormat":"image/webp","caption":"One person gently holds another person's clasped hands."},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jill-sensenig#person","name":"Jill Sensenig","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jill-sensenig","jobTitle":"MBA","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3067.webp","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillsensenig/"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair#person","name":"Morgan Blair","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair","jobTitle":"MA, LPCC","image":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/wordpress/3070.jpg","sameAs":["https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-blair-5627aa88/"]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#article","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants","headline":"Cannabis and Antidepressants","description":"Using cannabis while taking antidepressants carries many risks, including reducing the effects of the medication and increasing the likelihood of side effects.","wordCount":1136,"mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#webpage"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/#organization"},"articleSection":"Library","citation":[{"@type":"CreativeWork","name":"Sheffler ZM, Patel P, Abdijadid S. 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Antidepressants. [Updated 2022 Nov 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: National Library of Medicine","links":[{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/","label":"National Library of Medicine"}],"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/"},{"number":2,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#antipsychotic-antidepressant-use-expenses-united-states-between-2013-2018","text":"Antipsychotic and Antidepressant Use and Expenses in the United States Between 2013 and 2018. Content last reviewed March 2022. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD. ahrq.gov","links":[{"url":"https://www.ahrq.gov/data/visualizations/prescription-antidepressants.html","label":"ahrq.gov"}],"url":"https://www.ahrq.gov/data/visualizations/prescription-antidepressants.html"},{"number":3,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#pharmacology-effects-cannabis-brief-review","text":"Ashton, C. (2001). Pharmacology and effects of cannabis: A brief review. British Journal of Psychiatry,178(2), 101-106. doi:10.1192/bjp.178.2.101","links":[]},{"number":4,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-source","text":"Sheffler ZM, Reddy V, Pillarisetty LS. Physiology, Neurotransmitters. [Updated 2022 May 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: National Library of Medicine","links":[{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/","label":"National Library of Medicine"}],"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/"},{"number":5,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#expanded-biology-serotonin","text":"Berger, M., Gray, J. A., & Roth, B. L. (2009). The expanded biology of serotonin. Annual review of medicine, 60, 355–366. The expanded biology of serotonin","links":[{"url":"https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.med.60.042307.110802","label":"The expanded biology of serotonin"}],"url":"https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.med.60.042307.110802"},{"number":6,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#treasure-island-fl-statpearls-publishing-2022-jan-2","text":"Moraczewski J, Aedma KK. Tricyclic Antidepressants. [Updated 2022 Nov 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: National Library of Medicine","links":[{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/","label":"National Library of Medicine"}],"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/"},{"number":7,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#monoamine-oxidase-inhibitors-maoi-updated-2022-jul-19","text":"Sub Laban T, Saadabadi A. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) [Updated 2022 Jul 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: National Library of Medicine","links":[{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/","label":"National Library of Medicine"}],"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/"},{"number":8,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#potential-pharmacokinetic-drug-drug-interactions-between-cannabinoids-drugs-used","text":"Vázquez, M., Guevara, N., Maldonado, C., Guido, P. C., & Schaiquevich, P. (2020). Potential Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions between Cannabinoids and Drugs Used for Chronic Pain. BioMed research international, 2020, 3902740. Potential Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions between Cannabinoids and Drugs Used…","links":[{"url":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3902740","label":"Potential Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions between Cannabinoids and Drugs Used…"}],"url":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3902740"},{"number":9,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#impact-marijuana-antidepressant-treatment-adolescents-clinical-pharmacologic-considerati","text":"Vaughn, S. E., Strawn, J. R., Poweleit, E. A., Sarangdhar, M., & Ramsey, L. B. (2021). The Impact of Marijuana on Antidepressant Treatment in Adolescents: Clinical and Pharmacologic Considerations. Journal of personalized medicine, 11(7), 615. The Impact of Marijuana on Antidepressant Treatment in Adolescents","links":[{"url":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11070615","label":"The Impact of Marijuana on Antidepressant Treatment in Adolescents"}],"url":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11070615"},{"number":10,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#medical-cannabis-adverse-effects-drug-interactions-powerpoint-slides","text":"Medical Cannabis Adverse Effects & Drug Interactions[PowerPoint Slides]. Department of Health. Retrieved from URL: docs.google.com","links":[{"url":"https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoh.dc.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdc%2Fsites%2Fdoh%2Fpublication%2Fattachments%2FMedical%2520Cannabis%2520Adverse%2520Effects%2520and%2520Drug%2520Interactions_0.pdf","label":"docs.google.com"}],"url":"https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoh.dc.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdc%2Fsites%2Fdoh%2Fpublication%2Fattachments%2FMedical%2520Cannabis%2520Adverse%2520Effects%2520and%2520Drug%2520Interactions_0.pdf"},{"number":11,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#case-report-adverse-effects-taking-tricyclic-antidepressants-smoking-marijuana","text":"Mannion V. (1999). Case report: adverse effects of taking tricyclic antidepressants and smoking marijuana. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien, 45, 2683–2684.","links":[]},{"number":12,"id":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#cannabidiol-interactions-medications-illicit-substances-alcohol-comprehensive-review","text":"Balachandran, P., Elsohly, M., & Hill, K. P. (2021). Cannabidiol Interactions with Medications, Illicit Substances, and Alcohol: a Comprehensive Review. Journal of general internal medicine, 36(7), 2074–2084. Cannabidiol Interactions with Medications, Illicit Substances, and Alcohol","links":[{"url":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-06504-8","label":"Cannabidiol Interactions with Medications, Illicit Substances, and Alcohol"}],"url":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-06504-8"}],"relatedReading":[],"links":[{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/","label":"Home"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library","label":"Library"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/substance-use-disorders","label":"Substance Use Disorders"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jill-sensenig","label":"Jill Sensenig"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair","label":"Morgan Blair"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#antipsychotic-antidepressant-use-expenses-united-states-between-2013-2018","label":"[2]"},{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538182/","label":"National Library of Medicine"},{"url":"https://www.ahrq.gov/data/visualizations/prescription-antidepressants.html","label":"ahrq.gov"},{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/","label":"National Library of Medicine"},{"url":"https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.med.60.042307.110802","label":"The expanded biology of serotonin"},{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557791/","label":"National Library of Medicine"},{"url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/","label":"National Library of Medicine"},{"url":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3902740","label":"Potential Pharmacokinetic Drug-Drug Interactions between Cannabinoids and Drugs Used…"},{"url":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm11070615","label":"The Impact of Marijuana on Antidepressant Treatment in Adolescents"},{"url":"https://docs.google.com/viewer?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoh.dc.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fdc%2Fsites%2Fdoh%2Fpublication%2Fattachments%2FMedical%2520Cannabis%2520Adverse%2520Effects%2520and%2520Drug%2520Interactions_0.pdf","label":"docs.google.com"},{"url":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-06504-8","label":"Cannabidiol Interactions with Medications, Illicit Substances, and Alcohol"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/clinical-affairs","label":"The Clinical Affairs Team"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/publishing/editorial-policy","label":"Editorial Policy"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/jill-sensenig","label":"Jill Sensenig"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/morgan-blair","label":"Morgan Blair"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roger-watts","label":"Roger P. Watts Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roger-watts","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/medications","label":"Explore community"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#physical-effects-of-cannabis-use","label":"Physical effects of cannabis use"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#how-do-antidepressants-affect-the-brain","label":"How do antidepressants affect the brain?"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#what-are-the-risks-of-mixing-cannabis-and-antidepressants","label":"What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants?"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roger-watts","label":"Roger P. Watts Ph.D."},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/people/roger-watts","label":"View experience"},{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/community/medications","label":"Explore community"}],"seo":{"title":"Cannabis and Antidepressants | MentalHealth.com","description":"Using cannabis while taking antidepressants carries many risks, including reducing the effects of the medication and increasing the likelihood of side effects.","canonical":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants","robots":"index,follow","socialImage":{"url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/assets/social-tiles-20261006-dots/library.png","width":1200,"height":630,"alt":"MentalHealth.com — Library","type":"image/png","sitemapGroup":"library"}},"breadcrumbs":[{"name":"Home","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/"},{"name":"Library","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library"},{"name":"Substance Use Disorders","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/substance-use-disorders"},{"name":"Cannabis and Antidepressants","url":"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants"}],"subjectMatterExpert":{"name":"Roger P. Watts, Ph.D.","url":"/people/roger-watts","profileId":"6374","topic":"addiction","focus":"Addiction therapy and recovery","selectionBasis":"Documented expertise in the existing published profile","reviewAttribution":false},"keyTakeaways":["Cannabis can produce anxiety, panic, paranoia, and other unwanted effects as well as intoxication.","Cannabis can interact with antidepressants by affecting drug metabolism and increasing exposure to some medications.","Interaction risks differ across antidepressant classes and can include serious cognitive and cardiovascular effects."],"introduction":{"html":"Millions of Americans take antidepressants, regarded as the first-line treatment for depression and other mental health conditions such as anxiety <sup>[1]</sup>, and millions of Americans also use cannabis. The CDC estimated that 48.2 million Americans used cannabis in 2019. <sup><a href=\"https://mentalhealth-v2.workspace-454808.chatgpt.site/library/cannabis-and-antidepressants#resource-2\">[2]</a></sup> With so many Americans using antidepressants or cannabis, it is important to consider and understand the potential side effects and risks of cannabis use while taking anti-depressants.\n\nCannabis affects almost every system in the body, and the main effect for most people who use it is to feel high. However, some unwanted experience effects like severe anxiety, panic, paranoia, and psychosis can also occur. <sup>[3]</sup>","text":"Millions of Americans take antidepressants, regarded as the first-line treatment for depression and other mental health conditions such as anxiety [1], and millions of Americans also use cannabis. The CDC estimated that 48.2 million Americans used cannabis in 2019. [2] With so many Americans using antidepressants or cannabis, it is important to consider and understand the potential side effects and risks of cannabis use while taking anti-depressants. Cannabis affects almost every system in the body, and the main effect for most people who use it is to feel high. However, some unwanted experience effects like severe anxiety, panic, paranoia, and psychosis can also occur. [3]","sourceField":"hero"},"navigation":[{"label":"Physical effects of cannabis use","href":"#physical-effects-of-cannabis-use","heading":"Physical effects of cannabis use"},{"label":"How do antidepressants affect the brain?","href":"#how-do-antidepressants-affect-the-brain","heading":"How do antidepressants affect the brain?"},{"label":"What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants?","href":"#what-are-the-risks-of-mixing-cannabis-and-antidepressants","heading":"What are the risks of mixing cannabis and antidepressants?"}],"relatedCommunity":{"community":"/community/medications","basis":"topic match"},"referencePresentation":"Numbered author–date bibliography with linked source documents; n.d. denotes unavailable publication date.","collections":[]}
