Can You Use Marijuana If You Take Prozac?
Article written by
Tina MagrabiSenior Content Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis Jassey
Drug interactions may occur if you take Prozac and marijuana together. Some of these interactions may be minor, like reduced antidepressant effectiveness, while others may be more serious, like extreme confusion or even serotonin syndrome.
Learn more about why you should avoid taking Prozac and cannabis together, along with other drugs to avoid if you are on Prozac.
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What Is Prozac?
Prozac is the brand name of fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. SSRIs boost levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain of people who are deficient in it. Higher serotonin concentrations are associated with fewer depressive symptoms, better moods, and overall psychological well-being.
Like all prescription medications, Prozac comes with the risk of side effects. One serious but rare side effect of Prozac is low blood sodium levels that can present as weakness and difficulty concentrating.
Another possible serious side effect of Prozac (primarily when used with cannabis) is serotonin syndrome. This syndrome occurs when serotonin levels go into overdrive in the brain, resulting in a toxic excess.
Seek immediate medical care if you experience an irregular heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, difficulty staying awake, suicidal thoughts, or any other severe side effect when using Prozac.
Uses and How It Works
Depression is only one of many conditions that Prozac may be prescribed to help treat. Other uses for Prozac include treatment for:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Panic Disorder
- Some eating disorders
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Chronic pain
Some people are also prescribed Prozac to treat social anxiety disorder, binge eating disorder, social phobia, and other related mental health conditions.
Potential Benefits and Risks of Mixing Cannabis and Prozac
Mixing cannabis and Prozac may have no adverse effects on some people and a serious negative impact on others. There is very little research on the possible benefits of combining the two drugs.
Potential Benefits
Some people may feel amplified, calming, and mood-boosting effects from taking cannabis and Prozac together. But this potential positive effect is unpredictable, as using marijuana with Prozac could decrease the effectiveness of the antidepressant and worsen your depression or anxiety symptoms.
Potential Risks
Other than serotonin syndrome, using cannabis with Prozac may lead to the following side effects:
- Intensified drowsiness
- Trouble focusing
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Flu-like symptoms
Lower doses of Prozac (10 milligrams) are less likely to cause these side effects than higher doses (40 milligrams or more). If you are taking a lower dose of Prozac, speak with your doctor or pharmacist to determine if it may be safe to use cannabis simultaneously.
What to Do If You Need to Use Both Prozac and Marijuana
Many people turn to marijuana for depression, especially those who seek to discontinue using antidepressant medications.
Cannabis may ultimately be able to reduce or replace prescription antidepressants for some people, but you should never stop taking Prozac “cold turkey.” Tell your doctor that you would like to use medical cannabis instead of your antidepressant before making any changes to your current drug regimen.
The Bottom Line
Taking Prozac with marijuana carries a moderate risk of adverse effects. Some people may not experience any negative effects, but the consensus is that the two drugs may interact negatively. Consult your doctor before starting cannabis or stopping Prozac to ensure the safest possible experience.
Experience the potential health benefits of cannabis with a medical marijuana card. Speak with a Leafwell healthcare professional and start the application for your MMJ card today.
