Numerous studies have demonstrated that marijuana has a number of therapeutic effects that may help treat a range of illnesses. To help people benefit fully from marijuana, many US states have legalized its use. All that is needed for someone who wants to use marijuana is a medical card that gives them authorized access to it. Using a telemedicine platform, a person can apply for their medical card online from the comfort of their home.
Strattera (atomoxetine) is one of the medications used to treat some of the eight million adult Americans who suffer from attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Many people wonder if it’s safe to combine marijuana and ADHD medication because some people with the disorder use cannabis.
The potential effects of combining Strattera with cannabis on the body have not been thoroughly studied. There’s no proof that using Strattera and marijuana together is dangerous. Furthermore, studies reveal that some Strattera and cannabis users report better symptom relief.
What Is Strattera?
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, are a class of medications that includes Strattera, a non-stimulant ADHD medication. SNRIs are useful drugs for treating anxiety and depression. Because Strattera has been demonstrated to help with focus, impulsive behavior reduction, energy enhancement, and short-term memory improvement, it is also used as an ADHD treatment.
Antidepressants such as Strattera work by preventing serotonin and norepinephrine from being reabsorbed by the nerve cells that released them, thus altering neurotransmitters and balancing brain chemistry. The brain has more neurotransmitters that are active as a result of this process.
Uses and How It Works
SNRIs were created to lessen the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Nevertheless, they work well for ADHD because they target the same neurotransmitters—dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—that those with the condition frequently lack.
There are four main areas of the brain where serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine are found: the frontal cortex, limbic system, basal ganglia, and reticular activating system.
Because serotonin affects mood, appetite regulation, and sleep, it is an essential neurotransmitter. Attention, memory, and mental focus are all influenced by norepinephrine. Motivation, gratification, and pleasure are all brought on by dopamine. Memory, focus, motor impairments, impulsivity, and issues with emotional regulation can all result from deficits in these areas.
The ability of Strattera to increase these neurotransmitters has a direct effect on all major symptoms related to ADHD.
Mixing Cannabis and Strattera: Potential Benefits and Risks
There is a dearth of clinical studies that particularly address Strattera and cannabis. The majority of the currently available research examines whether and how Strattera can assist chronic marijuana users who experience symptoms of ADHD. Anecdotal evidence from surveys also supports the use of cannabis to treat symptoms.
For instance, a 2010 study found that, when compared to the placebo group, Strattera significantly reduced the symptoms of ADHD in a small sample of 19 adult men who were also heavy cannabis users. According to the findings, hyperactivity and impulsivity, two symptoms of ADHD, were effectively treated with Strattera. However, these advantages did not prompt marijuana users to cut back on their consumption.
Potential Benefits
According to a self-reported survey that was published in the Journal of Attention Disorders, people with ADHD may be using cannabis to relieve some of their symptoms. Some have also mentioned using cannabis to treat the side effects of ADHD prescription medications. The findings suggested that cannabis use may be advantageous for individuals with ADHD for a variety of reasons.
Potential Risks
In an investigation into whether atomoxetine could lessen marijuana dependence, it was discovered that subjects who took ADHD medication used less cannabis. Notably, the study also discovered that gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and loose stools, were experienced by 10 out of 13 participants. These findings suggest more investigation is required to ascertain whether combining atomoxetine with marijuana results in problems with gut health.
How Mixing Cannabis with Strattera Might Enhance Your Well-Being
Little research has been done on Strattera’s effects when combined with cannabis.
Patients in the self-reported research, however, stated that combining cannabis with Strattera lessened their executive dysfunction symptoms. One of the main signs of ADHD is executive dysfunction, which results in issues with working memory, inhibition control, and developing goal-oriented behaviors.
Furthermore, a 2016 qualitative study that examined 401 online posts discovered that patients with ADHD frequently use marijuana to lessen symptoms while receiving support from their physicians. This PloS One analysis revealed that 25% of the posts suggested cannabis use reduced symptoms of ADHD, while 8% implied the opposite. The majority of posts mentioned how cannabis improved focus and decreased hyperactivity.
Final Thoughts
Clinical evidence does not support the idea that using cannabis and Strattera together is harmful to health. Using cannabis in addition to Strattera has the potential to reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, lack of focus, and executive dysfunction. Mild to moderate gastrointestinal agitations are among the possible risks.
Overall, SNRIs that target particular neurotransmitters help people with ADHD who suffer from deficiencies in brain chemistry. These non-stimulant, non-habit-forming medications support daily, functional lives for individuals with ADHD. At the same time, cannabis is frequently used by ADHD sufferers to treat certain symptoms of the disorder, such as anxiety, restlessness, mood swings, and a lack of focus.
Patients should consult their physicians before combining atomoxetine treatment with cannabis for safety’s sake. After determining whether marijuana is beneficial for you, a doctor will give you a medical marijuana card that will allow you to legally access marijuana in your state. The cannabis cultivars and chemotypes (flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids) that may be most useful in treating the symptoms of ADHD should also be researched by patients.
