Is It Safe to Mix Effexor and Weed?

Mental health is important. In the US, anxiety disorders are prevalent and can significantly impact someone’s life. There are a variety of different medication options prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders. One of the most commonly prescribed medications is Effexor.

If you use cannabis and recently received an Effexor prescription, you may be wondering if it’s safe to combine the two. 

While cannabis and Effexor may be considered safe on their own, there are some serious potential risks to consider before combining these substances. While the research is limited, there’s enough cause for concern. As always, you should listen to the advice of your doctor and make informed decisions about your cannabis use.

What is Effexor?

Venlafaxine, also known as Effexor, is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs), commonly used as an antidepressant. This medication works by increasing certain neurotransmitters in the brain, with the goal of affecting mood. It was estimated that about 15 million Effexor prescriptions were written in 2020.

While Effexor can be used for anxiety and panic disorders, it can also work against depression. Possible side effects of Effexor can include (but aren’t limited to):

• Headaches
• Sweating
• Nervousness
• Nausea
• Insomnia

Additionally, some people also experience sexual side effects, including decreased sex drive and inability to achieve an erection.

Less common but potentially more severe side effects of Effexor may include:

• High fever
• Seizures
• Trouble breathing
• Suicidal thoughts

Effexor and Medical Marijuana Interaction

Whether or not Effexor and medical marijuana should be combined is a complicated question best answered by your doctor. 

There are possible interactions that can occur when combining Effexor and cannabis. For some, the side effects of cannabis, such as dizziness and drowsiness, are amplified. Others may experience impaired thinking and motor coordination. As a general rule, if you’ve had a bad reaction to cannabis in the past, then it’s likely not a good idea to combine it with Effexor. Likewise, if you have had mixed results with SNRIs or SSRIs, it’s not advised to combine Effexor with medical marijuana. This could lead to worsened side effects, especially if you’ve had past negative experiences.

While understanding your specific reactions to certain substances can help you make an informed decision, it’s always best to speak with your doctor before combining any substances or changing any treatment routine. If you’re thinking about using Effexor and cannabis together, consider speaking with your doctor. The best way to avoid possible negative side effects is to not combine these two substances.

Is there a Benefit to Taking Effexor with Weed?

There is not generally any accepted benefit to using Effexor with weed. The combination can amplify unwanted side effects and turn positive effects into negatives. For example, taking these two substances together can turn a floaty cannabis experience into dizziness, relaxing effects into pronounced drowsiness, or an energetic high into an elevated heart rate. 

While some people may report that taking Effexor with cannabis helps their anxiety, this is only anecdotal. It’s actually possible that this combination could lead to even greater anxiety by elevating heart rate and leading to other distressing symptoms, like sweating and dizziness.

If you’re not sure whether or not you can safely combine Effexor and cannabis, consider reaching out to your doctor. They’ll be able to help you decide the best course of action. 

What are the Risks of Using Effexor and Weed?

People who use Effexor and cannabis together risk the more unpleasant side effects of Effexor being magnified.  Some side effects that can occur when these substances are used together include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Changes in judgment
• Impaired thinking
• Changes in motor coordination

Because of the side effects that can occur when combining these two medications, it’s recommended to be extremely careful if you choose to do so. Stay away from operating machinery or driving, and be sure to avoid other substances.

Additionally, SNRIs like Effexor may result in serotonin syndrome in rare cases. And while cannabis is unlikely to affect serotonin levels on its own, it may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with other medications like Effexor.

Given these risks, it is not advised to combine cannabis and Effexor. If you are considering mixing these two medications or stopping Effexor as you begin a medical marijuana regimen, be sure to consult with your doctor as suddenly stopping Effexor use could lead to complications. 

What About CBD and Effexor?

If you want the benefits of cannabis without the “high,” then CBD might be the right option for you. Some people claim that using both CBD and Effexor at the same time provided greater anxiety relief. However, research into the effects of CBD and Effexor is limited, and the use of cannabidiol alongside Effexor may present new or increased health risks that could otherwise be avoided.

There needs to be more research conducted to understand the implications of combining these two substances. If you’re considering combining CBD and Effexor, speak with your doctor beforehand. 

What Precautions Do I Need to Take When Using Effexor and Marijuana?

If you’re going to use Effexor and medical marijuana at the same time, it’s important to be aware of any negative effects you may experience. This will help you ask questions of your doctor before combining the two, as well as watch for concerning symptoms while on your doctor-approved treatment regimen.

Effexor and cannabis may each interact with a variety of medications and other substances (like alcohol). If you are taking either Effexor or cannabis (or both), consider limiting other medications or substances as they could worsen unwanted symptoms or limit the effectiveness of each medication. 

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to guarantee how someone will react when combining either Effexor and cannabis. Because of this, it’s important to speak with your doctor and get advice that’s specific to your situation. Being clear with your doctor about any questions you may have is important, and it’s never advisable to combine medications without the guidance of a qualified medical professional. 

Can Marijuana be Used as a Substitute for Effexor?

Effexor is most commonly used to treat depression and anxiety. Likewise, cannabis is commonly prescribed to help patients manage anxiety and depression symptoms. As such, many patients wonder if medical marijuana could be a reasonable substitute for Effexor.

Many patients report that cannabis helps relieve their anxiety or depression. However, higher doses of THC have been associated with increased anxiety, panic, and feelings of paranoia.¹

When it comes to using medical marijuana for anxiety or depression, it’s important to know your own limitations and reactions. If you tend to become anxious or to dwell on negative thoughts when consuming cannabis, it is unlikely to serve as an effective substitute for Effexor. 

If you are trying to switch from prescription antidepressants to medical marijuana, it’s important to first consult with your doctor. If they approve the change, they will likely recommend starting with a low dose and working your way up as needed. What may be a small dose for one patient could be overwhelming for another. By taking your time and increasing dosage only when required, it is more likely you can avoid unwanted side effects.

References

1.  Sharpe, Lara, Justin Sinclair, Andrew Kramer, Michael de Manincor, and Jerome Sarris. 2020. “Cannabis, a Cause for Anxiety? A Critical Appraisal of the Anxiogenic and Anxiolytic Properties.” Journal of Translational Medicine 18 (1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-020-02518-2.

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.