Suffering from depression? You perhaps are familiar with the name Zoloft. It is one of the primary drugs given to depression patients to treat their condition.
But is it really safe?
Well, maybe not. I mean that’s why so many patients now are applying for a medical cannabis card online and turning to marijuana to treat their depression. In fact, recent research suggests cannabis may be better at helping you manage your depression than Zoloft.
Now, I’m not saying it’s surely true. But if there’s word out there, there perhaps is a chance, right? And basing this article on this very premise, let’s see what the current research says on the subject.
What is Zoloft?
Before we move on to the core, let’s first understand what Zoloft exactly is.
Zoloft, which is a Sertraline, is a very famous drug approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) against various psychological disorders. It’s a part of the family of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and can help manage many conditions, which include depression, PTSD, Social Anxiety Disorder, OCD, Panic Disorder, etc. Some of the other drugs of the same family are Prozac, Lexapro, Paxil, etc.
How Zoloft Work?
Zoloft, as we discussed is a quite famous treatment drug against depression. It works by balancing the level of serotonin in the brain. When a person is suffering from depression, the level of serotonin (the happy hormone) is disturbed. But Zoloft and other such drugs can increase the production of this hormone and as a result counteract the effects of depression.
A 2009 study also suggests that a 50 to 175 mg dosage of the drug can help manage depression and reduce the intensity of panic attacks significantly. Doctors even say that the effects of Zoloft are as successful as CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
However, it’s not all light and shiny always. There are many adverse effects too of using Zoloft for depression. These are:
- Lethargy
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Paranoia
- Diarrhea
- Agitation
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Lower libido; etc.
Additionally, in some rarest of rare cases, the patient may also experience serotonin syndrome. The condition is characterized by extremely high serotonin levels and is usually the result of using some other medicines along with Zoloft. Some of the common symptoms associated with serotonin syndrome include anxiety, tremors, restlessness, increased heart rate, etc.
In case you experience any of these symptoms, we suggest you consult a professional as soon as possible.
Combining Cannabis And Zoloft
Is it safe to combine cannabis with Zoloft?
This is actually one of the very common questions people have today, especially when they are applying for a medical cannabis card online. So, how does it work?
Well, truth be told, there are various studies suggesting that combining the two substances can produce several adverse effects. However, doctors also suggest that they are still learning about it. And the major problem here is that the more substances a person uses, the difficult it is to say anything for sure.
So, should you use cannabis with Zoloft?
Well, we don’t have the answer to this question at this moment. However, if you think you need to experiment, always seek professional advice and talk to your doctor about it first.
Cannabis Against Depression
Your doctor doesn’t approve of combining Zoloft and cannabis? Well, you are perhaps left with only two options- either stick to your treatment or switch to cannabis completely. And there are a lot of patients who are choosing the latter.
Why? There are several reasons.
First of all, cannabis is proven to be a very effective aid against depression. The herb, as you perhaps know, works by binding its cannabinoids to the ECS. And these cannabinoids can increase the level of serotonin in your brain, just like Zoloft, but in a natural way. This means there won’t be any side-effects.
Secondly, if a person doesn’t have health insurance, he may find cannabis to be a cheaper option than Zoloft or other anti-depressants, which may burn a huge hole in your pocket.
Lastly, various studies suggest that the chances of overdosing with anti-depressant drugs are huge. On the other hand, with cannabis, it’s not at all possible to consume a fatal amount.
All the above benefits prove that cannabis can be a better solution to your depression than Zoloft.
Final Warnings
Thinking of switching to cannabis? Well, it can be a really beneficial decision. However, doctors also warn you of making a drastic shift. Before you quit SSRIs, you must talk to your doctor as discussing all the ups and downs of it. Yes, cannabis can help you manage your depression. But going cold turkey on your current treatment method can lead to the development of withdrawal symptoms. You should also keep in mind that changing treatment methods may not work for everyone. Hence, you must approach it carefully.
