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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Approximately 15% of adults in the United States take prescription medications for mental health disorders. And it’s likely that quite a few of them also use cannabis, as cannabis is one of the most commonly used drugs in the country, with almost 50 million Americans trying it at least once.While the use of cannabis is common, is it okay to take it with psychiatric medications? Ultimately, it depends on the type of medication and how your body responds to it. Research shows that marijuana may significantly impact the effects of certain psychiatric medications, so it’s recommended that you speak with your doctor if you plan on combining the two.Get Your Medical CardConnect with a licensed physician online in minutes.Types of Common Psychiatric MedicationsPrescription drugs for psychiatric disorders can be categorized into four main types: antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, stimulants, and antipsychotics.AntidepressantsThe most common types of antidepressants are called reuptake inhibitors, which work by slowing down how fast certain neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) are reabsorbed by the brain. Examples include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs).SSRIs represent the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant. As the name suggests, these medications help alleviate depression symptoms by working with the body to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in regulating mood and experiencing happiness and pleasure.Anti-anxiety MedicationsBenzodiazepines are a popular drug class used to treat a range of conditions, including insomnia and generalized anxiety disorder. Examples of benzodiazepines include Valium, Xanax, Halcion, and Klonopin.Benzodiazepines act as mood stabilizers by enhancing the action of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). Since GABA has a slowing effect on the central nervous system, enhancing it exerts a calm, sedative effect on the body.StimulantsPrescription stimulants are commonly used
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