Can I Take Zoloft and Smoke Marijuana?
TeenHealth FX is glad you asked this question because there is a lot of confusing information on smoking marijuana in the public. TeenHealth FX does not recommend mixing Zoloft medication with marijuana.
Zoloft medication is used to increase the amount of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a hormone that helps regulate mood, emotions, learning ability, and sleep. Zoloft treats depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and/ or premenstrual disorder. Smoking marijuana can increase anxiety, paranoia, it impairs thinking, memory, and learning.
So why is mixing Zoloft and marijuana not recommended? The effects they have on the body are the opposite, Zoloft wants to regulate mood and lower anxiety, while marijuana will increase it and potentially worsen it. Or in some cases, Zoloft can lower the effects of marijuana which can encourage heavier use in some individuals. Marijuana can also affect the way Zoloft metabolizes in the body.
Most importantly, always speak to your doctor about any medication or recreational drug usage you may have alongside your medication for more guidance. If you still have concerns and need help finding a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-5199 for an appointment with an adolescent medicine specialist.
