Meds and Marijuana use

[JakeF21]

I smoked marijuana a fair amount about 16 years ago before I was diagnosed with ADHD and then I just stopped. A few years later I was diagnosed with ADHD and I have anxiety with a bit of depression. I’ve been taking Adderall for several years now, currently taking Adderall XR 25mg twice a day, Cymbalta 60mg once a day, and klonopin I take between 1 to 1.5mg at night.

I am doing well and I’ve tried other meds for the anxiety like lexapro, Prozac, etc,

I have a hard time at times just relaxing to watch a movie at night or in my free time, winding down, playing a video game (even though I’m older now in my 40’s it’s still fun), and just relaxing. So I tried a little marijuana a couple of times in the last month and it seems to help.

I’m wondering if anyone else takes a similar combo of meds and what their experience is? Or what people have found about using marijuana with these? I’ve read a fair amount and it doesn’t seem like there’s much solid info on the good and bad of using a little marijuana. I asked a doctor and they said they don’t suggest it but they know some of their patients do it and it also can depend on when people are smoking the marijuana on how it affects them. I never abuse my meds and I don’t drink much at all, like maybe a beer or two a month if that.

I’m just trying to find any real world decent info. Thanks!

[Nerd_for_Sure]

This is a great question! I too have had the same experience. I have found that while medical professionals discourage use of marijuana, many ADHD adults report they find therapeutic value in it. You nailed it that there is a lack of clinical research.

Through my research, I have come to the conclusion that the issue or risk with ADHD patients using marijuana is our increased risk of substance use disorders (think impulse control) and that marijuana has a negative impact on working memory (those times when you walk into a room and say "why did I come in here?" or "what was I doing?"). ADHD by itself also has a negative impact on working memory.

I personally feel it is helpful, but I closely monitor my usage and try to keep it PRN (as needed). Every person with ADHD is different thought, and may have a different experience.

I am not a licensed physician or LMHP. I would recommend being open and honest with your support team.

[md213 in reply to Nerd_for_Sure]

Wow, I have never thought about it in this way! Thank you for this insight about the impact of marijuana use on working memory in ADHD adults. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 15, now am 27, and finally found a semblance of normalcy through a Vyvanse prescription. I also battle with anxiety and depression and take Prozac but also practice mindfulness and meditation to combat any lingering negative thoughts and feelings. During the pandemic I started leaning on medical marijuana to combat my heightened anxiety and spiraling thoughts and it has dramatically helped with my mood but recently I have been experiencing memory loss at a level that has started to become extremely concerning and frustrating for me, which brings me back to your original remark about marijuana having a negative impact on working memory. I never even thought twice about the correlation but it really makes SO much sense. I cannot thank you enough for opening my eyes to this, I plan on limiting my marijuana intake starting today in hopes that my working memory improves!

[FindingTheAnswers]

Just an FYI. A psychiatrist told me years ago that Dr's are afraid to approve of weed because there was so little research on it. (It's been demonized by the government and certain groups for so long, and so feared, that few have had access to it to study it and its affect on people).I'm not saying right/wrong or good/bad. I'm not judging. Just food for thought.

But now as more states get HUGE tax revenues by legalizing it, well,,,,, That's Different!!!

[Eclecticentric77]

Hi there, I have a video on my ADHD youtube channel that discusses CBD and cannabis usage in regards to ADHD. In case you're interested, the channel name is "wilhelm the esoteric", and the video is titled "CBD Oil and Cannabis for Treating ADHD (Pros & Cons)". I hope it's of some help.

[JakeF21]

Thank you! I’m wondering about safety with the medications.

[Hidden]

Hi Jake. I’m not a doctor so can’t give medical advice, but I can share my own experience. I quit drinking alcohol 2 years ago and used to smoke marijuana all the time when I was younger. Started using it again in the last year and I take Lexapro for anxiety and Valium in the evening sometimes. I also take 60 mg Adderall per day. I find that marijuana helps me with anxiety and when I’m not doing something that requires executive functioning, like work, I do find it can help me focus. Haven’t experienced any issues with my meds and find it useful. It will be legal in my state July 1. 😊