Is It Safe?

Hi, I hope everyone can be serious about this question..I am just wondering if it is safe for someone to take Ventolin Evohaler (salbutamol) if you are on drugs (i.e; marijuana)? I know I shouldn't be smoking if I am on an inhaler I am trying to stop.

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Hi

I can't give you a proper answer as to whether its safe or not, but I am pretty sure its not a very clever thing to do when you have asthma. I've given up smoking (cigarettes) after a very bad first time attack six weeks ago. I miss them very much but I am terrified of what might happen if I start again. Speak to your asthma nurse about help and advice on stopping. Good luck!

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I've always been fine taking the inhaler as well, don't worry. And yes, giving up is a good idea, but I wasno angel so will not lecture - we must make our own choices.

Emz x

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It is 'safe' in the sense that marijuana doesn't interact with salbutamol. Amphetamines and cocaine, however, will interact with salbutamol and other asthma drugs and could cause a dangerously high heart rate and blood pressure - and could even potentially cause a stroke.

As I am sure you know, though, smoking marijuana with asthma is a majorly bad idea. One joint does as much damage to the lungs as between three and ten cigarettes. There is also increasing evidence that marijuana is far more damaging to your mental health than was initially thought.

Please go and talk to your GP about getting help to give up the weed. You should hopefully find that they will be non-judgemental about it (and they certainly can't report you to the police or anything) and they should be able to give you advice about giving up and maybe even refer you to a drugs worker for some psychological support. Although marijuana is said not to be physically addictive, it is certainly psychologically addictive, and you should not feel ashamed of having trouble quitting or needing a bit of extra help.

Hope this helps

Em H