Cannabis, also known as marijuana or even more commonly weed, is an extremely popular recreational drug that is legalized in many states. It gained popularity for recreational purposes but has also been used medicinally. Just like with any other substance and despite the popular belief, cannabis can in fact lead to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when used regularly and in large quantities. Unlike some other substances, the withdrawals may not necessarily be life threatening but can certainly cause consequences and day to day difficulties due to a range of physical and psychological symptoms. In order to reduce symptoms, there are several medications commonly used but it’s important to understand that currently there are no FDA approved medications for the treatment of marijuana use disorder, according to the National Institute of Drug Abuse.
Most people may not even realize that they are suffering from cannabis withdrawal since symptoms can vary widely from person to person making it more challenging to diagnose and manage. Common physical symptoms may include irritability, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, headaches, and sweating, which can all be symptoms of other ailments. While psychological symptoms may include anxiety, depression, mood swings, and craving, which are also possible side effects of other conditions. This can be distressing and may lead to relapse or difficulty quitting all together, not to mention daily hardships.
Medications can be effective tools to manage cannabis withdrawal symptoms when used in combination with behavioral therapies and under the supervision of a healthcare professional. To potentially increase the chances of successful recovery, below are some medications that are associated with relieving certain symptoms.
- Benzodiazepines: These medications are often used to manage anxiety and insomnia, which are common withdrawal symptoms associated with cannabis use. Examples of benzodiazepines that might be, under very careful consideration, used for symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia, include diazepam, lorazepam, and clonazepam. Keep in mind that these medications should be used with extreme caution and only under the guidance of a healthcare professional, since they can also be habit-forming and have serious potential for abuse.
- Antidepressants: Cannabis withdrawal can also cause symptoms of depression, such as low mood, lack of motivation, and difficulty concentrating. Antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), may be prescribed to manage these symptoms. These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation in the brain.
- Anticonvulsants: Some anticonvulsant medications, such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica), have been used to manage cannabis withdrawal symptoms. These medications are thought to help with symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances by stabilizing nerve activity in the brain.
- N-acetylcysteine (NAC): NAC is an over-the-counter supplement that has shown promise in managing cannabis withdrawal symptoms. It is believed to work by replenishing glutathione, an antioxidant that helps regulate the brain’s reward system, which can be disrupted by cannabis use. NAC may help reduce cravings and improve mood, but more research is needed to establish its effectiveness for cannabis withdrawal.
It’s important to note that medication for cannabis withdrawal should always be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under very close supervision of a healthcare professional. Treatment should also include counseling, support groups, and lifestyle changes. The choice of medication and dosages should be tailored to the individual’s needs and should be closely monitored by a healthcare professional to minimize side effects and ensure effectiveness. In addition to medications, self-care such as regular exercise and practicing relaxation techniques such as mediation, can also be helpful in managing cannabis withdrawal symptoms. There is still a lot of research that needs to be done to fully understand medicines for cannabis withdrawal and its associated symptoms.
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