ENGLISH ARCHIVE
Article:  Cannabis for therapeutic purposes

Interactions


 

If any medication is being used, the possibility of interaction with the substances contained in cannabis must always be taken into consideration.

 

 

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants: THC can increase the effect of fluoxetine.

Tricyclic antidepressants: THC can increase the side effects of amitriptyline (i.e. tachycardia, hypertension and sedation).

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's): Indomethacin and acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) reduce the effects of THC.

Barbiturates: These increase the depressive effects of THC and also increase tachycardia associated with THC consumption.

Benzodiazepines: These drugs can increase depression of the nervous system and also of the respiratory system.

Beta-blockers: These reduce tachycardia associated with THC.

Ethanol (alcohol): This can increase nervous system deterioration.

Opiates: Increased sedation and analgesia.

Theophylline: Cannabinoids increase theophylline catabolism. A dosage increase is thus required in such cases.

Anticholinergic agents: Atropine and scopolamine can increase tachycardia produced by THC.

Disulfiram: THC interacts with disulfiram, causing a very unpleasant reaction in the patient. The combination of both substances should therefore be avoided.