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Had Complete Hysterectomy. Diagnosed With Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Taking Doxipin And Clonazepam. Guide?

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Posted on Thu, 29 Aug 2013
Question: Hi,
I am a seemingly healthy 68 year old woman. I had a complete hysterectomy in 1999. I was put on hrt (estradiol), low dosage. I am doing well with that. However, in 2000 I was diagnosed witha a generalized anxiety disorder. It was very severe. My psychiatrist put me on a combination of 50 mlgs Doxipin and 2 mlgs of Clonazepam, which I continue ro take. I also have atrial ventricular fibrillation. Panic attacks when medications are not used are a seriuous enough problem to send me to the ER several times over the past year.

I do not drink, rather, I smoke grass recreationally. Approximately 4 days ago I got up, after a good night's sleep and had to hold onto the walls around me to navigate due to vertigo. It was totally overwhelming. I went to my nurse practioner who diagnosed the problem as vertigo, which has never happened before. She recommended taking 25 mlgs Antivert, over the counter.

The question is, does marijuana ever show up as a problem in connection with vertigo? I realize that I have presented a lot of physical stuff for you in a small amount of space and time. But this has never happened to me before and it is scary.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anjana Rao Kavoor (1 hour later)
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have gone through your history and am aware that you have had a hysterectomy and then had generalized anxiety disorder and have been on medications. You have also had A fib and panic attacks leading to ER visits.

Also mentioned in particular is your smoking grass habit and your most recent problems is the vertigo you experienced 4 days ago. You seek answers connecting marijuana and vertigo.

I would like to make you aware that marijuana (cannabis) does have few positive effects on health. Vertigo might be reduced by taking marijuana but should not be considered a regular form of treatment for the same.

A review on therapeutics of marijuana (cannabis) from research paper published in British Journal of Psychiatry is as follows:

Cannabis and some cannabinoids are effective anti-emetics and analgesics and reduce intra-ocular pressure. There is evidence of symptom relief and improved well-being in selected neurological conditions, AIDS and certain cancers. Cannabinoids may reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Anticonvulsant activity requires clarification. Other properties identified by basic research await evaluation. Standard treatments for many relevant disorders are unsatisfactory. Cannabis is safe in overdose but often produces unwanted effects, typically sedation, intoxication, clumsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, lowered blood pressure or increased heart rate. The discovery of specific receptors and natural ligands may lead to drug developments. Research is needed to optimise dose and route of administration, quantify therapeutic and adverse effects, and examine interactions.


Antivert (hydrochloride-niacin combination) may be helpful in your condition. However a consultation with doctors is necessary if you get frequent episodes of vertigo. This is to rule out any problems with your inner ear or head.

Hope your query is answered.
Should there be further questions, please feel free to ask.

Dr A Rao Kavoor
Note: In case of any other concern or query related to prevention, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, or the recovery of persons with the any type of addiction or substance use, follow up with our Addiction Medicine Specialist. Click here to book a consultation now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Anjana Rao Kavoor

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1197 Questions

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Had Complete Hysterectomy. Diagnosed With Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Taking Doxipin And Clonazepam. Guide?

Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.

I have gone through your history and am aware that you have had a hysterectomy and then had generalized anxiety disorder and have been on medications. You have also had A fib and panic attacks leading to ER visits.

Also mentioned in particular is your smoking grass habit and your most recent problems is the vertigo you experienced 4 days ago. You seek answers connecting marijuana and vertigo.

I would like to make you aware that marijuana (cannabis) does have few positive effects on health. Vertigo might be reduced by taking marijuana but should not be considered a regular form of treatment for the same.

A review on therapeutics of marijuana (cannabis) from research paper published in British Journal of Psychiatry is as follows:

Cannabis and some cannabinoids are effective anti-emetics and analgesics and reduce intra-ocular pressure. There is evidence of symptom relief and improved well-being in selected neurological conditions, AIDS and certain cancers. Cannabinoids may reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Anticonvulsant activity requires clarification. Other properties identified by basic research await evaluation. Standard treatments for many relevant disorders are unsatisfactory. Cannabis is safe in overdose but often produces unwanted effects, typically sedation, intoxication, clumsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, lowered blood pressure or increased heart rate. The discovery of specific receptors and natural ligands may lead to drug developments. Research is needed to optimise dose and route of administration, quantify therapeutic and adverse effects, and examine interactions.


Antivert (hydrochloride-niacin combination) may be helpful in your condition. However a consultation with doctors is necessary if you get frequent episodes of vertigo. This is to rule out any problems with your inner ear or head.

Hope your query is answered.
Should there be further questions, please feel free to ask.

Dr A Rao Kavoor