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How Does Cocaine And Marijuana Affect A Person After Taking Penicillin Treatment For Neurosyphilis?
Question: How does recreational drugs such as cocaine and marijuana affect a person after they have completed penicillin treatment for neurosyphilis? Can the use of these drugs increase their RPR levels and do they need to be retreated
Hi and thanks for the query,
It’s important to note that the use of cocaine and marijuana have effects mainly on the nervous system. Effects on the liver function are mild. Since most drugs, especially antibiotics are metabolized by the liver; it’s very unlikely that these drugs should have effects on the efficacy of penicillin treatment.
However, it’s important to note the other side effects of these drugs such as dependence and paranoid reactions, especially when taken in large or excessive doses.
The Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test is not affected by these drugs. After completion of your regimen of the penicillin injections for syphilis, it is worthwhile to undertake the control tests after a couple of months as shall certainly be prescribed by your treating physician. I would advise you reconsider carefully the use of cocaine and marijuana, especially with respect to the nervous and psychiatric consequences they might have, especially drug dependence. Withdrawal syndromes from these drugs most of the time, are usually very serious.
My suggestion is stopping them or consulting a psychiatrist if need be.
Wishing you good health and best regards,
Dr Luchuo, MD.
It’s important to note that the use of cocaine and marijuana have effects mainly on the nervous system. Effects on the liver function are mild. Since most drugs, especially antibiotics are metabolized by the liver; it’s very unlikely that these drugs should have effects on the efficacy of penicillin treatment.
However, it’s important to note the other side effects of these drugs such as dependence and paranoid reactions, especially when taken in large or excessive doses.
The Rapid Plasma Reagin (RPR) test is not affected by these drugs. After completion of your regimen of the penicillin injections for syphilis, it is worthwhile to undertake the control tests after a couple of months as shall certainly be prescribed by your treating physician. I would advise you reconsider carefully the use of cocaine and marijuana, especially with respect to the nervous and psychiatric consequences they might have, especially drug dependence. Withdrawal syndromes from these drugs most of the time, are usually very serious.
My suggestion is stopping them or consulting a psychiatrist if need be.
Wishing you good health and best regards,
Dr Luchuo, MD.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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