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Suggest Treatment For Psychoactive Effects Of Marijuana Smoking

Posted on Fri, 13 Mar 2015

Question: Hi, I have a friend in a very odd situation and she's afraid to go to a provider and have this be in her medical record. She smoked Marijuana last Monday. She smoked a week prior and did not have any issues. However, on Monday she was a bit paranoid but otherwise just normal. She took 4 hits. ever since then she has been stuck in what she describes to be a dream like state. She has to always pinch herself to make sure she's in reality and not dreaming. She also describes it as being in a bubble and air headed. She can't concentrate and is really tired. She has tried drinking lots of water, working out at the gym, eating fruits and veggies, sitting in the sauna but it hasn't helped. When she first wake up out of sleep she feels somewhat normal but then gradually the dreamlike state creeps back in. I'm at a loss as to how we can get her back to normal.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
these all are psychoactive effects of marijuana smoking,needs treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.
I can understand your concern for your friend.

Your narration clearly suggest that she is having psychoactive effects of marijuana smoking. These happen in in almost 20-30% users. However it generally not lasts more than 24 hours in occasional users.In her case almost 3 days have been passed and no improvement.This suggests she may be taking regularly or there is precipitation of some psychiatric problem itself.

Whatever the case it may be, she can be helped with few of drugs like propanolol, rimonabant, buspirone, fluoxtine, low dose anti psychotic and benzodiazepine depending upon type and severity of symptoms. Most of them are prescription drugs.Only propranolol may be available over the counter.

If her symptoms are decreasing day by day, wait for 3-4 days more.Or symptoms are same or worsening, consult doctor for examination and prescription of suitable medicines as above.By chance she is not ready to go to doctor,you can give 20 mg of propranolol with some meal,make her calm and convince her to visit a doctor. She also needs counselling to avoid use of marijuana in future.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (2 minutes later)

sorry I should have clarified. she smoked on Monday 2/2 so this is well over a week that she's been having it.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (21 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thanks for clarification

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX

It has been almost 10 days of last intake and symptoms persist.
Without hesitation she should go to doctor as soon as possible. As early she will be evaluated and treated as good the results and shorter the course of medicines.

You need to convince her anyhow. Or you can meet doctor and narrate her situation and request to keep all these out of her medical record if feasible. And in most of the countries confidentiality is the right of patient and to keep patient's record confidential is duty of treating doctor.

All the best,

I will be glad to answer more if needed.

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar