The medication for ADHD is called Ritalin. It is also not advised to mix cannabis and Ritalin to treat symptoms like anxiety and depression that can occur from ADHD and the stimulant-based drugs used to treat it. However, some people do combine the two to help address these symptoms. Always seek the advice of a medical marijuana physician; they can advise you on the safety of mixing ritalin and marijuana and can also issue you a medical card online that will allow you to legally obtain marijuana in your state.
Heart strain may increase when cannabis use is combined with ADHD drugs like Ritalin. There have been instances of people using cannabis to effectively manage ADHD, and some have even reported using it to cut back on stimulant use.
What Is Ritalin?
Oral methylphenidate, commonly known by the brand name Ritalin, is used to treat narcolepsy and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Research has indicated that ritalin may alter serotonin, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and dopamine levels in the body, all of which may be involved in the symptoms of ADHD, even though the precise mode of action of the medication is unknown. CBD Edibles
Along with ADHD, people frequently suffer from other conditions. Among them are:
- Anxiety disorder
- Depression
- Epilepsy
Ritalin is a stimulant, which means that it makes the central nervous system (CNS) of the body more active. You experience increased alertness and wakefulness and energy when using stimulant drugs because they speed up the flow of messages to and from the brain and the rest of the body.
Ritalin’s potential adverse effects include the following:
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
Benefits and Risks of Combining Cannabis and Ritalin
As previously mentioned, while taking Ritalin along with marijuana is not advised, some users do report benefits. But it’s critical to comprehend the benefits and drawbacks of combining cannabis with stimulants.
Benefits
Ritalin and cannabis use together may lessen co-occurring (co-morbid) disorders. One of the primary cannabinoids in cannabis, CBD, has the ability to lessen the symptoms of disorders like anxiety, depression, and epilepsy, all of which can coexist with ADHD.
Furthermore, cannabis may help lessen the following common Ritalin side effects:
- Insomnia
- Loss of appetite
- Pain, including stomach pain
- Nausea and vomiting
Risks
Combining the two has certain advantages, but there are drawbacks as well. One of the former is that cannabis use may lessen Ritalin’s effects. A 2014 study discovered that concurrent use of cannabis and Ritalin lessened the medication’s effects. If you’re taking Ritalin to treat symptoms of ADHD, this isn’t the best option.
Overstimulation could also result from the combination of the two medications. Ritalin and cannabis, more especially THC mixed with limonene and terpinolene, are stimulants. This indicates that both of these drugs raise CNS activity, which raises the heart rate and blood pressure. Combining two stimulants may cause the heart to work harder and raise your risk of heart problems.
Overstimulation can also cause “weed shakes,” a trembling sensation in the body that mimics an extreme cold. Overstimulation of the nervous system, which can happen when you take too many stimulants, causes weed shakes.
What to Consider When Using Both Ritalin and Marijuana
Speak with your doctor if you want to use cannabis and Ritalin together. Since THC is a stimulant, your healthcare provider might advise using CBD oil or a strain that is high in CBD and low in THC. This is because CBD can be helpful for treating certain co-occurring conditions.
Even if you are not experiencing any side effects, it is advised that you inform your doctor if you are currently taking both Ritalin and cannabis. In the event that you need to switch medications or begin experiencing negative side effects, this will assist you in making the best decisions for your medical care going forward.
How Combining Cannabis and Ritalin Might Improve Your Well-Being
If, in addition to ADHD, you also suffer from depression, anxiety, or epilepsy, combining cannabis and Ritalin may make you feel better. It has been demonstrated that the cannabis cannabinoid CBD can help lessen the symptoms of these ailments. You may be able to cut back on the amount of other prescription medications, such as stimulants and antidepressants, by using medical cannabis.
Furthermore, cannabis might lessen the unpleasant side effects that Ritalin users frequently encounter. But it can also make Ritalin less effective, so you should talk to your doctor about it first.
The Conclusion
It is not advised to take Ritalin and cannabis together. We cannot be certain that combining the two substances won’t be harmful because there hasn’t been much research done in this area. Cannabis may worsen the effects of Ritalin and increase heart and central nervous system strain, according to some research.
On the other hand, some users might discover that cannabis helps treat co-occurring conditions and lessen Ritalin’s side effects. Speak with your doctor if you want to use cannabis and Ritalin together and get your medical marijuana card, which will allow you to legally consume marijuana without getting into legal consequences.
