Anxiety and Marijuana Use

I have a very severe anxiety disorder that causes my legs to shake/tremor, and more recently even my lips and face have developed twitches.  I've tried and slew of different drugs for over a year and have found little relief from constant attacks.  I've used marijuana for the last three years (the anxiety started a year ago).  I feel the marijuana provides some relief, but my doctors and parents insist that I quit.  They can't prove that it will help or that it has had anything to do with the onset of the anxiety disorder.  I have tried to quit in the past but have been unable to.  I'm wondering if it really will help or if it is more help to continue using.  Anyone have anything similar?  I am unable to work  and have become profoundly depressed.  I feel this will never end.

[Rs33]

I would try quiting you never know until you try it and it might be worth it, I know if you smoke cigs and quit it helps most people...I say give it a try what do you have to lose really?

[Jtroyer]

I have been smoking pot for about 3 years now, daily. I was just diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, which can cause anxiety too! So...im wondering if the pot helps or hurts at this point? I have heard so many different opinons its hard to know what to beleive. I guess you have to do what works for your anxiety, some people think it makes it worse, others think it helps.
I have been having anxiety attacks, just for about 2 mos now. Never had them before. My whole body gets these burning sensations and they come and go. Horrible feeling...

[donna80]

I used to smoke weed (the leaf) many years ago, One night i had skunk (the bud) but stopped just like that when i experienced my first whitey experience, it was horrible, am to afraid to touch it again, for me that is enough to set my anxiety off!!

A good friend of mine continues to smoke the leaf and it's the only thing that helps her naturally for her anxiety,better than any calmers she has been given! Her Doctor told her, if it helps carry on, he is really into it! He was one of the doctors who tried to get it legalised!  It does make her more depressed when she is a little down, but then she doesn't smoke any that day!

It's really your decision, no one else can make it for you.

[blacksoul004]

i have recently been smoking weed to try and help myself as well. though it seems like im relaxed enough, i think it makes me more paranoid and i get a little more axiety around each time i use it. though it seems great i think its only a temporary fix with long lasting side affects that only worsen axiety!

Heidi

[AnxietyGuy1976]

If your anxiety is exhibiting mostly physical symptoms, or those physical symptoms cause you even more anxiety, you could ask your Dr. about propanolol.

I take it in conjunction with clonazepam, and it GREATLY reduces, if not stops altogether, the major physical issues I get from anxiety and panic disorder.

It's a non-selective beta-blocker, and works very differently than most meds you'll read about here, so it may be hit or miss for you.

Also, unless marijuana is legal where you are (I don't quite know the specifics of California laws, aside from the fact that I assume you need a valid prescription). With your states' incredibly botched legislative system, whose to say how many times it may change in your life time. I personally wouldn't risk the need for it as a long term fix. It could also hurt your prospects if you want to work anywhere that requires drug testing (and yep, even many prescribed meds could exempt you from certain employments).

/I've done my fair share of "things" in the past, but I don't risk the consequences anymore.