Marijuana, Anxiety, Depression

To Anyone With Feedback:

I am writing because I recently began suffering from anxiety attacks and perhaps some symptoms of depression, both of which run in my family.
I was an avid pot smoker for several years, smoking at least three times a day.  I experienced my first anxiety attack while I was high; at first, I thought it was a "bad high," but my second and third attacks told me it was something more.  
Since then I have linked pot smoking to my anxiety, and have completely quit smoking -- this was about three weeks ago.  Any severe feelings of anxiety have almost completely diminished, however I am still feeling some symptoms of anxiety, and some other symptoms similar to depression (disconnection, void thoughts, lack of daydreams, sleeplessness).  
I am in a wonderful relationship; we just had our two year anniversary.  However, while I was having attacks, irrational thoughts about my relationship ran through my head.  Like, "who is this person I am with," and "who am I?"  
These thoughts have manifested in my head for the past month.  I am starting to feel changed in my relationship, even though nothing but my anxiety spurred these changes.  My boyfriend is still the same loving, supportive and fun person he always was, but I feel lackluster and disconnected.  
I read that marijuana can make its users feel that way, and that after quitting it ususally takes several weeks to return to "normal" feelings and chemistry.  
Have I messed up my brain's chemistry completely, or do I need to be more patient with myself, since I am essentially going through a withdrawl (withdrawal) period?  
*** In a question, what are they typical side effects from smoking marijuana chronically, then quitting smoking?  
I truly appreciate feedback from anyone who has a similar experience, or different!  Thanks!

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

The answer is you should be more patient with yourself...you are going through withdrawals, and it does take time.  The thoughts you have are not abnormal, nor are the feelings when you are getting closer, and more scared, of the implicit committment and seriousness of the relationship.  You should talk to your boyfriend more about some of these feelings if you trust he will understand and be supportive...it is a good way to stay connected.

[sdc1213]

Yeah I feel your pain I had a rebound anxiety disorder from smoking marijuana. Marijuana causes chemical imbalances and causes panic attacks even in people that don't have a disorder. Although there's a 50-50 chance of you growing some sort of disorder. Either you become anxious because you smoke and it subsides after the high is overwith, or you form a disorder that causes constant worry and struggle. It seems you may have developed a disorder from what you were talking about "confusion" is a symptom and what you have to do is tell yourself that you're fine and that it's just anxiety ... it wont hurt you, but it will take time to overcome anxiety, if its chronic. You said you fully quit smoking, that's good... step 1 next step is to get evaluated from a psychiatrist and see what she/he says about the situation. Whether it's going to a councelor and performing relaxation techniques or to put you on medication.

Trust me I feel your pain about the whole situation, im going through the EXACT SAMETHING.

Another advice I give to you is very important. I would see a doctor ASAP because if you become stressed and have a panic attack it could start other disorders just as GAD, which I'm going through currently because the sickness of my mother diagnosed with cancer. Unability to relax is the big concern for me right now, I'm over the panic attacks.

Good luck,
Steve

[hohum]

OMG...I thought I was the only one going thru this.....I have suffered from depression and anxiety for years now...but have not been this bad in quite a while...if ever....I too gave up smoking pot a couple of weeks ago in an attempt to get a job....I just moved to a new state 600 miles from "home" and it seems that all the interesting or good paying jobs required drug testing....
I didn't think that pot had any withdrawl (withdrawal) symptoms...I have given it up before...but I guess the combination of a whole lot of things along with this has triggered severe depression, a whole lot of crying and getting my feelings hurt, total hopelessness, lonliness to name a few.....I took the e-mail address and nickname of hohum...cause that is the way I have been feeling..but it seems to be getting worse instead of better. I did go to the doctor...I used to take prozac...and stopped last year.....she put me on Lexapro...I was on it for about 2 weeks and starting feeling better....then worse...so I asked to be changed back to the prozac...and off of the lexapro...been on the prozac for a couple of days now...and feel like I am on an emotional roller coaster...laughing one minute....crying hysterically the next....I WANT TO GET OFF THIS DAMN THING!!!!
And relationships....when my boyfriend and I got together about 10 months ago...the sex and all was so good....and now since we moved...he has absolutely no sex drive...he doesn't know why...I of course think it's me....we talk about it...joke about it too....but it doesn't seem to help....each day that goes by I feel even more unloved....I almost feel that if I got physical love...that my depression would lift...Am I crazy????
WE hug and kiss...snuggle..but that is about it..after having super good sex...I feel totally unloved and unloveable...I wake up in the morning crying...sometimes about this situation...sometimes about other situations that are less than optimal...any thoughts or suggestions would surely be appreciated!

[sdc1213]

Anything that is addicting (Doesn't have to contain a chemical like nicotine at all) is hard to quit doing. You smoke everyday 2 - 3 times a day for a month straight and try quitting. It's like you losing a friend of course you'll become depressed because your brain waves are telling your body you need this. Which you know in reality you don't but the mind is so use to it that you become anxious because you're not use to having "this feeling."

[hangin'in there!]

I don't know how anyone has managed to quit smoking pot after long term use of the stuff, but all those successful quiters out there are welcome to give me their advice!! I am NOT a social smoker, I am FULL ON!!!  I smoke sooo much that it's almost sinfull how much money I've lost.  I would even dare say that since I was 14 I have been stoned ALL MY LIFE, I am now a married 26 year old mum on effexor XR, and still smokin'.  Trouble is ... I want to stop for my mental/physical health and to set a good example for my toddler (I hate my habit!!!) but I always fail any serious attempt to quit and end up running back to my bong!!! HELP ME, GUYS!!!

I have had a rough upbringing and my mother STILL SMOKES marijuanna.  She gave me my first taste for the stuff, but I know that my habit is my responsibility.  She smoked when she was pregnant with me and all thru my childhood and I always swore I'd never turn out like her (don't we all?) but I can't help thinking I'm doomed to be a pot head FOREVER!!!

If that was my only problem I may have been a sucessful quiter but I'm also lost in a whirlwind of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Anxiety, Depression and it is suspected I may even have a hormonal imbalance although that is still under investigation.  My husband and I have tried for a second bub and suffered 2 early miscarriages and a late miscarriage when I was over 3months pregnant.  I don't have periods anymore and I just wanna sleep all day, or stay in bed, cos I feel generally sick and tired all the time.  I have to get up and be a good mum (which I believe I am!) but sometimes I feel like I need a pipe just to get thru the day.

My psychologist says that I should'nt rush into quitting pot as it has been a security crutch for me and says we need to get a few other strategies in place first.  My awesome hubby also smokes and we are shocking, the way we keep encouraging each other to smoke without even realising it!! He would also like to quit, but we never agree on a quit date. (And if we do, stress makes us delay the date and the vicious cycle starts again.)

My Dr. says I should look at quitting asap. because of my asthma and mental health status.  He says that the effexor seems to have taken enough of an edge of things that I should, with will power, be able to quit.

I agree with my Dr. and have wanted to quit since before my husband and I got married 3 years ago! Why can't I let go of my hemp-woven security blanket? Can ANYONE THAT KNOWS how to quit smoking marijuanna throw me a life line? I'm clutching at straws here and when I've posted this message I'm going to go and have a pipe... it's really that bad.

[nosmo]

hey I've been there. I had my first attack in 1988 from pot. Anyway,I foolishly toked about a week ago and have been paying the price since. I've been aon imipramine since my first attack and I have found adding clonazepam in small doses when needed has helped. All I have to say is see a doctor,keep the faith, surround yourself with loved ones, and QUIT POT! You're gonna make it. You're not alone and you're NOT crazy. I find keeping busy is far more effective than curling up in a ball, but that may vary from person to person.Good luck to all of you. This will pass.

[AnnieJ]

I can totally relate...Im a product of the 80s and I got high everyday now as an adult I think about how I would get high and not even want to go outside, it cause me such paranoia and anxiety. I would very much like to think thats where the OCD came from....

[NMCS]

Wow! I'm so glad I Googled this page because I'm suffering through the same things.
I too have been a heavy, everyday, pot smoker for about fifteen years and recently cut way back for school. This is the first time I have taken classes in about twelve years and I thought it would be a good idea. Still do.
One week ago I smoked a normal bong (for me, normal means I mash the dope into the bowl, suck it down like a black hole, and hold it like my last dollar) and after about fifteen minutes or so I thought I was having a heart attack. My heart was pounding like no tomarrow, I felt extremley light headed, and I had a feeling in my stomach like the bottom was falling out. This was the second time that I had felt like this but the first passed after about ten minutes. This time the feeling went on for about two hours and I actually went to the E.R. They gave me an I.V. of saline to hydrate myself and hit me with some Ativan to settle me down.
I felt ok the next day but had a fuzzy feeling in my head. The day after I actually felt good and did some things around the house. Then it was class on the third day with a block exam and I felt good until I got to class and sat down and the bottom fell out. Same symptoms and once again I thought I was having a heart attack. Went home, missing my test, and got a doctors appointment.
When I saw him he said my heart was ok and ordered a thyroid test. Apparently, hyperthyroidism can mimic anxiety attacks. The results aren't in yet but after reading the postings here I am convinced that I am having withdrawl (withdrawal) anxiety. I never would have thought that this would happen from pot, but apparently the hold it takes on your mind after so long is incredible.
I am drinking a lot of fruit juice to clean my system out, doing cardio work on an exercycle to speed that up, and trying to stay generally busy to keep my mind on track. It's not easy but I don't want to backslide and returning to my chronic old ways is no answer. Thank you guys for your postings as I don't feel so alone now and I wish you all much luck and success in our mutual endeavor to de-bud ourselves. More soon.

[hangin'in there!]

Ohhh, it is soooo hard! It doesn't make it any easier that I actually enjoy pot smoking ... I just don't want to do it anymore but Urghh!

Just a stream of conciousness here on the subject, nothing informative at all but here goes nothing...

I have recently been told that people with depression, anxiety etc. etc. usually 'self medicate' themselves.  My doctor asked me if I self medicated and I said no then he asked if I do drugs and I was honest enough to talk about the pot and he said "That's self medication!" This really made me think that maybe my problem with this habit is that I use it to cover up underlying issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder which I have long ago been diagnosed with.  "Self medication" had never occured to me before and when I suck down a bong I had never thought I was medicating myself ... I mean, I know this stuff doesn't really help the situation!!  Geeze, you'd just have to look at the budget to figure out medication like this is unaffordable!  But in light of that, there is a heap of truth to it.  I tend to run to my bong when I feel really awful - and I guess that could be self medicating.  Interesting!  I have much to think about.

Any thoughts about this medical hypothesis; "self medication?"

[nosmo]

I had my first anxiety attack in '88 after smoking weed. It lasted of months (and ALL DAY) until I started taking imipramine. I've been good for years until I stupidly smoked pot in october.  Now I'm just getting over being fcugged up, am on a high dose again, taking the occasional clonazepam, and doing acupuncture. Quit the weed. I used to enjoy the buzz but it's obvious that some of us can no longer smoke it. It isn't worth it.

[hangin'in there!]

HOW!!!????

I just don't know how to stop. I can't go 2 days without it or I'm an irratible b*?#! Then the cycle starts all over again ... calm down and have a pipe. Psych myself up to quit, get really moody and mieserable ... vicious circle.  I agree.  Quit the pot. Just wanna know how you do it is all.

[nosmo]

I'm surprised that you would keep smoking.  The anxiety that pot gave (gives) me has sworn me off the stuff. Have you tride doing anything else with your "pot time"? My quitting smoking cigarettes was a pain but I had success with diverting my attention to something else(the gym). Try to stay off the weed and I bet your anxiety will diminish.

[JzzleGS]

Hey everyone. I just wanted to add my story b/c I too used to smoke pot, until as recently as last July, for almost 3 years without incident. then i had an anxiety/panic attack, and it was HORRIBLE!!! i thought i was dying, and i had this reoccuring thought, "this is death" going on in my head with all these other retarded thoughts that made no sense. i would come in and out of reality and my boyfriend called 911, and i had regained a grip and he told me that he called 911, and i freaked out, and had a longer one. it was awful. then i didn't think the pot had anything to do with it and i smoked again and had yet another one, and this time i knew their was a connection. then for almost a month after the attack, i had these weird tingling sensations all over my body and i was really upset, and would have these attacks in my dreams, but wake up and be fine. i talked to this person i trust who also happens to be a clinical psychologist, and she told me she had experienced that shortly after she had her first baby, and i had had a baby almost a year before and i felt normal, and after i had quit smoking i got better and better, and now i can say i am totally fine! i think people are over medicated, you just need to be able to change your frame of mind, don't freak when you feel the anxiety coming on, tell yourself it is not only normal but harmless.... the flight or fight response actually makes you stronger than you are normally. then just calm yourself down, take deep breaths, tense your muscles then relax them so you know the real difference.

[MiKeLaTTs]

Hey im a 24 y/o guy and ive been smokin since i was 18 and everyday since.  Ive been feeling this depression and anxiety since i tried to quit smoking a couple months ago. since that one week i was able to stop the depression and anxiety started, but i have noiticed myself being very withdrawn in the last couple of years.... The hardest part is that everyone i hang out with (wouldnt even call most of them my friends though, smokin buddies at best) smoke all day every day.....i am about to graduate from school with my masters and get a job and i feel like **** for somereason.... i have a good girlfriend for the past 4 months abd i get nervous about our relationship for no good reason......i know i should quit smoking but i know if i do ill have to stop hanging out with everyone i know and then what do i do?  My g/f goes to shool upstate so i cant even hang otu with her alot.... damn i wish i never started smoking lol

[La di da di da]

Howdy i quit four days ago and am dealing with anxiety. It is usually when i am with one person.  I begin to have hot flushes i become sweaty and my thoughts start racing and its almost like the person im with knows what the hell im racing on about. Its very weird and i dont like the feeling. Is this anxiety? How long does this last because i dont like it one bit. it is enough for me never to touch mary again. I have quit before but it was never like this, or not as intense i should say. I smoked everyday for a year every night. ANyone with any comments..??

[rimzo]

boy am i surprised that so many people on here have the same exact problems I am having.. i have been smokin weed for the past 4 years at least 2 times a day and just decided to quit about 2 weeks ago due to the fact that my heart was beating abnormally.  I was driving on the freeway the next day (my first sober day) when my head started spinning and my finger tips went numb, My heart was beating so fast I felt as if i was going to pass out and crash my car.  The only thing i could think of was calling my mom which did actually calm me down a little bit... I checked into ER that night and took tests...they said everything was perfectly fine so I figured it was the weed not to mention I was smoking on some strong quality stuff recently...since then I feel my heart race throughout the days and I feel anxiety and depression.  I saw my doctor and he put me on Wellbutrin..I cant really tell if its working or not because I still get the attacks...My advice to anyone who has this same problem would be to put the weed or any other drugs away for good and to never turn back.. I really hope this anxiety/depression goes away soon but I am willing to fight it till the end and one thing I have learned from it is you have to fight the anxiety with your mind...when im busy or doing something i enjoy such as composing music I forget about the anxiety and it will dissapear untill i am reminded of it or if it crosses my mind..thats when i feel it again..well hope you guys all cure up and dont give up

[rimzo]

boy am i surprised that so many people on here have the same exact problems I am having.. i have been smokin weed for the past 4 years at least 2 times a day and just decided to quit about 2 weeks ago due to the fact that my heart was beating abnormally.  I was driving on the freeway the next day (my first sober day) when my head started spinning and my finger tips went numb, My heart was beating so fast I felt as if i was going to pass out and crash my car.  The only thing i could think of was calling my mom which did actually calm me down a little bit... I checked into ER that night and took tests...they said everything was perfectly fine so I figured it was the weed not to mention I was smoking on some strong quality stuff recently...since then I feel my heart race throughout the days and I feel anxiety and depression.  I saw my doctor and he put me on Wellbutrin..I cant really tell if its working or not because I still get the attacks...My advice to anyone who has this same problem would be to put the weed or any other drugs away for good and to never turn back.. I really hope this anxiety/depression goes away soon but I am willing to fight it till the end and one thing I have learned from it is you have to fight the anxiety with your mind...when im busy or doing something i enjoy such as composing music I forget about the anxiety and it will dissapear untill i am reminded of it or if it crosses my mind..thats when i feel it again..well hope you guys all cure up and dont give up

[a_mystery2me]

Hello Everyone, good to read everyone's comments.  I'm an active daily user and I smoke 3-4 x daily.  I am 27 and have smoked for 12 years straight, with the longest period without smoking being 4 months after a leg surgery and diagnosis with an auto-immune disease reactive to tobacco.  I have since quit the tobacco (7 years ago) but continue with my green habit.  My boyfriend has an even worse habbit than myself which makes it hard for me to take the focus off the drug, something I was normally able to do before I began smoking more frequently.  Currently I am giving into my habit but sense that it will become a problem in the future, especially when I chose to go back to school.  Though he has continued in his personal growth a lot since we have been together, my boyfriend continues to have problems with depression and sexual impotence and general lack of confidence and striving for independence.  I feel a generalized lack of libidinal energy on his part in general, but for some reason I don't feel this in myself...I generally still find my own sexual energy to be very high, dispite continued use.  

Good luck to everyone in their endeavors, I will pay attention and keep all of your plights in mind when I go to use.  Thanks

[missylu]

the self medication theory hit home. after 2 deaths of friends within a few weeks of each other and a going threw a hideous breakup with my bf. i started smoking a ton,. every night so i could go to sleep n gradually up to 2-3 times a day when i can. At the same time i was diagonised with sever anxiety and depression. I smoke so that I wont be so high strung n freaking out about life , its the onlky thing that calms me down even though im on celexa n xanax, but now im hearing that the weed mgiht be the cause of the anxiety?  i tried not smokin n letting the drugs do there jobs..but it doesnt seem to help, weed is like the most immediate answer i can get, but im scared im making myself worse.
i dont really get paranoid or anxiouse when smoking ever.. but does it have long term affects on ur mental psyche?  and if so, why is it used in california to treat anxiety? im super confused n trying to make my bf be able to relate so he doesnt wanna strangle me when i have my freak outs.. but i dont understand it myself

[Ihavenolife]

I was smoking weed for the worst part of the past six years of my life, but up until about 2 weeks ago I have now quit. This was only due to the fact that my mum tried to tak her own life as a result of my constant chemical abuse, pyschosis, depression, anxiety, mental illness ...... I am in full believe that no weed smoker, be it contemporary or ex, has ever been through what I have been through (which was all a consequence of my actions and I take the full blame).  Let me lay it down to you...
Every time i smoked weed i would act like a complete schizophrenic, with a 1000 thoughts flying through my mind at once, uttering complete mumble and shouting the most random obscene stuff you could ever hear (my so called friends called me mental abbott and they all agreed that if they didn't know me I would be in an assallym by now).  I would have the most agonising back pain (sometimes I would have to lay down because I couldn't move, almost nearly paralysed) and as a result I would constantly manipulate my spine and neck resulting in a life term spine defiency. Ive never had a girlfriend as a result of my constant paranoid and delusional outlook on life, hell I cant even talk to anyone when I go out.  Ive lost every single job Ive ever had due to the fact i cant deal with social situations and become so enwrapped in negative thoughts I feel like im failing every1. It got to 1 point where I felt so much of a recluse that I would always fantasise aboout physically hurting every1 around me, be it my family, friends or just complete randoms.  I think about suicide pretty much everyday, even when i try to stay active constantly.

I NEED HELP, could neone at all maybe give me a pointer in the right direction???