Betaseron and Weed
Edited by Hugh Soames
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Betaseron and Weed
Most people who consume marijuana do so for its mood-altering and relaxing abilities. Weed gives people a high and allows them to relax. However, heavy consumption of weed can cause unwanted results. It can increase the anxiety and depression a person experiences, and it can interact with certain other drugs including Betaseron. It is important to remember that interactions do occur with all types of drugs, to a great or lesser extent and this article details the interactions of mixing Betaseron and Weed.
Mixing Betaseron and Weed
Interferon beta-1b is a cytokine in the interferon family used to treat the relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is approved for use after the first MS event. Closely related is interferon beta 1a, also indicated for MS, with a very similar drug profile.
Interferon beta balances the expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory agents in the brain, and reduces the number of inflammatory cells that cross the blood brain barrier. Overall, therapy with interferon beta leads to a reduction of neuron inflammation. Moreover, it is also thought to increase the production of nerve growth factor and consequently improve neuronal survival.
Interferon beta-1b is available only in injectable forms, and can cause skin reactions at the injection site that may include cutaneous necrosis. Skin reactions vary greatly in their clinical presentation. They usually appear within the first month of treatment albeit their frequence and importance diminish after six months of treatment. Skin reactions are more prevalent in women. Mild skin reactions usually do not impede treatment whereas necroses appear in around 5% of patients and lead to the discontinuation of the therapy. Also over time, a visible dent at the injection site due to the local destruction of fat tissue, known as lipoatrophy, may develop.
Interferons, a subclass of cytokines, are produced in the body during illnesses such as influenza in order to help fight the infection. They are responsible for many of the symptoms of influenza infections, including fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and headaches. Many patients report influenza-like symptoms hours after taking interferon beta that usually improve within 24 hours, being such symptoms related to the temporary increase of cytokines. This reaction tends to disappear after 3 months of treatment and its symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, that reduce fever and pain. Another common transient secondary effect with interferon-beta is a functional deterioration of already existing symptoms of the disease. Such deterioration is similar to the one produced in MS patients due to heat, fever or stress (Uhthoff’s phenomenon), usually appears within 24 hours of treatment, is more common in the initial months of treatment, and may last several days. A symptom specially sensitive to worsening is spasticity. Interferon-beta can also reduce numbers of white blood cells (leukopenia), lymphocytes (lymphopenia) and neutrophils (neutropenia), as well as affect liver function. In most cases these effects are non-dangerous and reversible after cessation or reduction of treatment. Nevertheless, recommendation is that all patients should be monitored through laboratory blood analyses, including liver function tests, to ensure safe use of interferons.
The injection-site reactions can be mitigated by rotating injection sites or by using one of the medications that requires less frequent injections. Side effects are often onerous enough that many patients ultimately discontinue taking Interferons (or glatiramer acetate, a comparable disease-modifying therapies requiring regular injections).
The earliest clinical presentation of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis is the clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), that is, a single attack of a single symptom. During a CIS, there is a subacute attack suggestive of demyelination but the patient does not fulfill the criteria for diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Treatment with interferons after an initial attack decreases the risk of developing clinical definite MS.
Medications are modestly effective at decreasing the number of attacks in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis and in reducing the accumulation of brain lesions, which is measured using gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Interferons reduce relapses by approximately 30% and their safe profile make them the first-line treatments. Nevertheless, not all the patients are responsive to these therapies. It is known that 30% of MS patients are non-responsive to Beta interferon. They can be classified in genetic, pharmacological and pathogenetic non-responders. One of the factors related to non-respondance is the presence of high levels of interferon beta neutralizing antibodies. Interferon therapy, and specially interferon beta-1b, induces the production of neutralizing antibodies, usually in the second 6 months of treatment, in 5 to 30% of treated patients. Moreover, a subset of RRMS patients with specially active MS, sometimes called “rapidly worsening MS” are normally non-responders to interferon beta-1b.
While more studies of the long-term effects of the drugs are needed, some data on the effects of interferons indicate that early-initiated long-term therapy is safe and it is related to better outcomes. More recent data suggest that interferon betas does not hasten disability.
Interferon-β exacerbates Th17-mediated inflammatory disease.
Betaferon/Betaseron is marketed today by Bayer Pharma. The originator was Schering AG (Berlex in North America), now part of Bayer Pharma. Novartis has also introduced Extavia, a new brand of interferon beta-1b, in 2009.
Research has found that anxiety is one of the leading symptoms created by marijuana in users, and that there is a correlation between Betaseron and Weed and an increase in anxiety.
Anyone mixing Betaseron and weed is likely to experience side effects. This happens with all medications whether weed or Betaseron is mixed with them. Side effects can be harmful when mixing Betaseron and weed. Doctors are likely to refuse a patient a Betaseron prescription if the individual is a weed smoker or user. Of course, this could be due to the lack of studies and research completed on the mixing of Betaseron and Weed.
Heavy, long-term weed use is harmful for people. It alters the brain’s functions and structure, and all pharmaceuticals and drugs including Betaseron are designed to have an impact on the brain. There is a misplaced belief that pharmaceuticals and medication work by treating only the parts of the body affected yet this is obviously not the case in terms of Betaseron. For example, simple painkiller medication does not heal the injury, it simply interrupts the brains functions to receive the pain cause by the injury. To say then that two drugs, Betaseron and Weed, dol not interact is wrong. There will always be an interaction between Betaseron and Weed in the brain11.J. D. Brown and A. G. Winterstein, Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug–Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use – PMC, PubMed Central (PMC).; Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678684/.
One of the milder side effects of mixing Betaseron and Weed is Scromiting. This condition, reportedly caused by mixing Betaseron and Weed, describes a marijuana-induced condition where the user experiences episodes of violent vomiting, which are often so severe and painful that they cause the person to scream. The medical term for Scromiting by mixing Betaseron and Weed is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS. For these reasons, some people choose to quit smoking weed.
It was first included in scientific reports in 2004. Since then, researchers have determined that Scromiting is the result of ongoing, long-term use of marijuana—particularly when the drug contains high levels of THC, marijuana’s main psychoactive ingredient. Some experts believe that the receptors in the gut become overstimulated by THC, thus causing the repeated cycles of vomiting.
In the long run, a person can become even more depressed. There is a belief that marijuana is all-natural and not harmful to a person’s health. This is not true and Betaseron and weed can cause health issues the more a person consumes it.
How does Weed effect the potency of Betaseron?
The way in which the body absorbs and process Betaseron may be affected by weed. Therefore, the potency of the Betaseron may be less effective. Marijuana inhibits the metabolization of Betaseron. Not having the right potency of Betaseron means a person may either have a delay in the relief of their underlying symptoms.
A person seeking Betaseron medication that uses weed should speak to their doctor. It is important the doctor knows about a patient’s weed use, so they can prescribe the right Betaseron medication and strength. Or depending on level of interactions they may opt to prescribe a totally different medication. It is important for the doctor to know about their patient’s marijuana use. Weed is being legalized around the US, so doctors should be open to speaking about a patient’s use of it.
Sideffects of Betaseron and Weed
Many individuals may not realize that there are side effects and consequences to mixing Betaseron and Weed such as:
- Dizziness
- Sluggishness
- Drowsiness
- Shortness of breath
- Itching
- Hives
- Palpitations
- Respiratory Depression
- Cardiac Arrest
- Coma
- Seizures
- Death
Interestingly, it is impossible to tell what effect mixing this substance with Weed will have on an individual due to their own unique genetic make up and tolerance. It is never advisable to mix Betaseron and Weed due to the chances of mild, moderate and severe side effects. If you are having an adverse reaction from mixing Betaseron and Weed it’s imperative that you head to your local emergency room. Even mixing a small amount of Betaseron and Weed is not recommended.
Taking Betaseron and Weed together
People who take Betaseron and Weed together will experience the effects of both substances. Technically, the specific effects and reactions that occur due to frequent use of Betaseron and weed depend on whether you consume more weed in relation to Betaseron or more Betaseron in relation to weed.
The use of significantly more weed and Betaseron will lead to sedation and lethargy, as well as the synergistic effects resulting from a mixture of the two medications.
People who take both weed and Betaseron may experience effects such as:
- reduced motor reflexes from Betaseron and Weed
- dizziness from Weed and Betaseron
- nausea and vomiting due to Betaseron and Weed
Some people may also experience more euphoria, depression, irritability or all three. A combination of weed and Betaseron leads to significantly more lethargy which can easily tip over into coma, respiratory depression seizures and death.
Mixing weed and Betaseron
The primary effect of weed is influenced by an increase in the concentration of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, which is found in the spinal cord and brain stem, and by a reduction in its effect on neuronal transmitters. When weed is combined with Betaseron this primary effect is exaggerated, increasing the strain on the body with unpredictable results.
Weed and Betaseron affects dopamine levels in the brain, causing the body both mental and physical distress. Larger amounts of Betaseron and weed have a greater adverse effect yet leading medical recommendation is that smaller does of Betaseron can be just as harmful and there is no way of knowing exactly how Betaseron and weed is going to affect an individual before they take it.
Taking Betaseron and weed together
People who take Betaseron and weed together will experience the effects of both substances. The use of significantly more Betaseron with weed will lead to sedation and lethargy, as well as the synergistic effects resulting from a mixture of the two medications.
People who take both weed and Betaseron may experience effects such as:
- reduced motor reflexes from Betaseron and weed
- dizziness from weed and Betaseron
- nausea and vomiting of the Betaseron
Some people may also experience more euphoria, depression, irritability or all three. A combination of weed and Betaseron leads to significantly more lethargy which can easily tip over into coma, respiratory depression seizures and death.
Weed Vs Betaseron
Taking Betaseron in sufficient quantities increases the risk of a heart failure. Additionally, people under the influence of Betaseron and weed may have difficulty forming new memories. With weed vs Betaseron in an individual’s system they become confused and do not understand their environment. Due to the synergistic properties of Betaseron when mixed with weed it can lead to confusion, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. Chronic use of Betaseron and weed can lead to permanent changes in the brain22.G. Lafaye, L. Karila, L. Blecha and A. Benyamina, Cannabis, cannabinoids, and health – PMC, PubMed Central (PMC).; Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5741114/.
Betaseron Vs Weed
Studies investigating the effects of drugs such as Betaseron and weed have shown that the potential for parasomnia (performing tasks in sleep) is dramatically increased when Betaseron and weed are combined. Severe and dangerous side effects can occur when medications are mixed in the system, and sleep disorders are a common side effect of taking weed and Betaseron together.
When a small to medium amount of weed is combined with Betaseron, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can occur. According to the latest data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) most ER visits and hospitalizations caused by too much weed were associated with other substances such as Betaseron.
How long after taking Betaseron can I smoke weed or take edibles?
To avoid any residual toxicity it is advisable to wait until the Betaseron has totally cleared your system before taking weed, even in small quantities.
Overdose on Betaseron and weed
In the case of Overdose on Betaseron or if you are worried after mixing Betaseron and weed, call a first responder or proceed to the nearest Emergency Room immediately.
If you are worried about someone who has taken too much Betaseron or mixed weed with Betaseron then call a first responder or take them to get immediate medical help. The best place for you or someone you care about in the case of a medical emergency is under medical supervision. Be sure to tell the medical team that there is a mix of Betaseron and weed in their system.
Excessive Weed intake and result in scromiting, chs, and anxiety disorder. It is advisable to quit vaping weed if you are feeling these symptoms.
Mixing Betaseron and weed and antidepressants
Weed users feeling depressed and anxious may be prescribed antidepressant medication. There are some antidepressant users who also use Betaseron and weed. These individuals may not realize that there are side effects and consequences to consuming both Betaseron, marijuana and a range of antidepressants.
Studies on weed, Betaseron and antidepressants is almost nil. The reason for so little information on the side effects of the two is mostly down to marijuana being illegal in most places – although a number of states in the United States have legalized the drug.
Self-medicating with Weed and Betaseron
A lot of people suffer from depression caused by weed and Betaseron. How many? According to Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), in any given year, it is estimated that nearly 16 million adults experience depression. Unfortunately, that number is likely to be wrong due to under reporting. Many people do not report suffering from depression because they do not want to be looked at as suffering from a mental illness. The stigmas around mental health continue and people do not want to be labeled as depressed.
Potential side effects from mixing Betaseron and weed
Quitting weed to take Betaseron
Medical professionals say an individual prescribed or taking Betaseron should not stop using weed cold turkey. Withdrawal symptoms can be significant. Heavy pot users should especially avoid going cold turkey. The side effects of withdrawal from weed include anxiety, irritability, loss of sleep, change of appetite, and depression by quitting weed cold turkey and starting to take Betaseron.
A person beginning to use Betaseron should cut back on weed slowly. While reducing the amount of weed use, combine it with mindfulness techniques and/or yoga. Experts stress that non-medication can greatly improve a person’s mood.
Weed and Betaseron can affect a person in various ways. Different types of marijuana produce different side effects. Side effects of weed and Betaseron may include:
- loss of motor skills
- poor or lack of coordination
- lowered blood pressure
- short-term memory loss
- increased heart rate
- increased blood pressure
- anxiety
- paranoia
- increased energy
- increased motivation
Mixing Betaseron and weed can also produce hallucinations in users. This makes marijuana a hallucinogenic for some users. Weed creates different side effects in different people, making it a very potent drug. Now, mixing Betaseron or other mental health drugs with weed can cause even more unwanted side effects.
Mixing drugs and weed conclusion
Long-term weed use can make depression and anxiety worse. In addition, using marijuana can prevent Betaseron from working to their full potential33.J. D. Brown and A. G. Winterstein, Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug–Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use – PMC, PubMed Central (PMC).; Retrieved September 27, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678684/. Weed consumption should be reduced gradually to get the most out of prescription medication. Marijuana is a drug and it is harmful to individual’s long-term health. Weed has many side effects and the consequences are different to each person who uses it, especially when mixed with Betaseron.
If you take Betaseron, and also drink Alcohol or MDMA, you can research the effects of Betaseron and Alcohol , Betaseron and Cocaine as well as Betaseron and MDMA here.
To find the effects of other drugs and weed refer to our Weed and Other Drugs Index A to L or our Weed and Other Drugs Index M-Z.
Or you could find what you are looking for in our Alcohol and Interactions with Other Drugs index A to L or Alcohol and Interactions with Other Drugs index M to Z , Cocaine and Interactions with Other Drugs index A to L or Cocaine and Interactions with Other Drugs index M to Z or our MDMA and Interactions with Other Drugs Index A to L or MDMA and Interactions with Other Drugs Index M to Z.
Betaseron and Weed
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