Busulfan and Weed
Edited by Hugh Soames
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Busulfan 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 Busulfan. 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 Busulfan and Weed.
Mixing Busulfan and Weed
Busulfan (Myleran, GlaxoSmithKline, Busulfex IV, Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc.) is a chemotherapy drug in use since 1959. It is a cell cycle non-specific alkylating antineoplastic agent, in the class of alkyl sulfonates. Its chemical designation is 1,4-butanediol dimethanesulfonate.
Busulfan was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in 1999. Busulfan was the mainstay of the chemotherapeutic treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) until it was displaced by the new gold standard, imatinib, though it is still in use to a degree as a result of the drug’s relative low cost.
Busulfan is used in pediatrics and adults in combination with cyclophosphamide or fludarabine/clofarabine as a conditioning agent prior to bone marrow transplantation, especially in chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and other leukemias, lymphomas, and myeloproliferative disorders. Busulfan can control tumor burden but cannot prevent transformation or correct cytogenic abnormalities.
The drug was recently used in a study to examine the role of platelet-transported serotonin in liver regeneration.
Myleran is supplied in white film coated tablets with 2 mg of busulfan per tablet. After 2002, a great interest has appeared for intravenous presentations of busulfan. Busulfex is supplied as an intravenous solution with 6 mg/ml busulfan. Busulfex has proved equally effective as oral busulfan, with presumedly less toxic side effects. Pharmacokinetic and dynamic studies support this use, that has prompted its usage in transplantation regimes, particularly in frail patients. Fludarabine + busulfan is a typical example of this use.
Toxicity may include interstitial pulmonary fibrosis (“busulfan lung”), hyperpigmentation, seizures, hepatic (veno-occlusive disease) (VOD) or sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), emesis, and wasting syndrome. Busulfan also induces impotence in males (kills germ cells), thrombocytopenia, a condition of lowered blood platelet count and activity, and sometimes medullary aplasia. Seizures and VOD are serious concerns with busulfan therapy and prophylaxis is often utilized to avoid these effects. Hepatic VOD is a dose-limiting toxicity. Symptoms of VOD include weight gain, elevated bilirubin, painful hepatomegaly, and edema. The reason busulfan causes VOD is mostly unknown and can be deadly. Ursodiol may be considered for prophylaxis of veno-occlusive disease.
Antiemetics are often administered prior to busulfan to prevent vomiting (emesis).
Phenytoin may be used concurrently to prevent the seizures. Levetiracetam, has shown efficacy for the prophylaxis against busulfan-induced seizures. Benzodiazepines can also be used for busulfan-induced seizures.
Busulfan is listed by the IARC as a Group 1 carcinogen.
As an adjunct therapy with cyclophosphamide for conditioning prior to bone marrow transplantation in adults and children >12 kg, intravenous (IV) busulfan (Bulsulfex) is dosed at 0.8 mg/kg every six hours for 16 doses (four days). IV busulfan is usually administered over two hours. Both IV and oral formulations require prophylactic antiemetic agents administered prior to the busulfan dose and scheduled antiemetics administered thereafter. Oral bioavailability of busulfan shows a large interindividual variation. Taking busulfan on an empty stomach is recommended to reduce the risk of nausea and emesis.
Peak plasma concentrations are achieved within one hour of oral administration. About 30% of the drug is bound to plasma proteins, such as albumin.
Busulfan therapeutic drug monitoring is completed based on trough (pre-dose) levels with a target six-hour area under the curve (AUC) of between 900 and 1500 micromolxmin. AUCs (six-hour) >1500 micromolxmin are associated with hepatic VOD and subsequent dose reduction should be considered. AUCs (six-hour) <900 micromolxmin are associated with incomplete bone marrow ablation and subsequent dose escalation should be considered. Dose adjustments are performed using first order kinetics, such that the adjusted dose = current dose × (target AUC/actual AUC).
Busulfan is metabolized via glutathione conjugation in the liver to inactive metabolites. Itraconazole can decrease busulfan clearance by up to 25%, resulting in AUC levels >1500 micromolxmin and increased risk of hepatic VOD. Concomitant use of acetaminophen within 72 hours of busulfan use can reduce busulfan clearance (resulting in increased busulfan AUC), as acetaminophen is also metabolized via glutathione and may deplete stores. Phenytoin increases hepatic clearance of busulfan (resulting in decreased busulfan AUC). However, clinical studies of busulfan were completed with patients taking phenytoin, so no empiric dose adjustment is necessary if patients are taking phenytoin with busulfan.
Busulfan is an alkylsulfonate. It is an alkylating agent that forms DNA-DNA interstrand crosslinks between the DNA bases guanine and adenine and between guanine and guanine. This occurs through an SN2 reaction in which the relatively nucleophilic guanine N7 attacks the carbon adjacent to the mesylate leaving group. DNA crosslinking prevents DNA replication. Because the intrastrand DNA crosslinks cannot be repaired by cellular machinery, the cell undergoes apoptosis.
The molecular recognition of ureido-cyclodextrin with busulfan was investigated. The formation of complexes was observed with electrostatic interactions between urea and the sulfonate part of busulfan.
Another structure was used for this complexation type, two disaccharidyl units connected by urea linkers to a diazacrown ether organizing platform.
Research has found that anxiety is one of the leading symptoms created by marijuana in users, and that there is a correlation between Busulfan and Weed and an increase in anxiety.
Anyone mixing Busulfan and weed is likely to experience side effects. This happens with all medications whether weed or Busulfan is mixed with them. Side effects can be harmful when mixing Busulfan and weed. Doctors are likely to refuse a patient a Busulfan 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 Busulfan 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 Busulfan 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 Busulfan. 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, Busulfan and Weed, dol not interact is wrong. There will always be an interaction between Busulfan 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 Busulfan and Weed is Scromiting. This condition, reportedly caused by mixing Busulfan 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 Busulfan 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 Busulfan and weed can cause health issues the more a person consumes it.
How does Weed effect the potency of Busulfan?
The way in which the body absorbs and process Busulfan may be affected by weed. Therefore, the potency of the Busulfan may be less effective. Marijuana inhibits the metabolization of Busulfan. Not having the right potency of Busulfan means a person may either have a delay in the relief of their underlying symptoms.
A person seeking Busulfan 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 Busulfan 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 Busulfan and Weed
Many individuals may not realize that there are side effects and consequences to mixing Busulfan 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 Busulfan and Weed due to the chances of mild, moderate and severe side effects. If you are having an adverse reaction from mixing Busulfan and Weed it’s imperative that you head to your local emergency room. Even mixing a small amount of Busulfan and Weed is not recommended.
Taking Busulfan and Weed together
People who take Busulfan and Weed together will experience the effects of both substances. Technically, the specific effects and reactions that occur due to frequent use of Busulfan and weed depend on whether you consume more weed in relation to Busulfan or more Busulfan in relation to weed.
The use of significantly more weed and Busulfan 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 Busulfan may experience effects such as:
- reduced motor reflexes from Busulfan and Weed
- dizziness from Weed and Busulfan
- nausea and vomiting due to Busulfan and Weed
Some people may also experience more euphoria, depression, irritability or all three. A combination of weed and Busulfan leads to significantly more lethargy which can easily tip over into coma, respiratory depression seizures and death.
Mixing weed and Busulfan
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 Busulfan this primary effect is exaggerated, increasing the strain on the body with unpredictable results.
Weed and Busulfan affects dopamine levels in the brain, causing the body both mental and physical distress. Larger amounts of Busulfan and weed have a greater adverse effect yet leading medical recommendation is that smaller does of Busulfan can be just as harmful and there is no way of knowing exactly how Busulfan and weed is going to affect an individual before they take it.
Taking Busulfan and weed together
People who take Busulfan and weed together will experience the effects of both substances. The use of significantly more Busulfan 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 Busulfan may experience effects such as:
- reduced motor reflexes from Busulfan and weed
- dizziness from weed and Busulfan
- nausea and vomiting of the Busulfan
Some people may also experience more euphoria, depression, irritability or all three. A combination of weed and Busulfan leads to significantly more lethargy which can easily tip over into coma, respiratory depression seizures and death.
Weed Vs Busulfan
Taking Busulfan in sufficient quantities increases the risk of a heart failure. Additionally, people under the influence of Busulfan and weed may have difficulty forming new memories. With weed vs Busulfan in an individual’s system they become confused and do not understand their environment. Due to the synergistic properties of Busulfan when mixed with weed it can lead to confusion, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. Chronic use of Busulfan 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/.
Busulfan Vs Weed
Studies investigating the effects of drugs such as Busulfan and weed have shown that the potential for parasomnia (performing tasks in sleep) is dramatically increased when Busulfan 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 Busulfan together.
When a small to medium amount of weed is combined with Busulfan, 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 Busulfan.
How long after taking Busulfan can I smoke weed or take edibles?
To avoid any residual toxicity it is advisable to wait until the Busulfan has totally cleared your system before taking weed, even in small quantities.
Overdose on Busulfan and weed
In the case of Overdose on Busulfan or if you are worried after mixing Busulfan 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 Busulfan or mixed weed with Busulfan 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 Busulfan 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 Busulfan and weed and antidepressants
Weed users feeling depressed and anxious may be prescribed antidepressant medication. There are some antidepressant users who also use Busulfan and weed. These individuals may not realize that there are side effects and consequences to consuming both Busulfan, marijuana and a range of antidepressants.
Studies on weed, Busulfan 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 Busulfan
A lot of people suffer from depression caused by weed and Busulfan. 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 Busulfan and weed
Quitting weed to take Busulfan
Medical professionals say an individual prescribed or taking Busulfan 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 Busulfan.
A person beginning to use Busulfan 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 Busulfan can affect a person in various ways. Different types of marijuana produce different side effects. Side effects of weed and Busulfan 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 Busulfan 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 Busulfan 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 Busulfan 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 Busulfan.
If you take Busulfan, and also drink Alcohol or MDMA, you can research the effects of Busulfan and Alcohol , Busulfan and Cocaine as well as Busulfan 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.
Busulfan and Weed
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