Methoxsalen and Weed
Edited by Hugh Soames
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Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen. 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 Methoxsalen and Weed.
Mixing Methoxsalen and Weed
Methoxsalen, sold under the brand name Oxsoralen among others, is a medication used to treat psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and some cutaneous lymphomas in conjunction with exposing the skin to ultraviolet (UVA) light from lamps or sunlight. Methoxsalen modifies the way skin cells receive the UVA radiation, allegedly clearing up the disease. Levels of individual patient PUVA exposure were originally determined using the Fitzpatrick scale. The scale was developed after patients demonstrated symptoms of phototoxicity after oral ingestion of methoxsalen followed by PUVA therapy.
Chemically, methoxsalen belongs to a class of organic natural molecules known as furanocoumarins. They consist of coumarin annulated with furan. It can also be injected and used topically.
In 1947, methoxsalen was isolated (under the name “ammoidin”) from the plant Ammi majus, bishop’s weed.
In 1970, Nielsen extracted 8-methoxypsoralen from four species of the genus Heracleum in the carrot family Apiaceae, including Heracleum mantegazzianum and Heracleum sphondylium. An additional 32 species of the genus Heracleum were found to contain 5-methoxypsoralen (bergapten) or other furanocoumarins.
The biosynthetic pathway is a combination of the shikimate pathway, which produces umbelliferone, and the mevalonate pathway.
Umbelliferone is a phenylpropanoid and as such is synthesized from L-phenylalanine, which in turn is produced via the shikimate pathway. Phenylalanine is lysated into cinnamic acid, followed by hydroxylation by cinnamate 4-hydroxylase to yield 4-coumaric acid. The 4-coumaric acid is again hydroxylated by cinnamate/coumarate 2-hydroxylase to yield 2,4-dihydroxy-cinnamic acid (umbellic acid) followed by a bond rotation of the unsaturated bond adjacent to the carboxylic acid group. Finally an intramolecular attack from the hydroxyl group of C2′ to the carboxylic acid group closes the ring and forms the lactone umbelliferone.
The biosynthetic route then continues with the activation of dimethylallyl pyrophosphate (DMAPP), produced via the mevalonate pathway, to form a carbo-cation via the cleavage of the diphosphates. Once activated, the enzyme umbelliferone 6-prenyltransferase catalyzes a C-alkylation between DMAPP and umbelliferone at the activated position ortho to the phenol, yielding demethylsuberosin. This is then followed by a hydroxylation catalyzed by the enzyme marmesin synthase to yield marmesin. Another hydroxylation is catalyzed by psoralen synthase to yield psoralen. A third hydroxylation by the enzyme psoralen 8-monooxygenase yields xanthotoxol which is followed by a methylation via the enzyme xanthotoxol O-methyltransferase and S-adenosyl methionine to yield methoxsalen.
Patients with high blood pressure or a history of liver problems are at risk for inflammation and irreparable damage to both liver and skin. The eyes must be protected from UVA radiation. Side effects include nausea, headaches, dizziness, and in rare cases insomnia.
Methoxsalen has also been classified as an IARC Group 1 carcinogen (known to cause cancer) but is only cancerous when combined with light – UVA radiation.
Author John Howard Griffin (1920–1980) used the chemical to darken his skin in order to investigate racial segregation in the American South. He wrote the book Black Like Me (1961) about his experiences.
Research has found that anxiety is one of the leading symptoms created by marijuana in users, and that there is a correlation between Methoxsalen and Weed and an increase in anxiety.
Anyone mixing Methoxsalen and weed is likely to experience side effects. This happens with all medications whether weed or Methoxsalen is mixed with them. Side effects can be harmful when mixing Methoxsalen and weed. Doctors are likely to refuse a patient a Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen. 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, Methoxsalen and Weed, dol not interact is wrong. There will always be an interaction between Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen and Weed is Scromiting. This condition, reportedly caused by mixing Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen and weed can cause health issues the more a person consumes it.
How does Weed effect the potency of Methoxsalen?
The way in which the body absorbs and process Methoxsalen may be affected by weed. Therefore, the potency of the Methoxsalen may be less effective. Marijuana inhibits the metabolization of Methoxsalen. Not having the right potency of Methoxsalen means a person may either have a delay in the relief of their underlying symptoms.
A person seeking Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen and Weed
Many individuals may not realize that there are side effects and consequences to mixing Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen and Weed due to the chances of mild, moderate and severe side effects. If you are having an adverse reaction from mixing Methoxsalen and Weed it’s imperative that you head to your local emergency room. Even mixing a small amount of Methoxsalen and Weed is not recommended.
Taking Methoxsalen and Weed together
People who take Methoxsalen and Weed together will experience the effects of both substances. Technically, the specific effects and reactions that occur due to frequent use of Methoxsalen and weed depend on whether you consume more weed in relation to Methoxsalen or more Methoxsalen in relation to weed.
The use of significantly more weed and Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen may experience effects such as:
- reduced motor reflexes from Methoxsalen and Weed
- dizziness from Weed and Methoxsalen
- nausea and vomiting due to Methoxsalen and Weed
Some people may also experience more euphoria, depression, irritability or all three. A combination of weed and Methoxsalen leads to significantly more lethargy which can easily tip over into coma, respiratory depression seizures and death.
Mixing weed and Methoxsalen
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 Methoxsalen this primary effect is exaggerated, increasing the strain on the body with unpredictable results.
Weed and Methoxsalen affects dopamine levels in the brain, causing the body both mental and physical distress. Larger amounts of Methoxsalen and weed have a greater adverse effect yet leading medical recommendation is that smaller does of Methoxsalen can be just as harmful and there is no way of knowing exactly how Methoxsalen and weed is going to affect an individual before they take it.
Taking Methoxsalen and weed together
People who take Methoxsalen and weed together will experience the effects of both substances. The use of significantly more Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen may experience effects such as:
- reduced motor reflexes from Methoxsalen and weed
- dizziness from weed and Methoxsalen
- nausea and vomiting of the Methoxsalen
Some people may also experience more euphoria, depression, irritability or all three. A combination of weed and Methoxsalen leads to significantly more lethargy which can easily tip over into coma, respiratory depression seizures and death.
Weed Vs Methoxsalen
Taking Methoxsalen in sufficient quantities increases the risk of a heart failure. Additionally, people under the influence of Methoxsalen and weed may have difficulty forming new memories. With weed vs Methoxsalen in an individual’s system they become confused and do not understand their environment. Due to the synergistic properties of Methoxsalen when mixed with weed it can lead to confusion, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. Chronic use of Methoxsalen 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/.
Methoxsalen Vs Weed
Studies investigating the effects of drugs such as Methoxsalen and weed have shown that the potential for parasomnia (performing tasks in sleep) is dramatically increased when Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen together.
When a small to medium amount of weed is combined with Methoxsalen, 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 Methoxsalen.
How long after taking Methoxsalen can I smoke weed or take edibles?
To avoid any residual toxicity it is advisable to wait until the Methoxsalen has totally cleared your system before taking weed, even in small quantities.
Overdose on Methoxsalen and weed
In the case of Overdose on Methoxsalen or if you are worried after mixing Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen or mixed weed with Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen and weed and antidepressants
Weed users feeling depressed and anxious may be prescribed antidepressant medication. There are some antidepressant users who also use Methoxsalen and weed. These individuals may not realize that there are side effects and consequences to consuming both Methoxsalen, marijuana and a range of antidepressants.
Studies on weed, Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen
A lot of people suffer from depression caused by weed and Methoxsalen. 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 Methoxsalen and weed
Quitting weed to take Methoxsalen
Medical professionals say an individual prescribed or taking Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen.
A person beginning to use Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen can affect a person in various ways. Different types of marijuana produce different side effects. Side effects of weed and Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen 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 Methoxsalen.
If you take Methoxsalen, and also drink Alcohol or MDMA, you can research the effects of Methoxsalen and Alcohol , Methoxsalen and Cocaine as well as Methoxsalen 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.
Methoxsalen and Weed
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