buspirone and Weed
Edited by Hugh Soames
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buspirone 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 buspirone. 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 buspirone and Weed.
Mixing buspirone and Weed
Buspirone, sold under the brand name Buspar, among others, is a medication primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, particularly generalized anxiety disorder. Benefits support its short-term use. It is taken orally (by mouth), and takes two to six weeks to be fully effective.
Common side effects of buspirone include nausea, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating. Serious side effects may include movement disorders, serotonin syndrome, and seizures. Its use in pregnancy appears to be safe but has not been well studied, and use during breastfeeding has not been well studied. It is a serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonist.
Buspirone was first made in 1968 and approved for medical use in the United States in 1986. It is available as a generic medication. In 2020, it was the 55th most-commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 12 million prescriptions.
Buspirone is used for the short-term and long-term treatment of anxiety disorders or symptoms of anxiety. It is generally preferred over benzodiazepines because it does not activate the receptors that make drugs like alprazolam addictive.
Buspirone has no immediate anxiolytic effects, and hence has a delayed onset of action; its full clinical effectiveness may require 2–4 weeks to manifest itself. The drug has been shown to be similarly effective in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to benzodiazepines including diazepam, alprazolam, lorazepam, and clorazepate. Buspirone is not known to be effective in the treatment of other anxiety disorders besides GAD, although there is some limited evidence that it may be useful in the treatment of social phobia as an adjunct to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
There is some evidence that buspirone on its own may be useful in the treatment of hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women. Buspirone may also be effective in treating antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.
Buspirone is not effective as a treatment for benzodiazepine withdrawal, barbiturate withdrawal, or alcohol withdrawal/delirium tremens.
SSRI and SNRI antidepressants such as paroxetine and venlafaxine may cause jaw pain/jaw spasm reversible syndrome (although it is not common), and buspirone appears to be successful in treating bruxism on SSRI/SNRI-induced jaw clenching.
Buspirone has these contraindications:
Known side effects associated with buspirone include dizziness, headaches, nausea, tinnitus, and paresthesia. Buspirone is relatively well tolerated, and is not associated with sedation, cognitive and psychomotor impairment, muscle relaxation, physical dependence, or anticonvulsant effects. In addition, buspirone does not produce euphoria and is not a drug of abuse. Dyskinesia, akathisia, myoclonus, parkinsonism, and dystonia were reported associated with buspirone. It is unclear if there is a risk of tardive dyskinesia or other movement disorders with buspirone.
Buspirone appears to be relatively benign in cases of single-drug overdose, although no definitive data on this subject appear to be available. In one clinical trial, buspirone was administered to healthy male volunteers at a dosage of 375 mg/day, and produced side effects including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, miosis, and gastric distress. In early clinical trials, buspirone was given at dosages even as high as 2,400 mg/day, with akathisia, tremor, and muscle rigidity observed. Deliberate overdoses with 250 mg and up to 300 mg buspirone have resulted in drowsiness in about 50% of individuals. One death has been reported in a co-ingestion of 450 mg buspirone with alprazolam, diltiazem, alcohol, cocaine.
Buspirone has been shown in vitro to be metabolized by the enzyme CYP3A4. This finding is consistent with the in vivo interactions observed between buspirone and these inhibitors or inducers of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), among others:
Elevated blood pressure has been reported when buspirone has been administered to patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Buspirone acts as an agonist of the serotonin 5-HT1A receptor with high affinity. It is a partial agonist of both presynaptic 5-HT1A receptors, which are inhibitory autoreceptors, and postsynaptic 5-HT1A receptors. It is thought that the main effects of buspirone are mediated via its interaction with the presynaptic 5-HT1A receptor, thus reducing the firing of serotonin-producing neurons. Buspirone also has lower affinities for the serotonin 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT2C, 5-HT6, and 5-HT7 receptors.
In addition to binding to serotonin receptors, buspirone is an antagonist of the dopamine D2 receptor with weak affinity. It preferentially blocks inhibitory presynaptic D2 autoreceptors, and antagonizes postsynaptic D2 receptors only at higher doses. In accordance, buspirone has been found to increase dopaminergic neurotransmission in the nigrostriatal pathway at low doses, whereas at higher doses, postsynaptic D2 receptors are blocked and antidopaminergic effects such as hypoactivity and reduced stereotypy, though notably not catalepsy, are observed in animals. Buspirone has also been found to bind with much higher affinity to the dopamine D3 and D4 receptors, where it is similarly an antagonist.
A major metabolite of buspirone, 1-(2-pyrimidinyl)piperazine (1-PP), occurs at higher circulating levels than buspirone itself and is known to act as a potent α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist. This metabolite may be responsible for the increased noradrenergic and dopaminergic activity observed with buspirone in animals. In addition, 1-PP may play an important role in the antidepressant effects of buspirone. Buspirone also has very weak and probably clinically unimportant affinity for the α1-adrenergic receptor. However, buspirone has been reported to have shown “significant and selective intrinsic efficacy” at the α1-adrenergic receptor expressed in a “tissue- and species-dependent manner”.
Unlike benzodiazepines, buspirone does not interact with the GABAA receptor complex.
Buspirone has a low oral bioavailability of 3.9% relative to intravenous injection due to extensive first-pass metabolism. The time to peak plasma levels following ingestion is 0.9 to 1.5 hours. It is reported to have an elimination half-life of 2.8 hours, although a review of 14 studies found that the mean terminal half-life ranged between 2 and 11 hours, and one study even reported a terminal half-life of 33 hours. Buspirone is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4, and prominent drug interactions with inhibitors and inducers of this enzyme have been observed. Major metabolites of buspirone include 5-hydroxybuspirone, 6-hydroxybuspirone, 8-hydroxybuspirone, and 1-PP. 6-Hydroxybuspirone has been identified as the predominant hepatic metabolite of buspirone, with plasma levels that are 40-fold greater than those of buspirone after oral administration of buspirone to humans. The metabolite is a high-affinity partial agonist of the 5-HT1A receptor (Ki = 25 nM) similarly to buspirone, and has demonstrated occupancy of the 5-HT1A receptor in vivo. As such, it is likely to play an important role in the therapeutic effects of buspirone. 1-PP has also been found to circulate at higher levels than those of buspirone itself and may similarly play a significant role in the clinical effects of buspirone.
Buspirone is a member of the azapirone chemical class, and consists of azaspirodecanedione and pyrimidinylpiperazine components linked together by a butyl chain.
Structural analogues of buspirone include other azapirones like gepirone, ipsapirone, perospirone, and tandospirone.
A number of analogues are recorded.
A number of more modern methods of synthesis have also been reported (list not exhaustive):
Alkylation of 1-(2-pyrimidyl)piperazine [20980-22-7] (1) with 3-chloro-1-cyanopropane (4-chlorobutyronitrile) [628-20-6] (2) gives [33386-14-0] (3). the reduction of the nitrile group is performed either by catalytic hydrogenation or with LAH giving [33386-20-8] (4). The primary amine is then reacted with 3,3-tetramethyleneglutaric anhydride [5662-95-3] (5) in order to yield Buspirone (6).
Buspirone was first synthesized by a team at Mead Johnson in 1968 but was not patented until 1980. It was initially developed as an antipsychotic acting on the D2 receptor but was found to be ineffective in the treatment of psychosis; it was then used as an anxiolytic instead. In 1986, Bristol-Myers Squibb gained FDA approval for buspirone in the treatment of GAD. The patent expired in 2001, and buspirone is now available as a generic drug.
Buspirone is the INN, BAN, DCF, and DCIT of buspirone, while buspirone hydrochloride is its USAN, BANM, and JAN.
Buspirone was primarily sold under the brand name Buspar. Buspar is currently listed as discontinued by the US Food and Drug Administration. In 2010, in response to a citizen petition, the US FDA determined that Buspar was not withdrawn from sale for reasons of safety or effectiveness.
Due to interrupted production at a Mylan Pharmaceuticals plant in Morgantown, West Virginia, the United States experienced a shortage of buspirone in 2019.
Some tentative research supports other uses such as the treatment of depression and behavioral problems following brain damage.
Research has found that anxiety is one of the leading symptoms created by marijuana in users, and that there is a correlation between buspirone and Weed and an increase in anxiety.
Anyone mixing buspirone and weed is likely to experience side effects. This happens with all medications whether weed or buspirone is mixed with them. Side effects can be harmful when mixing buspirone and weed. Doctors are likely to refuse a patient a buspirone 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 buspirone 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 buspirone 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 buspirone. 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, buspirone and Weed, dol not interact is wrong. There will always be an interaction between buspirone 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 buspirone and Weed is Scromiting. This condition, reportedly caused by mixing buspirone 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 buspirone 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 buspirone and weed can cause health issues the more a person consumes it.
How does Weed effect the potency of buspirone?
The way in which the body absorbs and process buspirone may be affected by weed. Therefore, the potency of the buspirone may be less effective. Marijuana inhibits the metabolization of buspirone. Not having the right potency of buspirone means a person may either have a delay in the relief of their underlying symptoms.
A person seeking buspirone 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 buspirone 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 buspirone and Weed
Many individuals may not realize that there are side effects and consequences to mixing buspirone 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 buspirone and Weed due to the chances of mild, moderate and severe side effects. If you are having an adverse reaction from mixing buspirone and Weed it’s imperative that you head to your local emergency room. Even mixing a small amount of buspirone and Weed is not recommended.
Taking buspirone and Weed together
People who take buspirone and Weed together will experience the effects of both substances. Technically, the specific effects and reactions that occur due to frequent use of buspirone and weed depend on whether you consume more weed in relation to buspirone or more buspirone in relation to weed.
The use of significantly more weed and buspirone 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 buspirone may experience effects such as:
- reduced motor reflexes from buspirone and Weed
- dizziness from Weed and buspirone
- nausea and vomiting due to buspirone and Weed
Some people may also experience more euphoria, depression, irritability or all three. A combination of weed and buspirone leads to significantly more lethargy which can easily tip over into coma, respiratory depression seizures and death.
Mixing weed and buspirone
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 buspirone this primary effect is exaggerated, increasing the strain on the body with unpredictable results.
Weed and buspirone affects dopamine levels in the brain, causing the body both mental and physical distress. Larger amounts of buspirone and weed have a greater adverse effect yet leading medical recommendation is that smaller does of buspirone can be just as harmful and there is no way of knowing exactly how buspirone and weed is going to affect an individual before they take it.
Taking buspirone and weed together
People who take buspirone and weed together will experience the effects of both substances. The use of significantly more buspirone 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 buspirone may experience effects such as:
- reduced motor reflexes from buspirone and weed
- dizziness from weed and buspirone
- nausea and vomiting of the buspirone
Some people may also experience more euphoria, depression, irritability or all three. A combination of weed and buspirone leads to significantly more lethargy which can easily tip over into coma, respiratory depression seizures and death.
Weed Vs buspirone
Taking buspirone in sufficient quantities increases the risk of a heart failure. Additionally, people under the influence of buspirone and weed may have difficulty forming new memories. With weed vs buspirone in an individual’s system they become confused and do not understand their environment. Due to the synergistic properties of buspirone when mixed with weed it can lead to confusion, anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. Chronic use of buspirone 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/.
buspirone Vs Weed
Studies investigating the effects of drugs such as buspirone and weed have shown that the potential for parasomnia (performing tasks in sleep) is dramatically increased when buspirone 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 buspirone together.
When a small to medium amount of weed is combined with buspirone, 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 buspirone.
How long after taking buspirone can I smoke weed or take edibles?
To avoid any residual toxicity it is advisable to wait until the buspirone has totally cleared your system before taking weed, even in small quantities.
Overdose on buspirone and weed
In the case of Overdose on buspirone or if you are worried after mixing buspirone 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 buspirone or mixed weed with buspirone 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 buspirone 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 buspirone and weed and antidepressants
Weed users feeling depressed and anxious may be prescribed antidepressant medication. There are some antidepressant users who also use buspirone and weed. These individuals may not realize that there are side effects and consequences to consuming both buspirone, marijuana and a range of antidepressants.
Studies on weed, buspirone 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 buspirone
A lot of people suffer from depression caused by weed and buspirone. 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 buspirone and weed
Quitting weed to take buspirone
Medical professionals say an individual prescribed or taking buspirone 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 buspirone.
A person beginning to use buspirone 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 buspirone can affect a person in various ways. Different types of marijuana produce different side effects. Side effects of weed and buspirone 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 buspirone 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 buspirone 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 buspirone 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 buspirone.
If you take buspirone, and also drink Alcohol or MDMA, you can research the effects of buspirone and Alcohol , buspirone and Cocaine as well as buspirone 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.
buspirone and Weed
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