Bipolar + Weed

Sorry to say it, but research does suggest that chronic smokers who smoke often and in large quantities, over the long run can develop minor bipolar tendencies. I believe that in order to see such, you need to do all three of the things i just stated. Smoke often, smoke large quantities and over a long duration of time.

Im not a doctor, but then again, who really knows what causes bipolar tendencies. Bipolar tendencies are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Chemical imbalances in the brain can be caused by a shitton of things.

If I were you, i would talk to a doctor about prescription medication for the bipolar tendencies. but keep smoking weed, just in moderation! I know alot of people will disagree w/ me on the smoking leading to bipolar tendencies, but i know what i know.


holy shit, i didnt answer your question.

I think it helps, but i also think it could be PART the cause.

 

Did you even look for resources?

http://forum.grasscity.com/medical-marijuana/525051-granny-storm-crows-mmj-reference-list.html

It's a sticky in the medical marijuana forum on this site. There are multiple links for bipolar. If you really are bipolar and not just anxious, I would suggest seeing someone, if you have done that and just do not want to be on a mood stabilizer such as Ativan or another benzo, I don't suggest self medicating with weed. My personal advice would be SCHEDULE your life, DO NOT let yourself get minimal amounts of sleep. I have heard getting enough omega-3 can help, but this is a preventative method NOT for use during an episode. You can use weed in the same way that you would use the benzo's, but again I really recommend you get professional advice.

 

There is very little known about bipolar disorder and what causes it from my understanding. You can be bipolar your entire life and never have an episode. Stress can really bring it out, and weed IS a mind altering substance so you need to be aware of that as someone with bipolar if you choose to use weed. As for weed just bringing out the bipolar in someone, I think that's unfounded, but who knows it could be true as I said we know very little about the disease. I have heard of schizophrenia being brought on through the use of weed, but again it was most likely there to begin with.

 

There is evidence that suggests that it can both help and hinder the effects of bi-polar disorder.

My wife is bi-polar and has found the sedative effect of cannabis to be very helpful when she gets manic episodes. Everyone's brain chemistry is a bit different though so what works for some may not work for others.

 

I've got a few friends who are bipolar and only a few smoke now, some said that it helps relax/calm them down, while others say it really makes the little things irratate (sp?) them alot more.

 

^^^^^ you just described both things i get. i have to have some sort of pure sativa with me and some sort of pure indica with me to help my manic stages. im also on depakote for being bi-polar but my doc says as long as i smoke sativa when im not manic and indica when i am manic, ill be alright.

personally tho i still like indica better but i think thats because of how much it also helps my anxiety. i no longer have to be on my benzo's because of how much smoking weed has helped me!!!

 

I have bipolar and I smoke weed almost every day, I know it probably doesn't help in the long run, but my doctor doesn't seem to have a big problem with me smoking.
I find it helps with both mania and depression, but you should also work with your doctor to try and find meds that work for you. You don't want to have to depend on weed to make you normal.

 

id rather not have to rely on benzo's to make me normal either. its a double edged sword no matter what way you look at it

 

im bi-polar and weed helps with some...but makes some little things irritate the hell out of me but nothing important

 

Benzos aren't generally prescribed to treat mania, some antipyschotics can be really helpful.

I take Zyprexa, it's not addictive, it helps with mania and anxiety in bipolar.
Olanzapine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

I have schizoaffective disorder, and I found that weed negatively affected my symptoms until I was put on the right medication. I think that should be the key for you instead of relying on weed to help your symptoms. It could be potentially dangerous to do that.

 

I can't figure out how to multiquote a message, so I will make two messages.

I totally agree that Benzos are not generally used as mood stabalizers. These are mood stabilizes: Lithium, Geodon, Depakote and Lamictal. Benzos are generally used as tranquilizers and they have side effects that can be useful like Valium can help a little for pain, so if one can somehow regulate mood and I don't know about it - so be it.

Sammy

 

I second that you should read this link!
It will show you studies about how marijuana helps Bipolar Disorder.
I also agree with getting professional help.

But, scheduling - why?? I have only known about 15 bipolar persons, but none of them was on a schedule, they are probably like me, and unable to keep a schedule - and why would I need more failure in my life as in trying to do the impossible?

Sammy

 

I HAVE ALOT OF ROOM FOR INPUT on this one

With my identity safe. I will let everyone know, I have rapid cycling bipolar. Its very severe and I had manic episodes every week or so. Its a terrible disease that can really hurt your life. I took pharmaceutical prescription pills from the age 11-16. I have been on over forty different brands of medication, from Abilify and Ritalin to Ambien,Depakote and Xanax..You name it,Ive probably been on it.I have suffered many terrible side effects. Including two reactions that left me in the E.R with overdose treatment.

Its funny the same doctors who nearly killed me using my body as some type of cocktail told me MMJ was unhealthy. Anyways I started smoking when I turned 16 after I was off my meds for about 3 months, It was really just a way to get messed up at the time. Then I started noticing my racing thoughts were less frequent. I often didn't feel as agitated with lack of reason as I did before I was smoking. The best part was no more restless nights. Killed the insomnia. Anyways I would say it defiantly does help, sure it doesn't make it go away. And as others pointed out, some MMJ might make certain symptoms worse. But its better then taking pills IMO. Ive never thought once about hurting myself or others high. I actually have with action on pills though.

Sorry for no solid answer to your question. My advice though is part of it comes from how you use it. It can be a tool to shape your life for the better or it can make things alot worse. That really depends on you. And no disrespect to other posters but this is an Issue very close to me. I feel the OP should stick with cannabis before taking some sort of Pharma. I feel cannabis can cure the symptoms of bipolar. If something is bothering you that isn't directly related to the neurological problem. Seek counseling or something as bipolar can be a devastating amplifier for life's problems.

 

It can make paranoia worse. I think I have mild bipolar my dad has it mild. Im starting to see some of the symptoms/patterns in myself. Weed just numbs my personality down not to upbeat not depressed so It may even you out. I don't like being evened out though so I'm taking a t-break.

 

It really depends on the person;

I was diagnosed about four years ago, have been on various medications, both antipsychotic eg respiradone, abilify; antidepressants, and also xanax as an antianxiety treatment. I have smoked throughout, with varying levels of acceptance from complete, abject horror to positive encouragement. I am currently on depakote which seems to work and not tire me out too badly, no longer have any need for the xanax as I just smoke instead

It is said that heavy self medication is a precursor and early sign of onsetting bipolar disorder; although some of this may be as a reaction to the difficulties a person may be facing at the time, as stress often triggers a first episode. There has not been much research done on the subject, but there are stickies in the MMJ section that offer links to those that have. There is research being undertaken into the use of CBD as an antipsychotic.

Anyhow, I find smoking helps me. The best advice would be to seek a professional opinion on the matter, OP.