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Can I Have Cannabinoid Along With Immunosuppressants?
Question: i am a heart transplant patient on 3 immunosuppressants... Rapamune, Prograf, Azathioprine.
I obviously can NOT take NSAIDs and I have had consistent body pain and trouble sleeping even before the heart transplant, but it has gotten significantly worse and tylenol does not help.
My primary Doctor keeps prescribing larger doses of Lyrica and it has never helped the pain and I notice palpitations so I stopped taking it. After doing some research I have learned that CBD (cannabinoid) has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties WITHOUT the psychoactive effects.
My question is since it has anti-inflammatory properties is it an NSAID and will it interfere with immunosuppressants??
I obviously can NOT take NSAIDs and I have had consistent body pain and trouble sleeping even before the heart transplant, but it has gotten significantly worse and tylenol does not help.
My primary Doctor keeps prescribing larger doses of Lyrica and it has never helped the pain and I notice palpitations so I stopped taking it. After doing some research I have learned that CBD (cannabinoid) has analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties WITHOUT the psychoactive effects.
My question is since it has anti-inflammatory properties is it an NSAID and will it interfere with immunosuppressants??
Brief Answer:
Avoid it on immunosuppressants
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
Cannabinoid is primary psychoactive compound of cannabis. It has few anti-inflammatory property, but it is not a NSAID. It is synthetic form of cannabis. Cannabinoid acts by receptor CB2 mediates immunosuppressant effects and
is currently the target of development of novel immunosuppressants. It is unclear
whether using cannabis produces clinically relevant immunosuppression. The studies of immuno-suppressed patients have not supported a link between cannabis use and progression of suppression. It is also unclear whether cannabis may interfere with the actions of purported immune suppressants. Persons on any immunosuppressants have been told to avoid the use of marijuana or cannabinoid. This advice may be reasonable as a general health measure, but direct evidence that cannobinoid could lead to damage to the immune system is still lacking.
In my view, i try avoid it on immunosuppressants. Rest, your wish
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Thanks
Avoid it on immunosuppressants
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for using healthcare magic. I, Dr Abhishek Kapoor, would help you in this query.
Cannabinoid is primary psychoactive compound of cannabis. It has few anti-inflammatory property, but it is not a NSAID. It is synthetic form of cannabis. Cannabinoid acts by receptor CB2 mediates immunosuppressant effects and
is currently the target of development of novel immunosuppressants. It is unclear
whether using cannabis produces clinically relevant immunosuppression. The studies of immuno-suppressed patients have not supported a link between cannabis use and progression of suppression. It is also unclear whether cannabis may interfere with the actions of purported immune suppressants. Persons on any immunosuppressants have been told to avoid the use of marijuana or cannabinoid. This advice may be reasonable as a general health measure, but direct evidence that cannobinoid could lead to damage to the immune system is still lacking.
In my view, i try avoid it on immunosuppressants. Rest, your wish
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
thank you for the quick response to my question.
what other options do I have in order to resolve my sleep and pain issues with my history and my need for my immunosuppressants.
what other options do I have in order to resolve my sleep and pain issues with my history and my need for my immunosuppressants.
Brief Answer:
Try trazodone
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I would not say, you should use any benzodiazepine due to their dependence potential. You can try sedative antidepressant like trazodone. It would help in relieving pain as well as help in getting sound sleep. It would also keep your mood in balance. This antidepressant do not have any major drug interaction with immuno-suppressants. You can discuss about this drug with your doctor.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Try trazodone
Detailed Answer:
Hi
I would not say, you should use any benzodiazepine due to their dependence potential. You can try sedative antidepressant like trazodone. It would help in relieving pain as well as help in getting sound sleep. It would also keep your mood in balance. This antidepressant do not have any major drug interaction with immuno-suppressants. You can discuss about this drug with your doctor.
In case, you need further help, you can ask.
Regards
Dr. Abhishek Kapoor
Psychiatrist
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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