Medical Marijuana for Anxiety & PTSD: Does it Really Work?

Stress & Anxiety
During moments of fear, trauma, anxiety or stress, we experience the freeze, flight or fight response due to the processing within our brains. There are neurotransmitters throughout the entire body that send signals to the brain, alerting us instantaneously of real or perceived danger. Anxiety is made up of both psychological and physical symptoms. The psychological part creates the nervousness, fear and worry, while the physical aspect produces sweating, rapid heart palpitations, a rise in blood pressure, nausea and shortness of breath.

Stress and anxiety are a normal part of life and usually short-lived, but for 40 million Americans, it’s a daily battle. Whether it’s anxiety due to biological, psychosocial, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the treatment options usually include behavioral therapy, counseling, and various prescription medications that block or dull different areas of the brain.

When anxiety disorders are left untreated or undertreated, several areas of the brain like the hippocampus (regulates emotions) and the prefrontal cortex (decision making, planning abilities) shrink causing long-term damage.

PTSD
With PTSD, many individuals have severe nightmares, flashbacks, hyper startle responses, and loss of interest, severe anxiety and are often suicidal. Numerous military veterans with PTSD have issues with employment, violence, and relationships. These veterans often have severe flashbacks. Many people who suffer from PTSD have difficulty sleeping, feel detached and estranged, which can lead to permanent disability.

The standard treatment options for anxiety and PTSD are antidepressant medications. Some of the most widely known drugs prescribed are Prozac, Lexapro, and Zoloft. The classes of these medications play a role in how the neurotransmitters affect the mood by improving your state-of-mind and creating a more peaceful, cheerful spirit, by extinguishing the brain’s transmitters. The problem is these drugs are highly addictive, have adverse side effects, and also in many cases, show signs of cognitive decline with long-term use.

The other issue with standard medications is that they more often than not, become ineffective and are unable to reverse feelings of severe depression. This is called treatment-resistant depression.

Standard Anxiety Medication’s Negative Effects
• Nausea
• Increased anxiety
• Weight gain
• Loss of sexual desire
• Severe fatigue
• Inability to focus
• Sleep disturbances
• Dry mouth
• Vision issues
• Constipation
• Forgetfulness
• Ineffective in treating stress, anxiety or PTSD
Symptoms

The “standard-of-care” treatment often falls short. When these therapies no longer work, patients need alternatives for their brain and bodily health, cognition and long-term ability to function and experience a sense of calm.

Medical Marijuana for Anxiety Disorders
Our brain and nerve cells have cannabinoid receptors, so our bodies naturally react to cannabis (medical marijuana). The structure of cannabis interacts directly with our cells. Our natural endocannabinoid system works synergistically with medical marijuana, creating a multitude of beneficial reactions in the body. The endocannabinoid cells have tiny receptors that take in chemicals and produce responses. This natural system in our bodies regulates things like mood, sleeping, immunity, pleasure, memory and much more.

Medical marijuana is made up of THC CBD and terpenes. The CBD is known to bind to receptors and is thought to regenerate cells and brain function, while THC helps to relax and alleviate the physical symptoms of apprehension. Terpenes give marijuana the green, healthy healing properties that are extracted from the leaf of the plant. There is a collaborative effect between these chemicals when taken together. This synergistic effect means the ratios of THC and CBD can be manipulated for the patient’s benefit.

It has been reported that many patients who undergo cannabis treatment, no longer need their prescription medications.

You must visit a physician that is licensed to recommend Medical Marijuana.

Dr. Ralph Rodriguez
Dr. Ralph Rodriguez, MD, is a Board Certified Internal Medicine physician more than ten years of experience practicing medicine in different settings. Dr. Rodriguez started his career at the University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, where he completed his medical degree and residency program in Internal Medicine. He relocated to Fort Myers, FL on 2008 and worked for Lee Memorial Hospitals, and then decided to join NCH Hospitals of Naples, FL where he currently practices as Hospitalist physician since 2010.

He is a member of the American Medical Association, the American College of Physicians, Collier County Medical Society, The American Professional Wound Care Association and he’s the Treasurer for Hispanic American Doctors Association of SWFL. He is also certified in Hyperbaric Medicine & Problem Wound Care Management and is experienced in Platelet Rich Plasma treatments.

Dr. Alejandro Blanco
Dr. Alejandro Blanco, MD, is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. He obtained his Medical Degree in the Autonomous University of Guadalajara School of Medicine in Mexico. Then he completed his education as Internal Medicine Physician in Ramon Ruiz Arnau University Hospital in Puerto Rico in 2012. He relocated to the beautiful city of Naples FL and worked as Hospitalist in NCH Hospitals.

Dr. Blanco is member of the American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, Collier County Medical Society and The American Professional Wound Care Association. He is also certified in Hyperbaric Medicine & Problem Wound Care Management and is experienced in Platelet Rich Plasma treatments.

Please contact Internal Medicine Partners today to find out more about your options and to schedule a consultation. Hablamos español.

Internal Medicine Partners
1726 Medical Blvd Suite #201
Naples, FL 34110
(239) 596-8804 or 8806
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