Anonymous asked this question on 4/14/2000:

I have tried Zoloft and Prozac. Neither of them helped much. My problem seems to be depression rather than bipolarism. I seem to be either depressed or just plain cold, not feeling anything, like I'm in a fog, no passion. I've also had chronic constipation for a long time. But, I've noticed that when I take just ONE little hit off a joint, that I suddenly seem to wake up and get a realization of what's going on. It's like I've been asleep for a long time and I'm just noticing reality, for both the good and bad parts of my self. I can feel extreemly euphoric because I suddenly remember how unique and special I am if I just open up and come out of my shell, but at the same time I get a little depressed from also realizing all the time I've wasted hiding in my shell which I'm not even aware of until taking that one hit from the joint. It only takes one hit. Also, I have better bowel movements from that hit. Sounds funny, I know. I know that some will say that of course I feel good, your smoking marijuana! But, it's only one hit. Of course, it has it's bad side effects. So, the question I have is, is there an antidepressant that has similar results? I'm talking about the waking-up effect. Thank you so much., I have tried Zoloft and Prozac. Neither of them helped much. My problem seems to be depression rather than bipolarism. I seem to be either depressed or just plain cold, not feeling anything, like I'm in a fog, no passion. I've also had chronic constipation for a long time. But, I've noticed that when I take just ONE little hit off a joint, that I suddenly seem to wake up and get a realization of what's going on. It's like I've been asleep for a long time and I'm just noticing reality, for both the good and bad parts of my self. I can feel extreemly euphoric because I suddenly remember how unique and special I am if I just open up and come out of my shell, but at the same time I get a little depressed from also realizing all the time I've wasted hiding in my shell which I'm not even aware of until taking that one hit from the joint. It only takes one hit. Also, I have better bowel movements from that hit. Sounds funny, I know. I know that some will say that of course I feel good, your smoking marijuana! But, it's only one hit. Of course, it has it's bad side effects. So, the question I have is, is there an antidepressant that has similar results? I'm talking about the waking-up effect. Thank you so much.

desertphile gave this response on 4/21/2000:

Note: I am NOT a doctor!

It sounds like your experience with cannabis is the result of the placebo effect and not one of any medical / drug effect. "One little hit" is probably not enough to effect your perceptions as you describe here.

As for anti-depressants such as Prozac or anti-anxieties like Zoloft, what does your psychiatrist say? That's what is most important. If your mental illness is not getting better on these treatments, there are several alternatives.

PLEASE talk to your psychiatrist and ask her or him what you have asked here.

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