HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Can Medical Marijuana Help In The Treatment Of Bipolar And Schizoaffective Disorder?

My son is 40 years old and was diagnosed with Bipolar and schizoaffective disorder back when he was about 20 years old. He has extensive QTc prolongation from being on antipsychotic meds for many many years. He has ventricular arrhythmia and this summer he had 3 SVT episodes in about 4 weeks that required shocks to bring his heart back to normal. Since about 6/19/18 he has been taken off all harmful psych meds. He currently takes Depakote 375 g per day in evening and he takes 1mg Ativan 3x per day and 1-2 more prn. His psychiatrist was on vacation this past week and hopefully she will prescribe him medicinal marijuana. He going to see a team of doctors who will assess whether heart surgery is possible, however, he is also being evaluated for a potential heart transplant. He has many delusional episodes and some are very harsh. He complains of voices who tell him to hurt himself or others. He says he knows they aren t real. We give him an Ativan and put him to bed which seems to help if and when he is ready. He has other medical issues so he takes lisinprol, crestor, Januvia, levothyroxine, potassium, Lasix, metformin, Eliquist, Allipurinol, Depakote, Ativan, 3 different inhalers, insulin injection daily, and Metropolo and Airomadeon (its a heart med I have trouble saying and spelling). Anyway, my questions are as follows: Do you think he could benefit from medicinal marijuana? Or would it too be harmful for his heart? Are there any other alternatives antipsych meds that he could possibly take in stead? I just want another opinion of sorts for when we talk to the doctors soon. I read an article that said Loxapine is a medication that is not associated with QTc prolongation...what are your thoughts. As you can see I really want to help my son and am trying to read up on as much information as I can to better inform him, his wife, and myself. Please answer as soon as you can. Thank you. Terry Bekeshka
Thu, 6 Sep 2018
Report Abuse
Psychiatrist 's  Response
Hello,

There is no role of Marijuana in bipolar or Schizoaffective disorder. As per your child's profile, it may be prescribed. Aripiprazole or Tiapride relatively safer than other anti-psychotic drugs. But be careful to take any anti- psychotic. Frequent cardiac and body profile should be monitored.

Hope I have answered your query.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Can Medical Marijuana Help In The Treatment Of Bipolar And Schizoaffective Disorder?

Hello, There is no role of Marijuana in bipolar or Schizoaffective disorder. As per your child s profile, it may be prescribed. Aripiprazole or Tiapride relatively safer than other anti-psychotic drugs. But be careful to take any anti- psychotic. Frequent cardiac and body profile should be monitored. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.