What Happens When You Combine Pot With Paxil?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

Basically my question is I am about to start taking Paxil, and I am an avid pot smoker.  Are there any problems with using the 2 together?  Please let me know ASAP!  I need to start the meds.  tomorrow.  I greatly appreciate any help you can offer me.

Thank you for your time!

ANSWER:

There's no drug interaction that I'm aware of.  If you're on Paxil for the BPD (borderline personality disorder) you can become paranoid and psychotic from the marijuana.  Panic disorder can be worsened by pot also.

You're probably using pot to treat an underlying anxiety disorder.  Pot is illegal in the US and can result in serious legal penalties.

The data is conflicting about whether pot causes long-term brain damage.  Brain function can be impaired for over a week.