Induction of Severe Depression by Physostigmine in Marijuana Intoxicated Individuals*

Abstract

Summary Marijuana intoxication and the effects of centrally acting anticholinergic agents show a number of common behavioral properties in man. We have recently administered physostigmine, a centrally acting acetylcholinesterase inhibitor to two marijuana intoxicated patients. In both cases physostigmine antagonized the marijuana “high” and induced a profound clinical depressive reaction. This depressive reaction was antagonized by administration of 1.0 mg atropine.