Last Night's Mysterious Visual Experience on Screens
My fiancée, a 38-year-old woman of white Hispanic descent, experienced some unusual visuals while watching television and using electronic screens last night. She is currently taking Adderall, Lexapro, and a multivitamin, and has a history of diagnoses including Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), depression, ADHD, PTSD, and anxiety. Earlier, she had ingested approximately 20mg of a THC tincture sublingually. Given her high tolerance, she typically needs to consume over 50mg to notice any effects. This particular tincture was obtained from a licensed dispensary, and aside from her routine medications, she hadn't taken any other substances or alcohol. Having been on her daily medications—which include an SSRI and Adderall—for over two decades, she ingested the tincture about 5 to 10 minutes before she noticed the unusual visuals. While watching TV, she began to see what she described as "strings of diamonds" or "sparkling visuals" across the screen and on other devices. This visual distortion persisted for approximately 20 minutes, after which she experienced a mild headache that continued into the following morning. It's worth noting that she frequently suffers from headaches and migraines. I turned to online resources in search of an explanation, but the predominant suggestion was "THC overdose," which she did not experience given her significant tolerance and lack of any typical high. The only aberration was the aforementioned visual phenomenon. I’m seeking insights into what might have caused this incident. Upon discussing it with her the next morning, I wondered if the tincture had been contaminated with another psychoactive substance. If this were the case, perhaps the visuals had emerged without her feeling high due to the SSRI's attenuating effects. However, this possibility seems unlikely considering the product's purchase from a licensed dispensary.
Answers (1)
9/7/2025, 6:10:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your fiancée had an unusual experience with visuals after using a THC tincture, and it's understandable to seek clarity on what may have caused this. While her history and concurrent medications may complicate the situation, we can consider a few possible explanations for the visual phenomenon she experienced.
Main Points
- The combination of THC with her current medications might have contributed to unusual visual effects.
- Visual disturbances can arise from various factors, including substance interactions, sensitivity, or even anxiety.
- Monitoring symptoms and making informed decisions about use may be helpful moving forward.
Explanation
THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), even at low doses in someone with high tolerance, can potentially lead to atypical sensory experiences, especially if combined with SSRIs like Lexapro, which can affect perception. The sensation of “strings of diamonds” or visual distortions could be a benign side effect of THC, particularly if she has not used it in a while. It's also plausible that her routine headaches may have contributed to the experience, as headaches can sometimes accompany sensory distortions.
There's less likelihood of contamination with another substance if the tincture was obtained from a reputable source. However, individual reactions to combinations of substances can vary, and the interactions could lead to unexpected effects, especially when combining THC with other psychiatric medications.
Next Steps
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a log of any future experiences along with the dosage of THC or other substances used. Note if similar visuals occur and the duration.
- Hydration and Rest: Ensure she stays well-hydrated and rests, especially if she experiences headaches or lingering effects.
- Evaluate Anxiety Levels: Consider reflecting on her anxiety levels during the incident or since any recent life events; stress can amplify sensory sensitivity.
- Be Cautious with Dosage: If deciding to use THC again, she might want to start with a lower dose to gauge her reaction, as the interaction with her medications can alter effects.
- Consult with a Pharmacist or Specialist: If visual disturbances occur again or if the headache persists, it’s advisable to discuss with a healthcare provider or pharmacist who understands drug interactions.
This approach prioritizes her well-being and encourages careful monitoring while maintaining hopeful outlooks on potential future experiences. Please reach out if you need further help or insight on managing the situation.
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