Many regular CBD users find that the cannabinoid greatly enhances their daily routine, instilling them with both energy and tranquility without the sweeping crash of coffee and alcohol. However, people should not rush into taking it without first doing some research, as CBD has the potential to disrupt other forms of medications and, in extreme cases, even result in harm.
Consulting with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking CBD can preserve the integrity of your other doctor-prescribed treatments and ensure you stay safe and healthy.
How Does CBD Interact With Medications?
CBD can influence certain enzymes in the liver that metabolize drugs, impacting how medications affect the body. Cytochrome P450 enzymes break down medications and process them out of the body. CBD inhibits these enzymes, hindering your ability to metabolize certain drugs. As a result, it can lead to higher concentrations of the drugs in the bloodstream. This can enhance the activity of these enzymes and cause your body to metabolize too fast, resulting in lower drug concentrations.
These interactions can have serious effects on medication efficacy. Either the drug will be too weak to produce a proper response, or it will overpower the body and illicit stronger side effects. In either case, the end result can cause harm to you and your body.
Not all medications interact with CBD in the same way, and reactions can vary wildly based on the dosage, frequency of CBD use and individual differences in metabolism. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals is essential to make well-informed decisions regarding the use of CBD.
What Medications Should You Avoid When Taking CBD?
Since 60 percent of prescription drugs rely on cytochrome P450 enzymes to function, many medications can be impacted by CBD, including:
Blood Thinners
In combination with Warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix) and others, CBD may cause blood clotting and even excessive bleeding.
Antidepressants
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) are often utilized in the treatment of depression and anxiety. CBD may increase the risk of developing side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness and confusion.
Benzodiazepines
Used to help manage anxiety disorders and insomnia, medications like diazepam (Valium) and alprazolam (Xanax), combined with CBD, can enhance the sedative effects, leading to excessive drowsiness and impaired motor function.
Blood Pressure Medications
Because CBD has been reported to lower blood pressure, it can obstruct the efficacy of blood pressure medications, possibly resulting in fainting and falling.
Opioid Pain Relievers
Opioid analgesics (also known as pain relievers) don’t work well with CBD, as the substance hinders the metabolism of morphine and aggravates side effects, such as fatigue and drowsiness.
Immunosuppressants
Drugs such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus prevent the rejection of organ transplants and assist in the management of autoimmune diseases. CBD may interfere with the metabolism of these medications, potentially altering the transplant’s effectiveness.
Antiepileptics
Medications like clobazam (Onfi) and valproate (Depakote) are used to manage epilepsy and seizures. CBD can possibly alter their concentrations in the bloodstream and might even increase the side effects. Consult with your doctor or pharmacist before combining CBD with seizure medications.
There may be other medications that don’t meld well with CBD that aren’t on this list. If you’re considering adding CBD to your daily routine, we strongly advise you to discuss your current medications and any potential interactions with CBD with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
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