WARNING – CBD Users Must Read This
To start, this CBD news and research article are going to try to tackle some pretty scientific CBD concerns. However, it offers no medical advice. If you are curious about the current medications you are on and potentially switching things up, talk to your doctor before you make any big changes or mix CBD with prescribed medications. CBD drug interactions can pose a risk to your health and internal organs.
Something that has gained notoriety in recent years is the application of CBD. CBD is cannabidiol, which is a derivative of the cannabis plant much like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). Do not confuse CBD with THC though, they are two very different things.
CBD does not get you high as THC does, nor does it offer hallucinogenic properties. It does have a lot to offer though in terms of wellness benefits.
One of the things I have noticed living in Los Angeles is that CBD is in everything, and I mean everything. There are so many CBD products out there that you can get. You can go to a coffee shop and get it in your latte. You can buy a candy bar with CBD oil in it, even my veterinarian recommended me CBD treats for my dog.
So, what exactly does CBD do? What is it good for?
CBD is one of the many naturally occurring compounds that exist within the cannabis plant. It offers health benefits including pain relief, antidepressant capabilities, and mitigates the inability to sleep.
I guess you can maybe see why this would be such a big deal, as it is a potential all-natural solution to many problems that are currently being managed through manufactured medications.
Because this has so much potential, it is worth it to at least check it out and see what we can find. So, let’s answer some questions you may have.
Is It OK To Take CBD With Other Medications?
You may be asking yourself: how does hemp oil interact with other medications? What CBD drug interactions do I need to look out for? Does hemp oil interfere with blood pressure medication? Are there CBD oil drug interactions?
To be 100% honest with you, it appears the jury is still out.
One of the big things to keep in mind when it comes to CBD oil is that it is not regulated by the FDA. Technically, it is simply a dietary supplement, not a drug or prescription medication.
The upside to CBD oil being unregulated is it offers wide access for the public. However, as an herbal supplement, it does mean that there is no backing by a government organization as to whether what you are buying is what you are actually getting.
This is where it gets interesting in terms of its interaction with other medications.
What Drugs Interact With CBD Oil?
According to the World Health Organization, CBD is known to interfere with Cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are the main enzymes in the liver that process other medications.
Depending on how much CBD you are taking, it could negatively impact the effectiveness of your drugs or make them overly effective. This leads us back to the issue that you don’t truly know how much CBD you are getting, because the FDA doesn’t regulate most CBD products.
How are you to know if you’re taking a small enough amount to avoid interference? You’re not.
My recommendation if you are considering using CBD with other medications is to talk to your doctor. Just like any medication, CBD can affect blood sugar levels and fat cells.
Unique, right?
But it is the best way to ensure there are no negative hemp oil drug interactions, especially because there are potentially negative hemp oil interactions. You’ll need to determine your CBD metabolism as well.
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Can I Take CBD With Antidepressants?
One of the things you need to know is the interference CBD can have with one of the Cytochrome P450 enzymes known as CYP2D6.
It is an enzyme that is primarily responsible for the digestion of most antidepressant drugs on the market today.
So, it is pretty risky to take CBD with antidepressants because of the potential effects of CBD.
This drug interaction is a large risk factor with a lot of different variables, but there is a potential option out there that could work for you.
You could ask your doctor if you could try CBD for a little while as an alternative to the medicine you already take. See if your doctor will agree to allow you to take a break from your regular medication to try taking CBD as an alternative.
It does not appear that CBD has genuinely bad interactions with existing depression symptoms. The best course of action is to consult a medical professional before switching prescription medication for CBD. Do not stop taking prescription medication unless approved by a doctor.
Summary
If after reading this, you are still questioning what is the best next step for you regarding CBD drug interactions, it is best to talk to your doctor.
They can give you a much better glimpse into how CBD can affect you and then together you can go from there. Erring on the side of caution and seeking professional medical advice can save you from adverse effects of mixing CBD oil and other medications.
Disclaimer: Is CBD Legal?
Hemp-derived CBD products (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are legal on the federal level. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and products have not been FDA approved. You must be at least 21 years old to purchase these products. Talk to your physician or medical doctor for additional information.
Published July 9, 2019; Updated March 31, 2020.
