CBD Drug Interactions
One of the primary concerns of our customers is how (or if) CBD will interact with their current medications. We completely understand your concern and apprehension, given the ambiguity of what compounds are actually in any prescription, as well as how the body processes it, compared toย how the body processes cannabidiol (CBD).
Although CBD has aย multitude of potential benefitsย and is safe to take with different medications, CBDย can negatively interact with certain drugs. This is particularly true for CBD-isolate (vs. broad-spectrum or full-spectrum products), as well as oral applications that are metabolized through a pathway in our liver (which is where common prescriptions and OTCs are metabolized). Therefore, our intention is to address the concerns of our customers by identifying which drugs interact with CBD and to what degree.
How CBD Interacts with Drugs and Medication
CBD may help with inflammation,ย ย pain, and anxietyย by interacting with various receptors throughout the body. This collection of receptors is commonly referred to as theย Endocannabinoid System (ECS), which is responsible for multiple physiological processes such as appetite, pain-sensation, mood, memory, and many more.ย Although these interactions are what make CBD a potential alternative for relieving both pain and anxiety, these interactions with receptors can also reduce or increase the effects of certain medications by inhibiting the activity ofย cytochrome P450.
Interactions Between CBD and Drugs that Increase Risk of Bleeding
Research showsย CBD and other cannabinoids can enhance the effects of compounds used for blood-thinning (such as warfarin) or compounds with a risk of blood-thinning (such as ibuprofen). By slowing down how the body breaks down these drugs, CBD can prolong the presence of the drug in the body. Meaning, CBD can prolong the effect of the blood-thinning compounds.ย As such, individuals using a blood-thinning drug in combination with CBD should be closely monitored by their physician.
Interactions Between CBD and Sedatives
Many sedatives interact with GABA neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, which results in a calming effect. Cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) also interact withย neurotransmitter receptors, which can result in different (sometimes opposing) effects. Depending on how the individual metabolizes cannabinoids and the concentration of the dose, THC may both relieve anxiety disorders or cause paranoia. CBDโs potential anti-anxiety benefits can be both calming, while also hindering sleep.
Interactions Between CBD and Anti-Seizure Medications
The Grapefruit Comparison
If we acknowledge both grapefruit and CBD similarly inhibit the metabolic process, then we can logically deduce that any medication with a grapefruit juice warning should also not be consumed with CBD. For a comprehensive list of drugs that interact with grapefruit juice,ย click here.
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