Interactions With CBD Drugs: What You Need To Know

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One of the biggest concerns we have encountered is the interactions with CBD drugs and the safe use of CBD with other drugs.

Given the ambiguity about what is really in some of these prescribed drugs and how they work on the body compared to the effects cannabidiol (CBD) has on the body, this is indeed a very worrying topic.

Due to the nature of chemical compounds, virtually every substance, including CBD, interacts with other substances. For example, the labels on a variety of prescription drugs advise you to avoid grapefruit while taking the drug, as it can significantly affect how the body metabolizes the drug.

Cannabidiol cbdWhile CBD can offer a variety of health benefits and can be taken safely with many medications, CBD can cause problematic interactions with certain medications

In this article, we are going to examine various interactions with CBD drugs and discuss important facts that every CBD user should be aware of.

Note: Please note that the results are not always conclusive as more research is needed into the interaction of CBD with certain drugs. Depending on the type, quality, and purity of the CBD administered, CBD can have adverse drug interactions. We strongly recommend consulting your doctor or a certified health care professional before taking cannabidiol (CBD).

How CBD interacts with drugs and medication

CBD can reduce or increase the effects of certain prescribed drugs by interacting with receptors throughout the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the body and inhibiting the activity of cytochrome P450.

Cytochrome P450 is a group of liver enzymes that are responsible for breaking down drugs and toxins that enter the body. By inhibiting the activity of this enzyme, CBD can temporarily deactivate its activity, which can alter the metabolism of other compounds.

CBD interactions with other drugs

Interaction between CBD and medications that increase the risk of bleeding

Studies have shown that CBD and other herbal cannabinoids can increase the effects of blood-thinning drugs (e.g. warfarin) or drugs with a risk of blood thinning (e.g. ibuprofen).

By slowing the way the body metabolizes these drugs, CBD maintains the drug’s shelf life and extends its presence in the body. In fact, CBD can potentiate and prolong the effects of drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, and use of both at the same time should be closely monitored by a doctor.

Interaction Between CBD and Sedatives

By interacting with neurotransmitter receptors in the central nervous system, cannabinoids such as CBD and THC can have a calming effect on the user. While the calming effects of THC have been linked to drowsiness and lethargy, CBD induces calming and awakening effects.

Cannabinoids have an additive effect in combination with sedatives, so they can increase the effect of the drug. While the interaction between CBD and sedatives does not appear to have any direct negative effects on the user, the potential effect of CBD on sedatives is not fully understood.

To be on the safe side, users shouldn’t combine CBD with sedatives.

How CBD interacts with anti-epileptic drugs

Although CBD is widely known to be an effective treatment for epileptic seizures, without medical supervision, under certain circumstances, CBD can cause problems with anti-seizure medication.

A 1992 study by Lester Bornheim found that low CBD dosages did not provide the well-known anti-epileptic benefits; however, it still inhibits the cytochrome p450 enzymes and results in prolonged concentrations of clobazam and norclobazam, which can actually lead to more aggressive seizures.

With this in mind, it is very important to consult a doctor to determine the correct dosage of CBD to effectively relieve epileptic seizures.

Interaction Between CBD and Chemotherapy Drugs

The interaction between CBD and chemotherapy presents a similar situation.

In the treatment of cancer, accurate and precise dosages of chemotherapy drugs are extremely important. Insufficient amount can lead to ineffectiveness and excessive amount can lead to excessive toxicity.

Many chemotherapy drugs are formulated with the understanding that the drug is metabolized at a certain rate before it enters the body. The introduction of CBD into the equation inhibits the metabolic process, which can result in higher concentrations of the drug entering the bloodstream than intended.

While CBD relieves cancer-related pain and slows cancer growth, when combined with chemotherapy, the amount and type of cancer drugs administered must take into account the presence of CBD.

CBD drug interactions: use the grapefruit comparison

CBD interaction with metabolismGrapefruit juice interacts with drugs in the same way that CBD does – by blocking the cytochrome p450 enzymes. The difference is that grapefruit juice is mentioned more often on drug labels.

Since both grapefruit juice and CBD can inhibit the metabolic process in a similar way, logically any drug or drug that is advised not to be taken with grapefruit juice should also not be taken with CBD.

For more information, see the list of some drugs that may interact with grapefruit juice on Drugs.com:

Please note that this list does not include all drugs that may interact with grapefruit or CBD, and it is highly recommended that you consult your doctor before taking cannabidiol (CBD).

Consult a doctor regarding interactions with CBD drugs

In conclusion, CBD can offer a multitude of benefits; However, like any other substance, it can interact with other substances and it is extremely important to be aware of these interactions with CBD drugs.

In addition, for your safety and health, you should always consult your doctor when considering taking CBD in conjunction with any other prescribed medication.

Thank you for reading this article, I hope it has helped shed some light on this important topic. Please share this article with anyone you know who is considering taking CBD with any other medication or medication, and please keep in mind what has been discussed in this article.

If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, feel free to discuss them with me in the comments!