CBD or cannabidiol is a potent compound. We know how it can turn the way our body functions. Many people have witnessed a dramatic change in their lives after its intake.
But it always came with certain restrictions. People under several medications and health conditions were restrained from their usage.
Do you know the reason for the restriction? Do you know how cannabinoids interact with medicines? And which medicines need a second thought before combining with CBD? That is many questions at once, Right? Do not panic! We will bail you out of the situation. And, we will answer all possible doubts regarding CBD and medicine interaction.
We will also find out how favorite CBD gummies perform in this field.
Action ground of CBD
CBD or cannabidiol is an extract of marijuana plants. It is a naturally occurring non-psychoactive compound. It does not cause high. But, it acts on the brain differently. The prime action area of cannabinoids is the endocannabinoid system. It combines with the CB1 and CB2 receptors and releases various effects. It is the action plan of CBD for regular individuals. But when we are under medications, the metabolism changes.
To understand this, we need to know about the CYP450 enzyme. This enzyme is responsible for changing the configuration of foreign substances. As a result, it can eliminate unwanted compounds from the body. When we take medicines, some of them lower the action of CYP450. So that the therapeutic can fully act on the body. But the action is not restricted till there. The enzyme’s interaction rate with CBD multiples with a decrease in its potency. And the vice versa of this is also applicable.
In simple words, certain medications affect how CBD acts on the body. It can also hinder the way medicines should interact with our bodies. These altering actions could pile up a stock of drugs in our bodies. And eventually, it could lead to toxication, even though you are taking the required dose.
Medications that pose a risk with CBD
The blending of CBD and over-the-counter medicines are possible. And these interactions can be hazardous. This fact itself poses a risk to the users under medications. But awareness of this unclear fact does not change a lot. Without an exact idea of the medicines, users are at risk.
According to research by Harvard University, a list including 57 medicines is available. These drugs are not compatible with CBD. But they also mention that this list is not final. A rule of thumb by experts says one should check for a grapefruit warning. You should avoid the usage of such medicines with CBD. Intake of these medicines can increase their level in the body. And eventually, it could lead to overdose and toxicity.
Commonly the following drugs come with a grapefruit warning:
- Antibiotics and antimicrobials
- Anti-cancer medicine
- Antihistamine
- Antiepileptic drug
- Blood pressure medicine
- Blood thinners
- Cholesterol medication
- Corticosteroid
- Erectile dysfunction medicine
- GI medicine (for GERD and nausea)
- Heart rhythm medication
- Immunosuppressant
- Antidepressants
We need to wait for proper studies to get the actual list.
CBD and medicinal interaction
Among CYP450 enzymes, a constituent of it called CYP3A4 metabolizes CBD. It also leads to the metabolism of more than 60% of medicines. And medicine is broken down into simpler particles before releasing its effect. The cannabinoid compound and certain medicines can interact with this enzyme.
If CBD is pre-introduced in the body, it hijacks the place for medicines and vice versa. As a result, the latter one gets digested at a slower pace. This interaction causes dumping of the other in the body. Eventually, causing toxication and severe consequences. The case applies to every formulation of CBD like gummies, tinctures, vapes, capsules, etc.
Safe trial of CBD with medications
Do you want a way to consume CBD along with medications? It is a potent drug, and it can boost the process of healing. But, we should be cautious about its usage. Monitoring the person’s present health condition is necessary to ensure a safe administration of the blend. There is a possibility that one can take the compound safely with medicines. So, releasing a standardized way will be a bad idea.
You should consult your health physician if you are willing to take CBD gummies and medicines together. The lotions do not merge with the bloodstream instantly. However, users of topicals enjoy a discount here. They are free to use CBD creams and lotions without worrying about toxication.
Study in support
Researchers conducted a test to study the interaction between CBD and medications. The studies are in the early stage of testing on animals. In-depth research on humans is lacking. So, it becomes difficult to analyze the impact on humans.
A related study on 25 kids with epilepsy serves as a base to understand the interaction. These kids were under medication for their ailments. And for the study, they were given CBD along with clobazam. The result of this combination was harmless. But, the experts suggest regular monitoring of the drug level in the body.
Another study comprised 39 adults and 42 children. These participants were under ADE medications. They were later given CBD in the form of epidiolex. Here, the dosage was increased every two weeks. The researchers monitored the serum level that remained within the range. But the amount of clobazam and desmethylclobazam surpassed the gamut.
So the first study we talked about shows medications and CBD interact with each other. And rest of the studies show that altering the dosages can lead to toxicity.
Possible side effects
A doctor’s guidance may help you take CBD safely. But you should know about the side effects this interaction might cause. These are:
- Nausea
- Stoned feeling
- Drowsiness
- Seizures
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
Final words
Taking the suggestion of a doctor is a must no matter what medications you are undergoing. You should also reveal your CBD intake to the expert if you are under any therapy. It will let the doctor prescribe a full-proof treatment plan for you. And it will enable a safer cycle of drug and cannabis interaction.
