What Drugs Should Not Be Taken with CBD: What You Need to Know

CBD has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its potential health benefits, and it is now widely available in various forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, and topicals. 

People report that the effects it has given to others have been greatly beneficial when wanting to get a better night's sleep, help insomnia, and deal with pain

CBD can potentially interact with certain medications, so it's important to consult with a healthcare provider if you are taking any medications before using CBD. 

In general, CBD can interact with drugs that are metabolized by the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system, which is responsible for breaking down many medications. This is why reading this article and learning more about the effects are important if you're wanting to consume it.

What Is CBD?

CBD (Cannabidiol) is a naturally occurring compound found in the Cannabis Sativa plant. It is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the plant, but it is non-intoxicating and does not produce the "high" associated with marijuana use. 

CBD has gained popularity in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits, such as reducing anxiety, alleviating pain, and improving sleep. It’s important to note that it's not always going to work right away, sometimes it takes a couple of hours, up to 30 hours to fully kick in.

It works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating various physiological processes such as mood, appetite, pain, and immune response.

CBD can be extracted from the hemp plant and contains less than 0.3% THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana), which is legal in many countries, including the United States, as long as it meets certain criteria. CBD is available in various forms, including oils, capsules, gummies, topical creams, and even infused into food and drinks.

While CBD is generally considered safe, it can interact with certain medications, which can potentially cause adverse effects. Therefore, it is important to speak with your doctor before taking CBD if you are on any medications.

Additionally, the quality and purity of CBD products can vary, so it's important to choose products from reputable sources and look for third-party testing to ensure the product contains the labeled amount of CBD and is free from contaminants.

CBD is still being researched, and while some studies have shown promising results, more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.

Types Of Drugs That Don’t Mix Well With CBD

CBD can potentially interact with certain medications, and in general, CBD can interact with drugs that are metabolized by the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system. This system is responsible for breaking down many medications.

If you are taking medication that may interact with CBD, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider before using CBD. Your healthcare provider can advise you on whether it's safe for you to use CBD with your medications, and they may need to adjust your medication dosages or monitor you for potential interactions.

Here are some examples of drugs that may interact with CBD that you need to be aware of before taking any.

Blood Thinners

CBD may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood-thinning medications such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), and aspirin.

Antidepressants

CBD may interact with certain antidepressant medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft).

Anti-Anxiety & Anti-Seizure Medications

CBD may interact with medications used to treat anxiety, such as benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) and diazepam (Valium). CBD may also interact with medications used to treat seizures, such as clobazam (Onfi) and valproate (Depakote).

Immunosuppressant

CBD may interact with medications used to suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine (Sandimmune) and tacrolimus (Prograf).

It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and CBD may interact with other medications as well. If you are taking any medications, as mentioned before, it's highly recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using CBD to avoid any potential interactions or adverse effects.

If you experience any adverse effects while using CBD with your medications, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or changes in heart rate or blood pressure, it's important to stop using CBD and contact your healthcare provider.

When To Avoid CBD

While CBD may have potential health benefits, there are certain situations when it may be best to avoid using CBD. Here are some examples of when you need to avoid CBD, though not limited.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is limited research on the effects of CBD on pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it's recommended to avoid using CBD during these times. While CBD is generally considered safe, it's possible that it may be passed to the infant through breast milk, which could potentially have negative effects on infant development. 

Liver Disease

Some studies suggest that CBD may have potential benefits for liver disease. For example, a study published in 2019 found that CBD may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that could be beneficial for liver disease. 

CBD is metabolized in the liver, so individuals with liver disease should use it with caution.

Parkinson's Disease

Some research suggests that CBD may worsen symptoms of Parkinson's disease, so it's recommended to use caution. 

In some cases, it may improve the quality of life for people with reduce the occurrence of dyskinesia, which is a common side effect of medication used to treat Parkinson's Disease.

Low Blood Pressure

CBD may lower blood pressure, which can be a concern for individuals with low blood pressure or those taking medications for high blood pressure. 

A study published found that long-term use of CBD may increase the risk of low blood pressure in people with hypertension.

Allergies

Some individuals may have an allergic reaction to CBD, so it's recommended to start with a small dose and monitor for any adverse effects. 

While CBD itself is not known to cause allergies, some people may be allergic to other components in CBD products, such as carrier oils, flavorings, or other additives.

It's important to note that this is not an exhaustive list, and it's recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using CBD if you have any medical conditions or concerns. 

Additionally, it's important to purchase CBD products from reputable sources that provide third-party lab testing, ensuring the quality of their products. Note that CBD can also potentially interact with other supplements and herbs, so it's recommended to talk to your healthcare provider before taking CBD with any other supplements or herbs.

Final Thoughts

CBD can be extracted from the hemp plant and is available in various forms, including oils, capsules, gummies, and topical creams, and can even be infused into food and drinks.

Some drugs can have a negative effect when taking CBD at the same time, so it's important to use caution and to only purchase products from reputable sources that provide third-party lab testing to ensure the quality and purity of their products.

FAQs

Am I Able To Take CBD Oil With Blood Pressure Medication?

There are some drugs that should not be taken with CBD oil.

CBD has been shown to have a slight lowering effect on blood pressure, and when combined with blood pressure medication, it may cause blood pressure to drop too low. This can be dangerous, especially for people with pre-existing conditions like heart disease or diabetes.

Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking CBD oil with blood pressure medication to ensure that it is safe for you. They can advise you on the appropriate dosage, potential side effects, and any precautions you should take while using both substances.

Does CBD Help With Arthritis?

There is some evidence to suggest that CBD (cannabidiol) may help with arthritis symptoms. Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, and CBD is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate these symptoms.

However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of CBD on arthritis, including the optimal dosage and delivery method.

Is CBD Safe For Heart Patients?

CBD can interact with certain medications used to treat heart conditions, such as blood thinners and beta-blockers, and may cause unwanted side effects or change the way the medication works in the body. Additionally, high doses of CBD may increase the risk of liver damage, which can be a concern for people with heart disease.
If you are a heart patient considering using CBD, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. They can advise you on the appropriate dosage, potential side effects, and any precautions you should take while using CBD. It is also important to ensure that you are using a high-quality CBD product from a reputable source.