Faq

Can you take CBD oil with antidepressants and other medications?

Dr. Med. Vladimir Krasula

Answer

June 4, 2021

There are several types of antidepressants which are used to treat clinical depression and conditions, such as OCD, PTSD or anxiety disorder. Depending on the severity of your depression you may be given some heavy drugs affecting your condition, but they may have some serious side effects which can damage your health.

Antidepressants are thought to help balance the neurotransmitters in our brains. These are chemicals which control and affect our mood and emotions. By balancing these chemicals, they can deliver you a better sleep, improved appetite and better concentration.

Research has shown that CBD may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and sleep issues. Research show that the cause of depression may be in the low level of serotonin – the “feel good hormone” – which is made in your gut and brain stem. CBD is thought to help encourage your body to use its own serotonin levels in a natural way.

While generally considered safe, CBD may cause some minor side effects, such as drowsiness, lightheadedness, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth. Taking CBD with other medications that have similar side effects may increase the risk of unwanted symptoms or toxicity. Taking CBD at the same time with OTC or prescription medications that cause side effects like sleepiness may lead to increased sleepiness and fatigue.

Full spectrum 10% CBD oil, against sleep disorders, anxiety, stress, depression

CBD oil and other medications

One of the biggest concerns customers considering taking CBD are drug interactions and if CBD is safe to take with other medications to treat diseases and various conditions. While CBD can deliver a variety of benefits to human and animal body and is safe to take with many medications, CBD can also worsen some side effects of drugs.

When you take a medication or other substance and supplements, your body has to metabolize them, which is happening in the liver mainly.

CBD inhibits some liver enzymes called CYP450. This makes them break down certain drugs more slowly, which could potentially increase side effects. Grapefruit disrupts the activity of CYPs enzymes and slows the way these proteins usually break down medication, it also increases the side effects and duration the drug stays in your system.

You may experience increased side effects if CBD is used along with these drugs:

  • Antidepressants – fluoxetine or Prozac
  • Antipsychotics, benzodiazepines
  • Macrolide antibiotics – erythromycin
  • Some heart medications

We advise you before trying CBD to talk to your doctor about all of the vitamins, supplements and prescription you’re taking.

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