There are some things that you cannot mix with others in life. People rarely care about how drugs and food supplements interact. However, the effect of drugs could be affected by how food, beverages and supplements are consumed.
In this article we will examine CBD safety and CBD benefits when compared to other drugs.
Why is CBD so beloved?
Cannabidiol is a well-studied chemical compound in the hemp plant. It is known for its ability to treat a variety of conditions, including anxiety and stress, as well chronic back pain and neurological disorders. The therapeutic effects of CBD have been proven and the profile is safe. CBD interacts with the receptors within the endocannabinoid and other systems that regulate the body’s physiological processes.
Even though CBD is generally considered to be safe for use, it could cause some side effects.
- tiredness
- diarrhoea
- Increased appetite or decrease in appetite
- Weight gain or loss
CBD is available in a variety of forms . These include CBD oils, tinctures, topicals (CBD topicals), capsules and vapes. CBD-infused chocolates and gummies as well as sweet drinks like coffee and tea may be available. The best CBD dose and product may be chosen by the user.
What are drug interactions
Remember when you were able to take several pills at once? The effects of the medications can change when they are combined. While this may not be true in all cases, it is possible to increase or decrease the potency of your medication or have undesirable side effects if you combine prescription medications with over-the–counter medicines, herbal supplements, vitamins, and minerals.
Diuretics are drugs that reduce excess water and salt in the body. Some anti-inflammatory drugs, such as diuretics may also lower diuretic effectiveness.
It is vital that your doctor has access to all prescription and nonprescription drugs as well as any supplements or vitamins you may be taking.
How does CBD interact?
Cannabidiol is a compound that can change the body’s metabolism of certain substances.
CBD may have an effect on Cytochrome P450 (also known CYP450) enzymes. These enzymes are involved with metabolizing many pharmaceuticals and other internal substances, including toxins, from cells. While CYPs tend to be located in the liver they can also occur in the lungs, intestines and stomach.
Cannabinoids are able to stimulate or inhibit a CYP enzyme. This alters the way that the body processes drugs. This is a complicated process and will vary from one drug to another. Cannabinoids such as CBD may inhibit a CYP gene, which can cause the metabolism to be slowed or halted. Regular dosages of medication may cause the body to metabolize medications too slowly. This can lead to unwanted side effects, as well as an increase in medication’s effects. It may also reduce the drug’s lifetime if it stimulates a CYP protein.
Sometimes, the reverse may occur. Some medications may cause CYP3A4 to be inhibited, which is an essential enzyme within the CYP450 CYP450 families. CBD can be affected by other medications, so it is possible that the body will not process CBD as well as necessary if you are taking both CBD and other medications.
There are more than 300 drugs that can interact with cannabinoids. According to Indiana University Department of Medicine antipsychotics, steroids and antidepressants all affect the CYP450 process. See the complete link. There are also medications known as “prodrugs”. They must first be absorbed by the body before they can become active drugs. If the active drug is dependent on CYP3A4, inhibitors may cause the active drug to be less effective in the body. But, not all drugs can cause such an interaction.
Let’s explore the interplay between CBD, drugs in greater detail.
- CBD plus sedatives. Sedatives, which are used to suppress central nervous system, are often prescribed for patients with anxiety, stress, or loss of sleep. Although it is not clear if CBD and Sedatives can interact, CBD may have an additive effect. Combining two of them is not recommended.
- CBD plus opioids. Opioids, which are chemicals that relax and can relieve severe discomfort, contain CBD. These studies suggest there may be an interaction among the body’s opioids, and the Endocannabinoid System. However, we don’t know what the effects of such an interaction are.
- CBD plus anti-seizure medications. These medications were initially designed to treat epilepsy. A 2015 Study examined CBD benefits for the treatment of refractory Epilepsy in patients on anticonvulsants. This is because both drugs are metabolized using cytochrome P450. This could enhance the medication’s effects. However, dosage adjustments may be necessary for some medicaments.
- CBD and blood thinners. These medications prevent blood clots by allowing blood to flow more smoothly through the arteries and veins. CBD can interact with blood thinners. It is possible for CBD to be blocked in the liver. It may increase the levels of drugs in the body and prolong them. It can be toxic, or cause other problems, like bleeding.
- CBD treatment combined with chemotherapy. For treating cancer, you must use the right dosage of chemotherapy drugs. Bad doses can lead to treatment failure or even death. CBD could cause an increase in blood drug concentrations by affecting the metabolism. CBD may improve cancer-related symptoms. However it must always be adjusted for chemotherapy.
