CBD Drug Interactions are possible and if you are currently taking prescribed medications, it is important to read this article and find out what drugs may interact with CBD and what you can do about it.
CBD has been around for some time now, and most of the population is familiar with the tremendous benefits it has for relieving symptoms associated with so many disorders.
It is essential to understand that there are usually side effects or interactions with just about anything we put in our bodies. CBD happens to be one compound with very few side effects, but we must pay attention to the possible drug interactions.
Pharmaceutical drugs typically metabolized by CYP450 enzymes in our body usually interact with Cannabidiol (CBD).
The Indiana University Department of Medicine has reported that the following drugs may interact with CBD by using the same CYP450 enzymes in the body.
These drugs include but are not limited to:
- HIV Antiviral Medications
- Immune Modulators
- Steroids
- Anti-Epileptics
- Benzodiazepines
- Antidepressants
- Angiotensin II Blockers
- Beta-Blockers
- PPI’s
- Oral Hypoglycemic Agents
- Sulfonylureas
- HMG CoA Reductase Inhibitors
- Calcium Channel Blockers
- Antihistamines
- Prokinetics
- Antiarrhythmics
- Antibiotics
- Anesthetics
- Anti-Psychotics
The number of drugs that interact with CBD is not limited to the list above. Consult with a doctor or medical professional before using CBD with any prescribed medications to avoid possible drug interactions.
Interesting Article on CBD Drug Interactions
The Grapefruit Test to Determine CBD Drug Interactions
If you want to determine what drugs will interact with CBD, ask your doctor if your prescribed medications will be affected if you consume grapefruit. CBD works similarly to grapefruit. CBD acts the same chemically as grapefruit, only more powerful. Your doctor might not know a lot about CBD, so asking him if your medications will interact with grapefruit will give you the answers you need.
Can you Consume Alcohol and CBD?
An occasional drink is a norm for some, while others partake in alcohol consumption daily and sometimes to excess. A general question for alcohol consumers who want to try CBD as a supplement for health is,
“Can I drink alcohol while supplementing with CBD?”
Is there a CBD drug interaction with alcohol? Unfortunately, research is still in its infancy, and more research is needed to find out any interactions that may cause concern.
However, some information about alcohol and CBD usage may help answer some questions.
Taking CBD while consuming alcohol may amplify the effects of each other. Meaning you may experience increased drowsiness and reduction of motor skills to an extent. Be careful when operating machinery.
People who take CBD while consuming alcohol seem to have lower blood alcohol levels when compared to a controlled group.
CBD also reduces the brain mechanisms responsible for craving for relapsing to alcohol.
Some people claim CBD mixed with alcohol intensified each other’s effects, resulting in mood and behaviour changes.
CBD may also prevent cell damage and disease, which we all know chronic alcoholism can cause. One CBD study in rats showed that an application of CBD gel to their skin decreased brain cell damage caused by excessive consumption of alcohol by up to 49%.
Another study on mice injected with CBD concluded with findings that CBD helped protect against alcohol-induced fatty liver disease by increasing autophagy which is a process that promotes the turnover of new cells and leads to tissue regeneration.
It is important to know that results from studies on rats and mice may not carry over to humans and CBD drug interactions may still exist.
So can you supplement with CBD while consuming alcohol? The short answer is yes, but be careful, monitor yourself for unwanted side effects, and do not operate any heavy machinery to be safe.
Can you Consume Caffeine and CBD?
CBD is an excellent addition to caffeine intake as they bind to the same A2a receptor in the body. When we get tired, a hormone in our brain called Adenosine binds to the A2a receptor, and when this happens, it results in a “Digest and Rest” effect on the body, and the body receives a signal to rest to begin digestion.
Caffeine blocks this very same receptor to upkeep energy and vitality. CBD also binds to the same receptor facilitating caffeine in the same way. While CBD is blocking the A2a receptor, it also slows down caffeine absorption, which results in a prolonged effect.
Use caution as combining CBD and caffeine may allow for increased caffeine consumption throughout the day without the adverse side effects such as increased anxiety. The increase in caffeine consumption will most likely result in an inability to fall asleep.
CBD Drug Interactions – In Conclusion
If you are thinking of supplementing with CBD and you are currently prescribed pharamceutical medications, talk to your doctor
