The need for natural treatment alternatives dates back centuries ago. CBD’s growing popularity in the medical world today is overwhelming. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a primary compound from the cannabis plant, specifically the hemp plant. Over the years, the herb has shown positive results in treating anxiety, epilepsy, depression, stress disorders, schizophrenia, and other health problems. Its efficacy to inhibit symptom progression of these ailments without adverse side-effects makes it a perfect choice for natural treatment.
Even though it is not advisable to stop conventional medication in preference of CBD, it is possible to use the supplement in tangent with other medicines. It is crucial to consult with your doctor before deciding to incorporate CBD in your treatment regimen. A physician or doctor will be able to identify a suitable product and possible dosage for better results. But before anything else, how does CBD interact with other drugs?
Understanding Drug Metabolism
Different people understand metabolism from the basic understanding of food metabolism. Primarily how food gets broken into various constituents such as sugars, fats, amino acids, etc. However, it is different altogether when it comes to drug metabolism. The body breaks CBD and other therapeutic drugs into their metabolites to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Mostly, all the action occurs in the liver, where enzymes transform the metabolites for use in the body.
This breakdown process enhances medications’ effectiveness, including CBD products such as CBD vape juice, in several ways. Cytochrome P450 system (CYP) is a group of enzymes responsible for metabolizing over 60% of drugs. This system is also vital in understanding dosage, potential side effects, and drug effectiveness. In general, these enzymes’ action influences the speed at which the body processes medication and other compounds.
Effects of CBD on the CYP system
Preclinical research suggests that CBD interacts with the Cytochrome P450 System in the liver to enhance or inhibit these enzymes’ action. While acting as a competitive inhibitor, it displaces chemical compounds in medical drugs to prevent their metabolism. However, this inhibiting property depends on the amount of CBD, genetics, and the type of CBD product.
In simpler terms, CBD outcompetes other drugs and medication during metabolism. It helps to deactivate the enzymes, especially CYP3A4, that break down conventional drugs and therapeutic compounds in the CYP system. A low CBD dose will leave some enzymes active for metabolizing traditional medicines in understanding CBD’s interaction with other medications. In contrast, a more considerable amount may ultimately prevent the breakdown of these drugs.
Besides the competitive inhibition advantage, CBD may speed up these drugs’ metabolism, deeming them less effective. In such a situation, a user may need to use a higher dose of the medicine if they look for relief.
If you are going to use CBD and your medication, it is crucial to ingest the right dosage. Elevated CBD levels on the CYP system leave many more drug compounds in the body resulting in an overdose of the specific medication. A user may experience adverse side effects such as immune system suppression, bleeding, or sometimes hypertension.
Which drugs have a negative interaction with CBD?
Even though studies are limited to CBD’s interaction with different drugs, it is evident that it affects some enzymes. Research from Indiana University, some of the drugs that you should avoid while using CBD include:
● Antihistamines such as Cetirizine, loratadine, clemastine, and fexofenadine
● HIV antivirals, for example, disoproxil fumarate, didanosine, zidovudine, and abacavir
● Corticosteroids and steroids such as dexamethasone, cortisone, hydrocortisone, and prednisone
● Antiarrhythmics such as flecainide, quinidine, amiodarone, and tocainide
● Immune modulators such as immunostimulants, immunosuppressants, globulins, viral vaccines, and bacterial vaccines
● Motility drugs are also known as prokinetics, e.g., prucalopride and metoclopramide.
● Benzodiazepines such as Clobazam, clonazepam, lorazepam, alprazolam, and diazepam
Even though this list is not exhaustive, you should make sure you are on caution if you are to use either of these drugs along with CBD. It is always essential to consult your doctor before you can self-medicate with CBD. The doctor or physician will advise on the best products suitable for your medication and even adjust the dosages.
Taking caution may help you monitor the therapeutic advantage of using the cannabidiol with other drugs simultaneously. In case of adverse side effects, you will have enough time to adjust your medication before the effects can be critical. You will need to weigh the benefits you get from using either conventional medicines or CBD.
Can you be at risk of CBD - drug interaction?
Commonly, drug metabolism takes place in the liver and kidneys. As a result, if you are having health conditions relating to either your kidney or liver, the metabolism is relatively slower. This increases the chances of being at risk of a CBD-drug interaction.
Senior citizens and people suffering from chronic illnesses are under several medications, increasing drug interaction chances. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness after taking CBD along with other medicines, you should consult your physician or doctor for advice on your body’s tolerance to CBD.
Conclusion
Over the years, CBD has proven to be a better treatment alternative for a variety of ailments. Several studies show that it has a safety profile and good toleration without any adverse side effects. The compound interacts with different systems in the body for its health benefits. However, if you are considering using it with your medication, you should consult with your doctor in-depth, especially if you have a chronic medical condition.
