CBD and Antidepressants: Can You Take Them Together?

Unfortunately, most of us have experienced one of many faces of depression in our life. Loss of satisfaction, mood imbalance, constant feeling of sadness or emptiness, increased or decreased appetite, and insomnia are among the best-known symptoms of this mental disorder. 

Depression can stem from various factors, and it often appears differently from one person to the other. To help with this mental disorder, doctors usually recommend medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the two.

Antidepressants are one of the most common prescription medications for depression and anxiety. However, due to its multiple side effects, most people prefer to use natural alternatives to avoid the potential risks.x

CBD, short for cannabidiol, is now gaining widespread popularity for its various benefits. Many studies have examined the effects of CBD on depression, and the results have been hopeful. But can you take CBD oil with antidepressants? Is Fusion CBD - Full Spectrum CBD Oil a safe alternative for antidepressants? 

In this article, we will cover these questions and discuss antidepressants and CBD in depth.

CBD - What Is It and How Does It Work?

Extracted from hemp plants, CBD is a naturally occurring substance used for medical purposes. Unlike THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the principal compound responsible for the psychoactive features of cannabis, CBD is not intoxicating.

CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors in our bodies, known as CB1 and CB2 receptors. Located throughout our body, these receptors send signals to the brain and maintain hemostasis. Cannabidiol can boost hemostasis and improve your overall wellness.

After the legalization of hemp-derived CBD products in 2018, the U.S. CBD market boomed. And with that, many brands entered the competition to expand the variety of products provided for the customers. Today, you can use CBD in different forms and ways of consumption, each with its own pros and cons. Check out Fusion CBD Full Spectrum CBD Oil and experience its many potential benefits.

Is CBD Oil Effective for Depression?

Like many other mental disorders, there's no single treatment for depression. As mentioned before, depression can happen for various reasons, and therefore it can affect different parts of our lives.

Traumatic events, anxiety, poor sleep conditions, loss of someone close, and break-ups are among the best-known contributors to depression. And to help individuals suffering from this problem, one should first find the roots of their depression.

However, some scientific studies have found that CBD can help with some of the symptoms associated with depression. Here are some of the benefits of using prescription CBD antidepressants:

Reduces Anxiety and Stress

One of the main reasons beyond the widespread usage of CBD oil is its effect on anxiety. Today, a growing body of studies back up the theory that CBD can help with anxiety disorders.

A 2019 study examined the effects of CBD capsules on patients with anxiety and sleeping disorders. Among 103 subjects, 79 percent showed improved signs regarding their sleep and anxiety.

One way that CBD can affect anxiety is by increasing serotonin levels in our bodies. Serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter responsible for controlling emotions, energy, mood, and feelings of happiness. 

Scientists believe that low serotonin levels are one of the main reasons behind depression. Of course, cannabinoids are not direct serotonin boosters. However, they can affect the process and help the body process it more efficiently.

On top of that, CBD can also take part in activating the GABA receptor, which effectively reduces anxiety and energy levels. 

Fusion's CBD Sports Drinks is a great option when you need extra help to stay motivated. Whether you're anxious and want to focus before your workout session or you have a lot on your plate during midterms, CBD water can help you manage stress. 

Improves Mood 

Having a constant low mood is a warning sign of depression. "I'm not in the mood" is commonly used among those struggling with depression. Fortunately, scientific evidence shows that CBD can effectively solve this problem.

As we mentioned before, CBD attaches to receptors of the endocannabinoid system, directly affecting our hemostasis. Homeostasis is the balanced state with optimal functioning of all other systems. 

Anandamide, one of the main endocannabinoids in our bodies, has an important role in pain management and mood regulation. Deficiency in this substance can cause low mood and stress. 

Using CBD as an antidepressant can improve this condition by slowing down its breakdown and increasing the level of this endocannabinoid. The results are improved mood and better reactions to stressful situations.

If you also need something to enhance your day-to-today mood and give you an energy boost, Vegan Full Spectrum CBD Gummies are your absolute go-to. These tasty gummies are a fun and healthy way to enjoy the benefits of CBD.

Improves Sleep 

The vital effect of sleep on health and well-being is old news. We don't need any research to know that lack of sleep equals low energy levels, low mood, anxiety, and unbalanced appetite. 

Insomnia is both a cause and symptom of depression, and improving your sleep condition can majorly affect your mental health. By reducing stress, alleviating pain, and balancing mood, CBD products help you have a better sleep at night.

You can read more on the Benefits of Taking CBD Multivitamins in our blog. 

What Is an Antidepressant?

An antidepressant is a prescription medication for patients with depression and anxiety disorders. Today, these over-the-counter medications are among the most prescribed drugs worldwide.

Antidepressants exert their effect by regulating the neurotransmitters in the brain and restoring mental balance. Normally naturally occurring substances in our bodies are responsible for regulating this balance.

However, for different reasons, they sometimes cannot work properly, resulting in different problems such as depression. The antidepressant balances the connection between these substances, thus improving symptoms.

There are various types of antidepressants to help individuals with these mental disorders. Here we look at some of the most common antidepressants and their side effects.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Today SSRIs are the most common kind of antidepressant prescribed by doctors. These medications work similarly to cannabinoids. This means that they block the absorption of serotonin and cause high concentrations of this substance in the blood system.

The main reason beyond the popularity of these antidepressants is that they are assumed to have fewer side effects than other types. The best-known SSRIs include:

• Sertraline

• Citalopram

• Fluoxetine

• Escitalopram

• Paroxetine

• Vilazodone

Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

These antidepressants have similar effects to SSRIs and entail the same potential side effects and risks. However, reports show that some people tolerate SNRIs better than others. Some of the better-known SNRIs are:

• Desvenlafaxine

• Levomilnacipran

• Venlafaxine

• Duloxetine

Tricyclic 

Tricyclic antidepressants work by increasing serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain. They enhance mood and happiness. These drugs are very effective. However, they have an increased risk compared to other antidepressants. Due to this reason, Tricyclics are only prescribed when other options are off the table. Common Tricyclics include:

• amitriptyline

• amoxapine

• clomipramine 

• desipramine

• doxepin 

• and nortriptyline.

Can You Take CBD Oil with Antidepressants?

Overall, CBD is a well-tolerated substance, and users report minimal side effects and risks. However, this is no longer the case when it comes to taking CBD products alongside other pharmaceutical drugs.

CBD can cause negative interactions when used with other medications. These drug interactions can happen in different ways, including agonistic, antagonistic, and metabolic. 

In the first one, the drug and CBD exert the same type of effects, resulting in excessive effects. In the second one, the impacts are opposite, meaning the two substances neutralize one another. And finally, the most common interaction happens in the liver during the metabolic stage.

So what about CBD and antidepressants? What kind of interaction do they have? Let's find out.

Doubling Up the Side Effects

After CBD and antidepressants enter your blood system, they have to be broken down in the liver. Inside the liver, there are a number of enzymes that facilitate these reactions. When you use multiple drugs, these enzymes can't break them down simultaneously, causing metabolic competition.

Metabolic competition leads to a high concentration of chemical compounds in blood, resulting in doubled side effects. Moreover, this can lead to a build-up of compounds which can be extremely dangerous.

Although the mechanisms of CBD are different from most antidepressants, when it comes to the liver, there can be metabolic competition. CBD uses a set of enzymes known as CYP2D6, which are also responsible for the process of metabolizing antidepressants like benzodiazepines.

So if you want to use CBD with antidepressants to improve your depression, it's best to talk to a doctor first. Your doctor can help you devise a plan to use both compounds without any potential risks. 

Altering the Effects

Antidepressants and CBD are both formulated to help improve depression symptoms. However, when you take both together, you may not see the optimal results you wished for.

Due to the problematic metabolization in the liver, consuming CBD with antidepressants will not result in the effects you want, and it may even harm your body, including liver toxicity. A recent study found that even small doses of CBD can increase the level of antidepressants in the blood. The side effects include:

• Increased Anxiety 

• Feeling Sick

• Indigestion Problems

• Diarrhea or Constipation

• Unbalanced Appetite

• Dizziness

• Insomnia or Drowsiness 

• and Headaches.

CBD Products and Antidepressants

Today there are multiple ways to use CBD oil. While many people enjoy vaping CBD juice, it's important to know that it is rather a fast way to get CBD into your blood system. Inhaled CBD reaches the blood in under 30 minutes, increasing the risk of negative interaction.

On the other hand, edibles like capsules and gummies need to pass through the digestive system, meaning it will take more time to affect. However, in this form, the effects exerted by CBD last much longer, which is not optimal if you also use an antidepressant. 

The best option to avoid any negative interactions is topicals. These CBD products are formulated to be used on the skin, so they're not absorbed into the blood vessels. 

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A Few Last Words 

The benefits of CBD oil are beyond argument. Whether you have chronic pain, insomnia, low energy level, or struggle with depression, CBD can offer natural help.

CBD has fewer side effects compared to conventional antidepressants, and over time, it can improve many symptoms associated with depression disorders and anxiety. 

Currently, there is no clinical evidence to confirm CBD as the best option for depression. However, it'll not be surprising to hear about them in the near future. 

That being said, if you have decided to try CBD supplements as alternatives to your antidepressant medications, it's best to consult a doctor first. Consuming CBD and antidepressants appear to have negative interactions, which lead to further side effects.

CBD and Antidepressants: Can You Take Them Together FAQ 

What prescription drugs should not be taken with CBD oil?

Different types of prescription drugs can cause possible interactions with CBD. Blood thinners, a type of heart medication used for preventing stroke and heart attack, can lead to serious problems when used with CBD oil.

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications also cause metabolic competition and lead to a high concentration of substances in the blood system. 

You should not use other pharmaceutical drugs with CBD oil without guidance. Talk to a doctor before adding CBD products to your daily routine if you use any other medications.

Should I take antidepressants or CBD?

Using CBD and antidepressants in the long term can produce similar effects. However, due to the different side effects of antidepressants, many people prefer a natural alternative such as CBD.

However, CBD may not be effective for all mental disorders. If you are looking for the best results, it's best to ask your doctor for recommendations. 

Can you take CBD oil and citalopram?

Citalopram is a type of antidepressant known as SSRI. These medications cause negative interactions with CBD and double up the side effects associated with this drug. Consuming CBD while taking citalopram can increase the heartbeat and make you feel dizzy and sleepy. 

Does CBD oil interact with prescription meds?

Yes, CBD oil causes negative interactions with many prescribed medications, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs. It can also have potential interactions with thyroid medication, the diabetes drug metformin, seizure medications, and herbal supplements. These interactions can happen in different ways. 

Some meds have opposite effects to CBD, meaning you won't see any results. Others with the same effects as CBD will give you a potent set of effects that are not always desired. And lastly, CBD can cause interactions in the liver and block the enzymes responsible for metabolizing other medications. This can lead to further side effects. Hence, always consult a doctor before using CBD with other medications.