Is It Safe to Take CBD With Other Medications?

In the past few years, the medical usage of cannabis products has become widely popular. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is the star of this newly raised market used for its various benefits. 

Whether you struggle with depression, anxiety disorders, arthritis pain, or you have a hard time sleeping at night, CBD can find a way to make you feel better and live healthier.

That said, CBD is usually used as a supplement alongside other medical drugs, which leaves us with important questions. 

Is it safe to take CBD with other medications? 

Does CBD interact with medications? 

And if so, what drugs should not be taken with CBD?

In this article, we'll try to answer all your concerns regarding the safety of popular CBD products like Fusion Premium CBD Isolate Oil and their possible interactions with other medications.

But First, What Is CBD? 

Scientists have found over 200 substances in the hemp plant. Along with THC, the chemical compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, CBD is a prominent ingredient present in medical cannabis.

Unlike THC, CBD is non-addictive and non-psychoactive, making it a great alternative for different medical conditions. With the legalization of CBD products in the United States, this market has been growing rapidly, expecting to make over 20 billion dollars in 2024.

But that's not all. Companies are now becoming more and more creative, making new and innovative products for all tastes and needs. So if you're not a big fan of CBD oil, there's no need to worry. Today you can enjoy hundreds of various products made to satisfy your needs.

Check out our blog to learn more about CBD and the Benefits of Taking CBD Multivitamins.

Does CBD Interact with Medications?

In the last decade, there've been multiple studies regarding the safety of CBD products. The results show that CBD has minimal side effects and risks for healthy individuals who use CBD on a daily basis.

However, when it comes to using it with other drugs, that might not be the case anymore. Clinical trials show that consuming CBD alongside prescription medications (and over-the-counter medications) can cause negative drug interactions in some people. But the question is how?

Keep reading to learn more about the different ways CBD oil can interact with pharmaceutical drugs.

Agonistic interaction 

Simply put, agonistic interaction happens when two substances affect the same receptors in our body, allowing the same set of effects. While this may seem beneficial at first glance, it can be quite dangerous. 

When two substances force the same effects, the impacts can be too strong, leading to unwanted problems. For example, CBD has been shown to affect the vascular system and lower blood pressure. 

When using blood pressure medications and CBD together, the two can drop the blood pressure too much, causing different side effects such as feeling light-headed, dizzy, and even fainting. 

Antagonistic Interaction

As the name suggests, antagonistic interaction is the opposite of agonistic interaction. This happens when we use two chemical substances which have contradictory effects.

This means that if, for example, a compound allows a certain hormone to produce more, the other reduces the hormone reduction. The main side effect of this interaction is the absence of any results. When the two substances cancel out each other, you can feel your symptoms coming back.

A good example of this situation would be between stimulant drugs and CBD. As you may already know, CBD decreases neurological activities, which is in opposition to what stimulants do by increasing neurological activity.  

Metabolic Competition

Chemical compounds - CBD or other medications - are absorbed into the blood vessels, exerting their effects on their way to the liver. Later these substances must be broken down by a set of liver enzymes called CYP450. 

Eventually, the liver breaks them down into smaller forms using the enzymes we talked about. However, sometimes two or more substances need the same group of enzymes to be metabolized. This will result in competition which will slow down the rate of metabolism.

When this happens, the effects of these medications last longer, which can even cause a build-up of compounds in our bodies. This has been seen while using CBD alongside antidepressants or heart medications.

What Drugs Should not be Taken with CBD?

According to a recent study, over 60 percent of prescribed medications use the same liver enzymes as CBD, leading to metabolic competition and following side effects. 

So when it comes to CBD interactions with prescription drugs, it's vital to have a comprehensive guide on drugs that can lead to these problems. The following is a list of medication classes that can lead to potential CBD drug interactions.

SSRIs

One of the best-known benefits of CBD is its effects on mood and depression. Studies show that long-term usage of CBD products such as Fusion CBD Sports Drinks can enhance hormonal and neurochemical balance in our brain, contributing to different symptoms of depression.

Most antidepressant medications work in separate mechanisms from CBD and are unlikely to interact with cannabinoids. However, when they reach the liver, problems with metabolic enzymes begin.

Cannabinoids can block the CYP2D6 enzyme, resulting in high levels of these antidepressants in the blood system. This metabolic interaction then leads to increased side effects of these drugs.

Note that this usually happens with a family of antidepressants known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs. The best-known SSRIs with potential drug interaction with CBD are:

• Citalopram (Citalec)

• Dapoxetine (Priligy)

• Escitalopram (Cipralex)

• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Deprex)

• Fluvoxamine (Faverin)

Anti-anxiety Drugs

A highly important benefit of CBD is its ability to regulate the endocannabinoid system and reduce anxiety and stress. However, CBD is not the only substance used for anxiety disorders. Medications like Xanax, Elenium, Rivotril, and Tranxene are often used to reduce the hyperactivity of the neurological system.

That being said, CBD and Benzodiazepines (the most common anti-anxiety drugs) work through quite similar mechanisms in our bodies. This will eventually result in agonistic interaction, leading to stronger effects.

Users who use Benzodiazepines and CBD report feeling more drowsy and sedated than usual. The two substances are often used together to reduce the dosage of Benzodiazepines and prevent addiction and other side effects. 

Blood Thinners 

Blood thinners are among the commonly used heart medications prescribed to prevent stroke and heart attack. Cannabinoids do not exert a similar effect to these drugs. However, in the metabolic stage, CBD can cause negative interactions with certain heart medications such as Warfarin.

Using seven different types of liver enzymes, Warfarin is a highly difficult drug to metabolize. Studies show that CBD also needs the same set of enzymes to be metabolized, which results in slower metabolism of Warfarin.

Eventually, the metabolic competition will lead to high concentrations of this drug in the blood system, leading to life-threatening side effects. If you're using any type of blood thinners, it's best to avoid CBD products altogether. 

Opioid Painkillers

Opioid painkillers are quite popular for treating chronic and inflammatory pains. These medications activate the opioid pain receptors located in our central nervous system. 

When these receptors are activated, they block the gateway of pain signals, reducing those which arrive in the brain. While opioid painkillers are quite effective, they also activate the dopamine reward system, which causes addiction. 

CBD is often recommended as a natural alternative to prevent addiction and other side effects. However, using both together can cause metabolic competition and increase the side effects of opioid painkillers.

Immunomodulators

Immunomodulators are a type of drug used to either increase the immune system activity or decrease it. These medications are used for different medical conditions, including inflammation, allergic reactions, autoimmune disorders, and infections.

CBD doesn't usually interact with immune system drugs. However, consuming CBD, along with certain types of antihistamines and immunosuppressants, can increase the effects of these drugs.

Antihistamines are known to have strong sedative side effects. CBD is also used as a relaxant and can cause drowsiness. When used together, one can amplify the other and leave you feeling tired and sleepy for the rest of the day.

Alcohol 

CBD and alcohol are both sedatives, so when used together, there's agonistic interaction between them. The usual side effects are feeling drowsy and loss of concentration.

That being said, no dangerous or severe interaction is reported for drinking alcohol while consuming CBD. Nevertheless, if you need your energy and focus, it's best to avoid mixing the two in your blood system.

High Risks Group for CBD Interactions

CBD interactions with medications can be highly dangerous. The side effects can vary from simple dizziness to life-threatening heart issues. However, not everyone is affected by these interactions in the same manner.

Older people are among the high-risk groups for potential CBD interactions. As we age, our liver and kidney decline, and can't break down different substances as they used to. This can lead to a high concentration of different drugs in blood vessels, which cause multiple problems.

Additionally, people who use multiple medications are also in danger of CBD interaction. Different drugs can interact with each other and change the way they exert their effects. Moreover, side effects can also overlap, resulting in serious complications. 

Talk to a Doctor 

If Fusion CBD Gummies / Vitamins have intrigued you, but you're not sure if they're compatible with your medication, talk to your doctor first.

If you have a serious medical condition or consume different drugs, it's highly recommended to consult a medical expert before taking CBD supplements like our Vegan Isolate CBD Gummies. Never stop your prescribed medications to use CBD products unless your doctor has allowed you to.

Sometimes a medication can cause interactions with cannabidiol, but your doctor may help you find a dosage to help you take advantage of both without any possible risks. 

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Bottom Line 

In this post, we tried to provide a comprehensive answer to the following question, is it safe to take CBD with other medications?

No doubt, using CBD oil can bring you many benefits. Whether you have a medical condition or need an energy boost in your daily life, CBD can help you reach your goals.

However, CBD may cause serious life-threatening interactions when used with other medications. So if it's your first time trying CBD, and you're already on pharmaceutical drugs, make sure to consult a doctor first. Your doctor can help you find a product and dosage that best suits your needs. 

When starting CBD, it's recommended to start with small doses, see how you feel, and then increase or decrease accordingly. Remember, each person is different, and what works for one can harm the other.

Is It Safe to Take CBD with Other Medications - FAQ

What medications should not be taken with CBD?

Different medications can cause negative interactions with CBD oil. Some can increase the effects, while others reduce them. However, the most important interaction happens in the liver, which can cause dangerous side effects.

Generally speaking, if you use any medications with a grapefruit warning, avoid CBD. This warning means that one should not eat grapefruits while consuming this drug. The reason is that grapefruits interact with liver enzymes and slow down the metabolism of the medication.

CBD products also work in the same fashion as grapefruits, meaning it's best not to use CBD while consuming a drug with a grapefruits warning. 

Does CBD interact with any drugs?

Yes, CBD can interact with different types of drugs, including blood thinners, anti-anxiety medication, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and more.

If you're using any prescribed medication, it's vital to consult your doctor before adding CBD to your daily routine.  

Can CBD interfere with blood pressure medication?

CBD can interact with medications used for lowering blood pressure. This interaction, known as agonistic, doubles the effects of the drug and can lead to low blood pressure, which is felt as dizziness and fainting.

Does CBD have side effects with other medications?

CBD, by itself, is a highly safe substance, beneficial for many medical problems. However, when used alongside other pharmaceutical drugs, it can cause multiple side effects.

Medications need certain liver enzymes to break down. When CBD is also in our blood system, it can take up these enzymes and cause a concentration of medications in our blood.

High concentrations of medications can increase the side effects and result in dangerous conditions.