What drugs should not be taken with CBD and CBD oil? It’s one of life’s greatest mysteries. Will one ingredient work with another? There are some tried and tested combinations that work like a dream: think cheese and tomato, cinnamon and sugar, and well, MightyMe and tea. But there are some that are a little more complex.
When it comes to the CBD oil interactions list, it really is labyrinth. CBD and CBD oil work great to produce harmony in the endocannabinoid system, but if you already taking other medications then it’s worth reading up on the CBD interactions or checking with your doctor first. It’s incredibly important to check what medications should not be taken with CBD because some don’t tend to work quite so seamlessly. Whether its CBD oil and blood thinners, CBD and levothyroxine or even something as minor and everyday as CBD and ibuprofen, have a read below to discover what drugs should not be taken with CBD.
How Does CBD Interact with Other Drugs?
Everything in the body interacts with each other. Think about when you have a coffee and when you’re hungry. You can get even more jittery, but it does still fill your stomach a little. Well, with CBD interactions it’s the same. The fact is, CBD and CBD oil, can sometimes work against, rather than in cooperation with the enzymes. What ensues? Well those enzymes can lose their potency or even stop working altogether.
Sure, the body is a bizarre and you never know how CBD interactions will occur in your own, but if you have a read of our CBD oil drug interaction checker it will certainly help. And of course, its always helpful to check with your doctor too.
What drugs should not be taken with CBD?
People take CBD for many reasons, and it is particularly convenient to take with coffee and tea everyday. However, even the most knowledgeable must be cautious. CBD interactions can be a little confusing, especially as CBD only really affects the endocannabinoid system. But our brains and our bodies are confusing things. So, let’s dive into it – what prescription drugs should not be taken with CBD oil and water soluble CBD?
CBD and Ibuprofen
When it comes to the combination of CBD and ibuprofen, caution is warranted. Both compounds affect the way the liver enzymes metabolize drugs. CBD can inhibit the activity of cytochrome P450, a family of liver enzymes; this is critical because ibuprofen gets metabolized by these enzymes. This interaction can lead to higher levels of ibuprofen in the blood and increase the risk of side effects.
CBD and Adderall
Adderall is used primarily to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Mixing CBD with Adderall needs careful consideration. CBD has calming properties, whereas Adderall is a stimulant. The opposing effects might counteract each other, making both less effective. Additionally, since CBD affects liver enzymes, it might change how Adderall is metabolised.
CBD and Antibiotics
Antibiotics are crucial medications used in fighting bacterial infections. CBD has the potential to interact with these drugs, mainly because many antibiotics, like erythromycin, also interact with the cytochrome P450 enzymes. This interaction can alter how antibiotics are metabolised and may affect their efficacy.
CBD and Levothyroxine
Patients taking thyroid medications such as Levothyroxine must be cautious when using CBD. CBD can affect the absorption of the medication. This interaction might necessitate adjustments in the dose of the thyroid medication to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
CBD and Statins
Statins are commonly prescribed to help lower cholesterol levels. Since both CBD and statins are metabolized by liver enzymes, using them in conjunction can affect how these medications are processed.
CBD and Metformin
Metformin is a medication used primarily to treat type 2 diabetes. While specific studies on interactions between CBD and Metformin are limited, CBD has been known to interact with other medications that affect blood sugar levels.
CBD and Sedatives
Combining CBD with sedatives should be approached with caution. CBD has calming properties, and when taken in conjunction with sedatives, it can enhance the drowsiness and sedative effects. This combination can be dangerous, especially when operating machinery or driving.
CBD and Valproic Acid
CBD oil side effects on liver is worth being aware of. When CBD is combined with Valproic Acid, a medication used to treat seizures and bipolar disorder, there is a risk of liver damage. Both substances can cause changes in liver function, and when taken together, they can compound these effects, potentially leading to harmful liver toxicity.
CBD oil and Warfarin
Warfarin is an anticoagulant, often referred to as a blood thinner. Combining CBD with Warfarin can be particularly risky because CBD can enhance the anticoagulant effects of Warfarin, which may lead to excessive bleeding.
CBD oil and Fluoxetine
Can you take CBD with antidepressants? Fluoxetine is an antidepressant medication belonging to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). CBD has been shown to affect serotonin levels, which is the primary target of SSRIs like fluoxetine. Combining CBD and fluoxetine can affect how the medication works and potentially lead to serotonin syndrome, a condition characterized by high levels of serotonin that can be dangerous.
CBD and Antidepressants
Broadly, when considering CBD in combination with antidepressants, one must tread carefully. As with fluoxetine, many antidepressants target the serotonin system. CBD’s potential effect on serotonin can interact with the mechanisms of various antidepressants, including SSRIs and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). This interaction can affect the efficacy of these medications and can sometimes lead to serious side effects.
CBD and Ramipril
Ramipril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used for treating high blood pressure and heart failure. While there are limited studies on the direct interaction between CBD and ramipril, it is known that CBD can potentially lower blood pressure. Combining CBD with ramipril could potentially cause blood pressure to drop too low.
CBD and Rivaroxaban
Rivaroxaban is another anticoagulant medication used to prevent blood clots. Similar to the interaction between CBD and Warfarin, CBD can potentially increase the levels of rivaroxaban in the blood by affecting the cytochrome P450 enzymes responsible for its metabolism. This can increase the risk of bleeding.
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and there might be other drug interactions with CBD that are not covered here. Always consult a healthcare professional for guidance on using CBD with other medications, especially prescription medications.
CBD and Grapefruit
If you’re taking medications that are advised not to be taken with grapefruit, it’s the same for CBD. Both grapefruit and CBD can inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes, which are crucial for drug metabolism. For example, this is especially relevant for medications like some statins and blood pressure medicines like Losartan. Being aware of grapefruit warnings on medication labels can be a helpful indicator of potential interactions with CBD.
3 Helpful Tips For a Safe and Effective CBD Journey
- Always check with your doctor: Doctors know everything, it seems. That’s why they went to school for so long! So if you want to know what medications should not be taken with CBD, it’s always best to be sure to check.
- Give it a try: Dabble with smaller quantities after you’ve checked with your doctor and exercise caution. It’s never good to jump in the deep end without wearing armbands!
- Read the label: As you read the label to check what’s in your food and nutrition, read it to be sure about CBD interactions with medications and just the effects of your medications too!
Conclusion
Of course, the first step in this process is reading our list of what drugs should not be taken with CBD or CBD oil. So you’re off to a great start. Whether its CBD and statins, CBD and blood thinners or CBD and antidepressants and more, consult this list (and your doctor) first.
