CBD is leading the wellness industry, proving an effective natural remedy for everything from daily stress to post-workout muscle tension. But if you take prescription drugs or over-the-counter medications, first consider how the two might interact.
In short, yes- CBD can interact with other medications. That said, there’s no blanket answer to whether you should or shouldn’t mix them: some instances warrant caution, while others are simply FYIs. So it’s worth exploring how CBD engages with the specific medication you’re taking. Let’s break down how CBD interacts with other drugs, which categories pose the biggest risks, and how to incorporate CBD responsibly into your routine.
IMPORTANT: This article is for educational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional pharmacist before combining CBD with existing medications.
How CBD interacts with other drugs
When you consume CBD, it temporarily blocks a specific family of liver enzymes called cytochrome P450 (or CYP450), which help your body break down the contents of 60% of other prescription medications on the market. CBD itself is processed by a subset of this enzyme family – CYP3A4 and CYP2C19 – which can also inhibit enzyme activity, meaning other medications consumed simultaneously have to compete. The result is a slower metabolization that can cause the drug to pile up in higher-than-intended levels in your bloodstream. This increases the risk of side effects and can potentially reduce the medication’s effectiveness.
Look for the “grapefruit warning”
Grapefruit and other citrus juices also inhibit the same CYP3A4 enzymes as cannabidiol. So if you’ve ever seen the “grapefruit warning” on a medication’s label, it means consuming grapefruit with that medication can have the same effect described above. To that end, an easy way to flag whether CBD can interfere with a specific medication is to look for a grapefruit warning.
Prescription drug categories most affected by CBD consumption
These are the categories to pay extra attention to when it comes to how CBD interacts with other drugs:
- Blood thinners: One of the most-documented research categories of negative CBD drug interactions tells us that altered blood levels lay the groundwork for increased risk of bleeding and reduced protective effects of anticoagulants, such as warfarin or apixaban. If you’re interested in combining CBD with a blood-thinning medication, clear it with your doctor first.
- Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications: SSRIs, SNRIs, and benzodiazepines are metabolized by one of the primary enzymes CBD affects – CYP450 – making this drug category another notable flag.
- Anti-seizure and anticonvulsant medications: Another well-researched category shows that CBD itself is an active ingredient in one FDA-approved seizure medication. As such, combining the two can alter enzyme levels, potentially necessitating medical intervention.
- Opioids and sleep medications: Mixing CBD with these drugs can amplify their sedative effects and increase drowsiness.
How to use CBD safely with other medications:
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- Check your labels for the grapefruit warning.
- Talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist first. Especially if you’re taking meds that fall into any of the categories above, this is non-negotiable. Make sure you disclose the full list of all the medications and supplements you’re taking.
- Start low and go slow. Even if your doctor clears you to throw CBD into your routine, don’t start off full throttle. At Cloud City Supply, our motto is start low and go slow when introducing new products, no matter how experienced a cannabis user you are.
- Observe and record. Keep a journal of any changes you notice once you add CBD into your regimen.
- Only purchase CBD products from reputable sources that can provide you with their Certificate of Analysis (COA).
Cloud City Supply has been ranked the top CBD store in Silicon Valley for four consecutive years by Mercury News readers. Not only do they stand at the forefront of innovative cannabis as an alternative health aid for various ailments, but they also demonstrate an unmatched commitment to downtown Campbell and its surrounding community. They’re known for emphasizing CBD education in every customer interaction, whether in-store or online.
Not sure where to start? Stop by the downtown Campbell store for a weekend stroll, a free sample of CBD-infused coffee, and some expert guidance on how CBD can level up your wellness game.
