The benefits of hemp-based cannabidiol (CBD) oil are extensive, but it can have negative interactions with other medications. When taken as a supplement, cannabis CBD oil is usually well-tolerated and safe. However, there are some instances when this won’t be the case. Certain medications as well as other substances should not be combined with hemp CBD oil for safety reasons. The truth about which medications shouldn’t be taken with hemp cdb oil to avoid unanticipated health risks.
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What to know about CBD oil and medications
There are a few things that you’ll need to know before we get into which specific medications shouldn’t be taken with hemp CBD oil. First and foremost, you’ll need to know that CBD oil is not the same as cannabis. Both hemp and marijuana come from the cannabis plant, but they are different in their chemical composition.
CBD oil is usually made from industrial hemp and contains minimal or trace amounts of THC. THC is the psychoactive component of marijuana. Hemp CBD oil will not make you high, but marijuana CBD oil may. Another important thing to know is that CBD oil is not an approved medication in the United States and is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). So, you must do your due diligence when shopping for a CBD oil supplement.
Medications that should not be taken with CBD oil
There are a few medications that you should avoid taking with hemp CBD oil. We discuss these in detail below.
Blood thinners – These medications help prevent blood from clotting by thinning the blood. Some of the most commonly used blood thinners include warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel. When taken with CBD oil, these blood thinners may increase the likelihood of bleeding.
Antidepressants – Most antidepressants work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. However, this is not the case with CBD oil. When taken together, antidepressants and hemp CBD oil may affect serotonin levels in the brain, potentially leading to side effects like mood swings, insomnia, and more.
Sedatives – Drugs like benzodiazepines (e.g. Xanax and Valium), as well as other sleep aids, should not be taken with CBD oil. This is because hemp CBD oil may increase the effects of these sedatives, such as drowsiness and anxiety.
Marijuana or cannabis-based products
When hemp CBD Oil is made from industrial hemp, it is unlikely that it will interact with other medications. However, marijuana CBD oil made from marijuana which contains a high level of THC should not be mixed with other medications. Marijuana CBD oil is not regulated and is not FDA approved. It can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, sleepiness, and dizziness.
It can also interact with other medications, including blood thinners and antidepressants. This doesn’t mean that marijuana CBD oil is unsafe. It may have certain therapeutic properties that hemp CBD oil doesn’t have. However, it’s important to speak with your doctor before taking marijuana CBD oil, as your doctor may recommend a different dosage or CBD strain/concentration.
Other medications that shouldn’t be combined with hemp CBD oil
Not all medications should be avoided when taking hemp CBD oil, but there are a few that may require extra caution.
Hormonal birth control – It is important that women who are taking hormonal birth control speak with their doctors before taking hemp CBD oil. CBD oil may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control.
Anti-epileptic drugs – Some anti-epileptic drugs, such as phenobarbital and phenytoin, may cause an unexpected interaction with hemp CBD oil.
How you can enjoy the benefits of hemp CBD oil while avoiding risks
Now that you know which medications should not be taken with hemp CBD oil, you may be wondering what you can do to avoid an unanticipated drug interaction. The best thing you can do is speak with your doctor. Let them know that you are taking hemp CBD oil, and let them know which specific medications you are on.
Your doctor can then determine if there is a risk of interaction. If you’re looking for a CBD brand online, be sure to check out the product reviews. You can also use a CBD product review site, such as CBD Oil Review. This site is operated by a team of scientists and professionals that review products, conduct lab tests, and analyse data to help consumers make an informed decision when purchasing a CBD product.
