CBD and Antidepressants – Can you take them together?

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Estimated reading time: 13 minutes

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Introduction

Sad to say, most of us have felt some form of sadness at some point in our lives. Some of the most well-known signs of this mental disease are loss of satisfaction, mood swings, a constant feeling of sadness or emptiness, an increase or decrease in appetite, and trouble sleeping.

Depression can be caused by many things, and it often looks different in different people. Most of the time, doctors will suggest medication, psychotherapy, or a mix of the two to help with this mental disorder.

One of the most popular prescription drugs for depression and anxiety is an antidepressant. But because it has so many side effects, most people would rather use natural options instead to avoid the risk.

But can you take CBD oil with antidepressants?

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

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CBD – What is it and how does it work?

This is a natural substance that is taken from hemp plants and used for medical reasons. It doesn't get you high like THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the main ingredient in cannabis that makes you feel high.

CBD links to the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in our bodies. These receptors are all over our bodies. They send messages to the brain and keep our blood from clotting. Cannabidiol can help your blood clot and make you healthier generally.

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Is CBD effective for depression?

Like a lot of other mental illnesses, there is no one way to treat sadness. As we've already talked about, sadness can happen for many different reasons and affect many different parts of our lives.

Some of the most common things that cause sadness are traumatic events, anxiety, not getting enough sleep, losing someone close, and ending a relationship. And to help people with this problem, you should first try to figure out why they are depressed.

But some scientific research has shown that CBD can help with some of the signs of depression. Here are some of the good things about using CBD medicines with a prescription:

Reduce Anxiety and Depression with CBD

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. 

CBD Improves your mood 

A sign of sadness is having a constant bad mood. “I'm not in the mood” is a phrase that people who are depressed often say. Science has shown that CBD is an effective way to solve this problem.

As we've already said, CBD binds to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which directly affects our ability to stop bleeding. Homeostasis is a state of balance where all other processes are working at their best.

Anandamide is one of the most important endocannabinoids in our bodies. It helps control pain and happiness. Lack of this substance can lead to depression and stress.

Using CBD as a tranquillizer can help by slowing down the breakdown of this endocannabinoid and making more of it. Because of this, people feel better and handle stress better.

Better Sleep

Everyone knows that sleep is important for health and happiness. We don't need studies to tell us that not getting enough sleep makes us tired, cranky, anxious, and eat too much or too little.

sadness can cause insomnia and insomnia can be a sign of sadness. Getting better sleep can have a big effect on your mental health. CBD products help you sleep better at night by lowering stress, relieving pain, and balancing your mood.

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What is an anti-depressant?

Antidepressants are a type of prescription drug that is often given to people with depression and anxiety conditions. These over-the-counter medicines have gotten a lot of attention around the world for how well they work.

Antidepressants work by controlling the chemicals in the brain, which brings the mind back to a state of balance. Most of the time, these hormones are already present in our bodies and play a key role in keeping this balance. But because of different things, they may not work as well as they should, which can lead to things like sadness. Antidepressants help restore the balance between these chemicals, which makes the signs of depression go away.

Antidepressants come in many different types to help people with these mental illnesses. In the parts that follow, we'll talk about some of the most commonly used antidepressants and their possible side effects.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIS)

SSRIs are the most common type of drug that doctors give to people today. These drugs work in the same way that cannabis do. This means that they stop serotonin from getting into the body, which makes the blood have a lot of this chemical.

The main reason why these antidepressants are so popular is that people think they have less side effects than other types. The most well-known SSRIs are:

• Sertraline
• Citalopram
• Fluoxetine
• Escitalopram
• Paroxetine
• Vilazodone

Serotonin-Norephedrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIS)

These antidepressants have similar effects to SSRIs (see above) and have 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

Tricylic

Tricyclic antidepressants work by making the brain make more serotonin and norepinephrine. They make you feel good and make you happy. These medicines work very well. But compared to other drugs, they carry a greater risk. Because of this, tricyclics are only given when all other choices have been tried and failed.

Common Tricyclics include:

• Amitriptyline
• Amoxapine
• Clomipramine 
• Desipramine
• Doxepin 
• Nortriptyline.

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Can you take CBD oil with Antidepressants?

CBD is generally well accepted, and people who use it say it has few side effects and risks. But this is no longer true when it comes to taking CBD products along with other medicines.

When taken with other medicines, CBD can make them less effective. There are different ways that these drug interactions can happen, such as agonistic, hostile, and metabolic.

In the first one, the drug and CBD have the same effects, which makes them too strong. In the second one, the effects are the opposite, which means that the two things cancel each other out. And finally, during the metabolic stage, the liver is where most interactions happen.

So, what about CBD and medications for depression? How do they talk with each other? Let's find out.

How long after CBD can you take Ibuprofen?

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Doubling up the Side Effects

Once CBD and drugs get into your bloodstream, your liver has to break them down. There are a number of enzymes in the liver that help these things happen. When you take more than one medicine at a time, these enzymes can't break them down at the same time. This is called metabolic competition.

Metabolic competition increases the amount of chemical molecules in the blood, which makes side effects happen twice as often. Also, this can cause chemicals to build up, which can be very dangerous.

Even though CBD works in a different way than most medications, there can be metabolic competition when it comes to the liver. CBD is broken down by a group of enzymes called CYP2D6, which are also used to break down drugs like benzodiazepines.

So, if you want to treat your melancholy with CBD and antidepressants, you should talk to a doctor first. Your doctor can help you figure out a way to use both substances without putting you in danger.

More from our blog:

• How Can CBD Improve Your Life?
• CBD while pregnant? Part 2
• CBD while Pregnant? Part 1
• CBD as Help for Mood Disorders
• CBD/CBG for stress, anxiety and depression

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Altering the Effects

CBD and antidepressants are both made to help people with sadness feel better. But if you take both at the same time, you might not get the best results you were hoping for.

Because of how hard it is for the liver to break down CBD, taking it with antidepressants won't have the benefits you want, and it could hurt your body, including making your liver toxic. A new study found that even small amounts of CBD can make the blood contain more antidepressants.

The side effects include:

• Increased Anxiety 
• Feeling Sick
• Indigestion Problems
• Diarrhea or Constipation
• Unbalanced Appetite
• Dizziness
• Insomnia or Drowsiness 
• Headaches.

Read more about CBD and side effects here

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CBD Products and Antidepressants

There are many ways to use CBD oil today. Many people like to vape CBD juice, but it's important to know that this is a pretty quick way to get CBD into your bloodstream. When CBD is inhaled, it gets into the blood in less than 30 minutes, which makes the chance of a bad reaction more likely.

On the other hand, products like capsules and gummies need to go through the digestive system, so it will take longer to take effect. But in this form, CBD's benefits last much longer, which isn't ideal if you're also taking an antidepressant.

Topicals are the best way to avoid any bad reactions. Because these CBD products are made to be used on the skin, they don't get into the bloodstream.

A FEW LAST WORDS 

There is no question about the benefits of CBD oil. CBD is a natural treatment for a number of problems, such as chronic pain, trouble sleeping, low energy, and sadness that is hard to get rid of.

CBD has a lower chance of side effects than traditional antidepressants, and with continued use, it could help relieve a wide range of symptoms related to mood disorders and anxiety.

At the moment, there is no solid evidence to show that CBD is the best way to treat depression. On the other hand, it won't be shocking to find out about them in the near future.

Given all of this, it is highly suggested that you talk to a doctor before deciding to switch from your current antidepressant medication to CBD capsules. It looks like taking CBD and antidepressants at the same time can lead to bad reactions, which can then cause more side effects.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Using CBD Oil and Antidepressants Together:

Can I use CBD oil while taking antidepressants?

It is generally safe to use CBD oil while taking antidepressants, but it is crucial to consult with your doctor before combining the two. CBD can interact with certain medications, including antidepressants, potentially leading to adverse effects. Your doctor can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.

Will CBD oil enhance the effects of my antidepressant medication?

CBD oil may interact with antidepressants and affect their potency. It is important to note that CBD's interaction with medications can vary between individuals. While some people may experience enhanced effects, others may not notice any significant changes. It is best to consult with your doctor to understand how CBD oil might interact with your specific antidepressant medication.

What are the potential side effects of combining CBD oil and antidepressants?

The combination of CBD oil and antidepressants can potentially lead to side effects, although they are generally mild. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, gastrointestinal discomfort, changes in appetite, and altered levels of alertness. However, it's important to remember that everyone reacts differently, so it's best to monitor your body's response and consult with your doctor if any concerns arise.

Can CBD oil replace my antidepressant medication?

CBD oil should not be considered a substitute for prescribed antidepressant medication without proper medical guidance. While some individuals may find CBD oil helpful for managing certain symptoms, it is not a proven replacement for antidepressants. If you are considering altering your medication regimen, it is crucial to consult with your doctor to ensure a safe and effective approach.

How should I start using CBD oil alongside my antidepressants?

When incorporating CBD oil into your antidepressant regimen, it is important to start with low doses and gradually increase them over time. Begin by discussing your interest in using CBD oil with your doctor, who can provide dosage recommendations based on your specific needs. Starting low and gradually increasing allows you to monitor how your body reacts and determine the optimal dosage that works for you. Regular communication with your doctor is essential throughout the process.

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The Real CBD for Depression

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