CBD is a molecule that keeps revealing secrets as more scientific research is done. However, some drug alterations are possible, but what if CBD is consumed with antidepressants? We will now look at CBD and the likely effect related to the consumption of antidepressants on the human body and mind
Is consuming CBD and antidepressants dangerous?
First of all, these drugs are not dangerous as a whole, but the question of a possible interaction between antidepressants and CBD can easily surface among consumers
It is also important to know that CBD has a high risk of interacting with antidepressants. Indeed, it acts on the same areas of the brain as this drug and this can alter the quality of the treatment
CBD does not cause psychotropic effects and has no or very few unpleasant side effects for consumers, such as dizziness or nausea. However, it does cause a metabolic shift in brain and liver chemistry. This can cause a significant decrease in the time it takes for the liver to process an antidepressant, which can cause an increase in blood flow
Is it possible to mix CBD and antidepressants?
This may seem like a surprising question, but it's one that many consumers ask. Although some people consume recreational cannabis, with a high THC content, the effects will be incidentally the same, without the psychotropic effects accentuated because of THC
It is also important to know that different types of antidepressants exist, such as first and second generation antidepressants. In these drugs, there are some drugs that can cause a serious interaction on the health of the person and others that have no specific interaction.
Some people report a double effect if you take CBD with antidepressants, which may seem coherent depending on the drug concerned, because the latter may have an action on such and such a neuron and CBD could act as a complement on other neurons. But it is necessary to talk about it with a health professional, such as your doctor, before embarking on this perilous experimentation, because the effects can sometimes become dramatic.
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Antidepressants with an increased risk with CBD
Antidepressants with increased risk with CBD use alongside are generally the tricyclics and MAOIs.
Tricyclics are the oldest antidepressants on the pharmaceutical market and are part of the first generation. Because of the early appearance on the market and the lack of knowledge about the side effects caused on consumers, side effects are much more numerous and interactions are possible. These drugs work by blocking the uptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin to increase their levels in the brain
MAOIs are a newer generation of antidepressants and yet have a serious interaction with CBD and with many foods. These drugs work by prolonging the presence of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine
CBD also has increased risks of interaction with drugs that are not just antidepressants. Indeed, specific anxiety-reducing drugs have interactions. For example, Xanax-type drugs, can show beneficial interactions in small amounts by improving the action on the brain and the connection between neurons, while if consumed in large amounts, it could cause worrisome side effects like the ones we will see
Dizziness;
Tachycardia
Paranoid seizures
Drowsiness;
Concentration problems
Slurred speech and confusion
These effects caused by the simultaneous consumption of these two molecules may not occur with each consumption. It is important to know that each person will react differently when taking these drugs and that the effects may be either weaker or more serious.
In order to avoid any drug interaction that could affect your health, talk to your doctor!
The question that we can now ask ourselves is that of a possible interaction between several drugs and CBD. That is why we will list the possible interactions between drugs and CBD
Possible drug interactions with CBD
In France and in the world, several million drugs are available over the counter or by prescription. Of course, we know the main drugs and the molecules that make them up
Thus, many interactions are possible with certain drugs and with CBD. First of all, let's remember that CBD is a molecule that has been known for several decades throughout the world and that its effects are becoming better and better known. It is also possible to affirm certain beneficial effects that it causes, such as the beneficial effects on epileptic seizures and on Parkinson's disease by bringing well-being towards tremors
This molecule is not psychotropic, unlike its companion, tetrahydrocannabinol, otherwise known as THC. In fact, it acts on the endocannabinoid system naturally present in our body and on the CB1 and CB2 receptors that compose it
It also causes few side effects on users, although some experience nausea or dizziness following normal consumption, but these effects are experienced by a small number of people. CBD also has an overdose threshold that it is possible to reach, but this is very rare, as this threshold is 1500 mg per day, in other words, the daily average that allows you to feel the full effects is 25 mg
If you are overdosed, involuntarily or voluntarily, you just need to rest and drink or eat something sweet
So, we know what CBD is and can now know what the possible interactions are
To do this, you need to know that according to a study from the Penn State of College of Medicine on Harvey published in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, CBD and THC have interaction risks towards 57 medications
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CBD and corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs that mimic the effects of cortisol or cortisone, which are often prescribed for autoimmune diseases. Among these drugs we can find Prednisone, Prednisolone and Betamethasone
These drugs cause severe side effects on the users and can sometimes represent increased risks on certain health concerns already present and an increased dependence when stopping the treatment
If one consumes CBD and corticosteroids at the same time, the risk of developing side effects is very high and it can quickly become dangerous. Indeed, during the passage in the liver, CBD and the molecules present in these drugs will then slow down the transformation of the molecules, which could cause an increase in the presence of cortisone in the blood, which could, obviously, worsen the known side effects.
CBD is antihistamines
These medications are common for people with many allergies, as they are used in the fight against felt allergies, such as pollen allergies, or dust mites. They are also prescribed to combat flu-like conditions
In these drugs, we find many molecules, but the one that interests us the most is still doxylamine, which is also present in the drug called"Humex". Indeed, when you consume CBD and this drug at the same time, it is possible to develop a range of side effects
Drowsiness;
Impaired concentration;
Confusion
Cognitive disorders;
Motor disorders
Respiratory disorders
The cause of these side effects is mainly related to CBD. Yes, this "miracle" molecule is responsible for many side effects with this drug
The latter is responsible for the disruption of the enzymes responsible for the degradation of doxylamine in the liver, which leads to poor absorption and the appearance of the effects mentioned above
This drug is also in the sights of the health services, because it contains another molecule that is responsible for several negative and psychotropic effects when consumed in large quantities or in a derivative manner
CBD and anticoagulants
Anticoagulants are specific medications for certain health problems. They allow to fluidify the blood in order to reduce the formation of blood clots, which can occur on cardiovascular problems
Its use is very controlled in the medical field, because one of the most serious side effects is the risk of hemorrhage if the blood is too diluted and an injury occurs on the body
Among these drugs, we can find Warfarin on which CBD proposes a booster effect. Indeed, the latter will tend to boost the fluidifying effects of this medication, which can represent a risk over time. The risk is mainly that of bleeding in case of injury
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CBD and opiates
Opiates are increasingly popular drugs, especially in the United States, which is currently experiencing an opioid crisis
This group of drugs certainly represents the most medications we all know, like efferalgan, doliprane or dafalgan, which are often used to treat fever and mild to moderate pain
However, these drugs represent a separate group in the interactions with CBD, since a study it is clear that CBD would also improve their effects
Indeed, there are no definite contraindications on these drugs and the relaxing and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD cut across the effects of opioids. Be careful not to overdose on CBD, however, so as not to have hypotensive effects that can make you feel tired throughout the day
CBD and beta blockers
Beta-blocker drugs are some of the heaviest drugs available on the market. This is because they are prescribed for people who suffer from high blood pressure or cardiovascular disorders
The treatment is quite heavy in its entirety and causes several side effects on its own
Dizziness;
Fatigue;
Coldness of the extremities;
Decreased heart rate
Digestive disorders, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
Decreased physical exertion
This drug is obviously not available over the counter, since it causes heavy effects and is strictly dedicated to a single category of patients
The consumption of CBD coupled with the consumption of this treatment is very dangerous for the health of consumers. Indeed, CBD itself has a hypotensive effect, which, coupled with the consumption of beta blockers can be dramatic
Avoid consuming this medicine with CBD or talk to your doctor to avoid possible complications.
All these treatments are to be taken with caution and the consumption of CBD must not be medicated. This molecule should be considered as a food supplement coupled with a healthy and balanced diet and physical activity and sports.
What is an antidepressant?
An antidepressant is an often heavy medication given to patients with various anxiety and depression disorders. This medication is one of the most prescribed drugs worldwide today, to treat these mental disorders
To know the effects of an antidepressant on the human body, one must know its role performed on it. An antidepressant is a medication designed to regulate the neurotransmitters in the brain in order to restore mental balance. In our body, many chemical substances are present and allow to regulate this balance, but sometimes, the connection between these substances is not completely done because of a fragile cerebral state. The antidepressant will then act by balancing this functionality in order to reconnect our substances, which are the basis of our emotions
Generally attributed to people suffering from severe or mild anxiety, these drugs can be found in the treatment of different pathologies that we will see below
It is important to know that there are different types of antidepressants to treat people with these psychological disorders. For example, it is possible to find antidepressants that act on one or two neurotransmitters, while other antidepressants ignore them completely
In order to benefit from a treatment involving these medications, it is important to know that they are not available over the counter. In fact, you must first see your doctor and undergo certain tests to prove the presence of this psychological disorder.
For which illnesses are they prescribed?
It is important to know that antidepressants are not only prescribed for anxiety disorders, although they can trigger some of the disorders described below
A lot of research has taken place to enable the knowledge of these antidepressants and the mechanisms carried out on the brain of people with these disorders. This makes it possible to secure the consumption of these drugs and to guarantee an effective treatment, although everyone reacts differently
Regarding the psychological disorders for which these drugs are prescribed, here is the list of some of them
Depression;
Anxiety disorders;
Bulimia
Decreased interest and pleasure
Fatigue and loss of energy;
Suicidal thoughts
Eating disorders
Menopause and andropause;
Panic disorders
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Of course, it is possible to have antidepressants for other mental disorders not listed above
It should also be noted that some disorders can lead patients to experience different disorders for which these medications are prescribed. For example, anxiety, which we all experience at least once in our lives, can develop into a mental illness and lead to bulimia, eating disorders or, in the worst case, suicidal thoughts
How do these psychological disorders occur?
It is important to know that there are no specific profiles for mental disorders, but certain populations are more at risk of developing them
Let's talk about figures: in Europe, one person in four suffers from a mental disorder of varying intensity and frequency during his or her life. This means that a mental disorder is either permanent or occasional and can occur by the age of 30, without recurring during an individual's life
However, 75% of mental disorders have their onset before the age of 25, which is generally the age at which the brain and body have matured. It is possible that certain populations are at greater risk of developing mental disorders
Young children and adolescence: During this period of hormonal and psychological development, some disorders may begin to appear or develop very slowly and come to light many years later. For example, some disorders become fully apparent during this period, such as autistic disorder, childhood psychosis, language disorders, tics and Tourette's syndrome;
During pregnancy in women: During this period, the hormones present in the woman's body are subject to a lot of changes and certain disturbances can occur, giving free rein to psychological disorders. Among these disorders, we can find the baby blues, postpartum depression or puerperal psychosis;
In the elderly: During this phase of life, the body and brain have already begun to decline and diseases and various disorders may appear. Let's take a look at the ageing of the brain, which can lead to mental disorders such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease
Be careful not to stigmatize people with mental disorders! Indeed, a mental disorder present in a person is not representative of that person. The latter can certainly modify his way of seeing things, or of acting, but a person suffering from mental disorders is not necessarily a dangerous person. There are some disorders that are dangerous for the person with the disorder or for those around him, such as schizophrenia, which distorts the reality perceived by the person with the disorder
How do you diagnose a mental disorder in a person?
Diagnosing a mental disorder is not easy because it can be silent and occur at key moments in a person's life. In other words, a mental disorder is not necessarily visible in a person's life
However, it is possible to be diagnosed or to propose to a person for whom one has doubts to a professional. The latter will then propose his diagnosis with the help of different protocols proposed by world organizations such as the WHO (World Health Organization) which proposes a World Classification of Diseases, as well as the American Psychiatric Association (APA)
These two world-renowned organizations group together the various psychological disorders in the same way. For example, anxiety disorders include panic disorder, generalized anxiety, hypochondria, OCD and many others. The same is true for other disorders such as addictive disorders, which are addictions to substances or video games, or psychotic disorders, which include psychosis or schizophrenia
Sometimes people with mental disorders may not be aware that they have one. In this case, the approach is different and the person will be reluctant to seek treatment for something he or she is not aware of. To do this, you must not force them, but calmly explain the situation to them
However, the various antidepressants that have been on the pharmaceutical market for many years have side effects that are sometimes very serious
The various side effects of antidepressants
Although these drugs are a real success in the medical world and a very interesting feat for the technical progress
However, like all drugs on the pharmaceutical market, antidepressants have several side effects. Of course, the effects vary from person to person and according to the illnesses that are treated
Among these side effects, we can have nausea and vomiting, as well as several digestive problems in a third of patients. There are rarer side effects, which can occur during the first few weeks of treatment, such as skin rashes, headaches or insomnia
With medium-term use, adverse effects such as decreased sexual desire have been reported in both men and women. There are different side effects depending on the type of antidepressant prescribed, such as dizziness, withdrawal symptoms, sleep disturbances and, in the worst case scenario, for one type of medication, a risk of liver toxicity that can cause irreversible damage to the body and health of consumers
First generation antidepressants present risks of dry mouth, diarrhoea, dizziness and weight gain. They remain on the back burner and are only given if other treatments have not had the desired effect.
Some drugs are also under increased surveillance because of side effects that may be dangerous to the health of patients.
It is important to be accompanied by specialists in order to benefit from a treatment adapted to the diagnosed disorder.
Alternatives to the original treatments?
Although antidepressants are very popular and have conclusive results in the fight against psychological disorders, several alternatives are available to cure them
The best known of all is obviously psychotherapy. It consists in externalizing certain traumas in order to find the origin of the psychological disorder and to bring non-medicinal solutions to get out of it
There are other means that are sometimes surprising, such as omega-3, which can improve the mood of the person suffering. There is also yoga and physical activity that can be used to externalize feelings. Acupuncture and light therapy can also help relieve anxiety
Nevertheless, before embarking on alternative treatments, it is essential to consult your doctor in order to have a more interesting diagnosis adapted to your health.
