REVIEWED BY ESSENCE DISPENSARY TEAM: Dharni Khatri | Pharmacist

Not so long ago, it might have been difficult to imagine the terms CBD and medication being used in the category. Medical advancements in recent years have shown the numerous benefits of using CBD as a more holistic alternative to traditional medicine. However, many people don’t know how they interact with each other—if at all? If you have been considering CBD and prescription medications together, we hope this blog provides some insight into the benefits and risks of combining the two. Remember, if you’re ever unsure about what medication will work best for you, consult a medical professional before making any decisions. CBD and medication interactions vary significantly, so seeking the help of a qualified healthcare provider is essential before moving forward. With the proper guidance, you can begin to experience the magnificent benefits of CBD.

Understanding CBD and its therapeutic benefits

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound derived from the cannabis plant. Unlike the other primary compound of cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD is not a psychoactive product, so it doesn’t produce any sort of ‘high’. In fact, when comparing CBD and other medications, CBD will often have far fewer adverse side effects on the patient. After all, CBD is a derivative of a natural plant. To understand the benefits of CBD, here are some of the therapeutic benefits CBD is used to treat a range of conditions:

  • Pain management

    The CBD compound is renowned for its pain management capabilities. CBD medication interacts with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system, meaning that it can reduce chronic pain with little side-effects when comparing CBD and other medications.

  • Stress and anxiety relief

    One of the primary reasons people explore CBD treatment is for stress and anxiety relief. When choosing between CBD and prescription medications for stress and anxiety, people tend to experience significant relief with CBD products. 

  • Anti-inflammatory benefits

    Another way that CBD products help patients deal with pain is by reducing inflammation that occurs in the body due to injury, infection, bacteria, and toxins. This makes CBD medication a good choice for people with conditions such as arthritis, which is caused by inflammation in the joints.

  • Epilepsy treatment

    There are now several types of CBD-based medications, such as Epidiolex, aimed at managing various types of epilepsy.

CBD and prescription medications: How they interact

When assessing how CBD and prescription medications interact, you should always first discuss with your doctor and then your pharmacist so they can give you some guidance on your CBD script in view of other medications you’re taking. Unfortunately, CBD products may alter the effect of other medications, so your doctor may recommend adjusting your medications before moving forward with a treatment plan that includes CBD. For example, CBD products might impact on the production of liver enzymes, particularly cytochrome P450 that helps the body metabolise drugs/medicines. When these enzymes interact with CBD, it may alter how other medications are processed in the body. This may lead to increased drug levels, enhancing the concentration of certain medications, or it may reduce their efficacy. Obviously, any change in medication concentration can impact the outcome of an individual’s treatment, so it’s crucial to talk with a qualified healthcare provider about CBD usage before moving forward.

Common side effects when using CBD with other medications

Thankfully, CBD and other medications don’t always interact with each other and cause problems, but there are certain medications to watch out for. In most instances, you don’t need to be worried about CBD safety, but you must check everything with a healthcare professional/pharmacist first. The most common medications that interact with CBD are:

  • Blood thinners

    Combining CBD and medications that thin the blood may result in stronger blood thinners effects (anticoagulant) effects, leaving patients at higher risk of bruising, passing blood in stool and urine, prolonged nosebleeds, or heavier periods for women. Blood thinners include Aspirin and vitamin E supplements, which are available ‘over the counter’ without a prescription.

  • Antidepressants

    Combining CBD with certain antidepressants may result in side effects, such as impaired liver function, gastrointestinal issues, trouble sleeping, or, in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. Before combining CBD and medications that treat depression or anxiety, it’s essential to consult your doctor.

  • Anti-seizure medications

    If using CBD and medication for seizures, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage to ensure efficient results. Depending on the seizure medication being used, your doctor may increase or decrease the dosage as CBD, and these prescription medications all react differently.

Potential Risks and side effects of combining CBD and other medications

While CBD is generally safe to take with other medications, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects. if you experience any of the following while taking CBD and other medications at the same time, you should consult your doctor:

  • Drowsiness or sedation.
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Changes in appetite.

Additionally, CBD and other medications can increase the risks of liver toxicity, so it is essential to seek medical supervision to ensure the risks are managed appropriately.

If you would like any advice on CBD products, please call or visit us, and our team will be glad to answer your questions.

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Consulting healthcare professionals before combining CBD with traditional medicine

As mentioned throughout this blog, it’s imperative to consult a healthcare provider before moving forward with CBD treatment. While not common, CBD and other medications can interact with each other and, on rare occasions, result in adverse side effects. A medical professional can review your current treatment plans, assess potential interactions, and recommend an appropriate CBD dosage.

With comprehensive guidance from a healthcare provider, there should be nothing to worry about when mixing CBD and other medications. If you would like to find out whether you’re eligible for CBD treatment/medicinal cannabis, complete our new patient questionnaire.

Legal and regulatory considerations in Australia

The Australian government has classed CBD as a Schedule 4 prescription-only medication. This means that all legitimate CBD products in Australia must meet strict quality standards; CBD and other medications are monitored heavily by the government. People wishing to explore therapeutic benefits of CBD for a chronic/persistent medical condition that other traditional/conventional treatments haven’t helped, will require a prescription.

Conclusion

Like with most medications, there can be side effects from taking medical CBD. Combining CBD and other medications can offer numerous potential benefits. To ensure you receive the best possible treatment, consult a qualified healthcare provider. They can inform you of the possible risks, adjust your current medication, and prescribe the appropriate dosage and give appropriate guidance.

If you would like to receive any more advice and information on medical CBD, Essence Dispensary is here to help. Remember that there’s no need to be afraid of CBD/alternative medicine in view of other conventional or traditional medications. Contact us to find out more about using CBD and other medications.

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Essence Dispensary does not promote the use of medicinal cannabis in all patients—please see your healthcare practitioner for medical advice and eligibility. Individual results may vary. Like any medication, medicinal cannabis may lead to undesired side effects. In Australia, medicinal cannabis is regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and is accessed through the Special Access Scheme or Authorised Prescriber Scheme.

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