CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is popular among health and wellness product users. The reason that it is used as an active ingredient in health and wellness products is due to its potential health benefits and therapeutic effects. However, keep in mind that it cannot cure ailments, and it is not a replacement for conventional drugs. The purpose of this article is to discuss the drugs that you should not be taking with cannabidiol (CBD).
What Does The Research Say?
Currently, only results from limited research are available regarding the interaction of cannabidiol (CBD) with pharmaceutical medications. Also, due to this reason, doctors advise individuals to be careful when taking CBD products for therapeutic or recreational purposes. This is especially important when you are already taking medicines for pre-existing medical conditions at the time of consuming cannabidiol.
How Does CBD Interact With Drugs And Medications?
According to studies, there are higher chances of CBD interacting with medicines having grapefruit warning, i.e. you must avoid consuming this citrus fruit while taking these medicines. Most pharmaceutical medicines are metabolized in the liver by a group of enzymes called cytochrome P450 (CYP450). It has been found from research that cannabidiol inhibits or slows down the action of CYP450 and thereby adversely influences the metabolism of medications with grapefruit warning; this can lead to the development of unwanted side effects.
What Medications Should You Avoid Taking?
Listed below are some of the prescription drugs and OTC medications that can interact with CBD.
Warfarin: Warfarin is an anticoagulant or blood thinner, and it is used for preventing the formation of blood clots that can cause stroke, heart attack, hemorrhage, etc. A 2017 research has shown that CBD increased the effects of this drug, i.e. blood thinning, because cannabidiol slowed down the metabolism of this drug, and thereby prolonging the presence of this drug in the body.
Thyroid Medication: Thyroid medications are used for treating thyroid disorders. Remember that the thyroid hormone plays a key role in metabolism which in turn affects homeostasis. CBD health benefits are due to cannabidiol’s positive influence on the ECS which regulates homeostasis. So, patients taking thyroid medications must consult with a physician before taking CBD.
Some of the other medications that may interact with CBD are Eliquis, Plavix, Tylenol, metoprolol, Xanax, Metformin, and statins. These are the important points that you must know about the potential drug interactions of cannabidiol (CBD).