CBD products have become an increasingly popular trend. But before giving it a try, make sure that you read up on how it’s administered and possible side effects.
Your CBD may come in capsules, gummies or chocolate bars; inhaling through a vape pen may provide faster results as it enters your bloodstream through your lungs.
What is CBD?
CBD (cannabidiol) is the component of marijuana that does not produce a psychoactive high, making it suitable for use in edibles, oils, vape pens and pet treats.
Evidence indicates that CBD can effectively ease anxiety, pain and insomnia. Furthermore, it could potentially help treat conditions like fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis spasticity and other related ailments.
Studies demonstrate the efficacy of CBD for treating epilepsy. Furthermore, it can ease PTSD symptoms and improve sleep. As such, CBD is available as a prescription drug called Epidiolex to treat severe epilepsy in some children as well as being mixed with THC, the psychoactive component found in marijuana plants, under the brand name Sativex to relieve MS-related muscle stiffness and spasticity.
Concerns surrounding CBD use over time include altered alertness, diarrhea and gastrointestinal distress as well as possible interactions with certain medications and raising levels of liver enzyme CYP3A4. In addition, many commercial CBD products don’t undergo quality checks or contain mislabeled ingredients – two serious concerns in themselves.
What are the Benefits of CBD?
There is an assortment of CBD products on the market today, from juice to oils to gummies and vape pens – often touted as natural cures for various health ailments.
Studies indicate that CBD may help ease anxiety. Before making any decisions based on CBD use alone, be sure to speak to a healthcare provider first; they’ll consider factors like your symptoms and any medications already being taken for them.
CBD may help alleviate arthritis pain when applied topically, though further research needs to be conducted. Furthermore, it might reduce nausea and vomiting experienced after chemotherapy treatments for cancer patients.
Epidiolex, an FDA-approved prescription CBD product approved in 2018, treats two rare forms of epilepsy in children that do not respond to other medicines. But CBD hasn’t been shown as an effective treatment option for other kinds of seizures or health conditions yet and shouldn’t be taken with certain medications (see “What are the Side Effects of CBD?” for more details).
How to Use CBD?
CBD products come in various forms, from capsules and gummies to lotions and vape cartridges, which vary in terms of concentration, delivery method and speed of action.
CBD may interact with various medications. It may reduce the effectiveness of anti-seizure medicines like phenobarbital, Lamictal (lamotrigine) and Onfi (clobazam), while increasing carbamazepine levels. Furthermore, CBD increases levels of antidepressants like Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram) and Remeron (mirtazapine), exacerbating their side effects further while amplifying opioid painkillers while helping chemotherapy patients cope with nausea caused by chemotherapy treatments.
Our survey demonstrated that one of the primary perceived therapeutic effects of CBD is stress reduction. This finding is unsurprising, given that research indicates CBD reduces self-perceived stress in mice, and one study concluded that oral doses of ingested CBD reduced symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder in 11 patients receiving routine outpatient clinic care for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Before making any decisions to take new supplements it’s wise to consult your health care provider first.
What are the Side Effects of CBD?
Evidence indicates that CBD can reduce pain from rheumatoid arthritis and sleep issues caused by fibromyalgia, as well as possibly helping with anxiety or seizures.
CBD may cause side effects, including mood shifts and gastrointestinal distress at higher dosages. Furthermore, CBD can interfere with certain medications (blood thinners or those targeting liver function) by competing for absorption into your intestinal tract thereby increasing their levels in your body.
Epidiolex, a drug containing CBD, was the subject of a rigorous clinical trial and showed significant reductions in seizures for two forms of severe epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. As per FDA approval for children suffering seizures associated with these conditions. Animal studies also indicate promise as treatments for anxiety and chronic pain conditions; more research needs to be conducted with humans before such treatments can be implemented effectively.
