Although CBD has been shown to be beneficial in many medical conditions, research on the topic is still very young. While CBD is safe to be used by people of all ages, there are some side effects. CBD can be used in many forms like cbd gummies, cbd oil etc.
Research has shown that CBD can interact with more commonly used drugs. These can be dangerous if they are not understood.
We are able to understand how CBD interacts with other drugs and the metabolic processes it undergoes in the body.
Drug Metabolism and CYP450 Enzymes
We know CBD interacts with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system in the body. However, it is important to understand how CBD is metabolized in the body.
Our bodies must metabolize and break down medication or drugs when we take them. Although this happens all over the body, the CYP450 enzyme group does most of the work.
This enzyme system, which is found in the liver and is responsible for breaking down potentially toxic compounds such as almost 60% of all prescribed drugs.
Certain medications (e.g. Some medications (e.g. This alteration in metabolism can affect the way that our bodies process the drugs.
CBD, and the CYP450 System
This is the same CYP450 that metabolises CBD. This system can be inhibited by CBD interaction.
CBD interacts with the CYP450 enzymes to slow down drug metabolism. This means that our bodies take longer to process CBD when it is added to other drugs.
It is also possible to do the opposite. Other medications can also block CYP450 enzymes, so if CBD is added to these medications, your body will need to work harder to extract CBD.
Moreover, certain substances can speed up the CYP450 enzymes. In this case, our bodies may not have enough medication to achieve the desired effect.
What does this mean for the body?
If our bodies take longer to process the same medication, it can lead to situations where we have more medication than we intended.
Over-medicination can cause exaggerated side effects, which we call side-effects.
Drugs That Interact With CBD
This means that any drug that CYP450 metabolizes CBD can interact with CBD. Although research on the potential interactions of CBD and certain medications is still ongoing, there are a few drugs you should be aware of.
- Antibiotics
- Anticancer drugs
- Blood pressure medication
- Cholesterol medication
- Antihistamines
- Antimicrobials
- Heart rhythm medication
- Immune Modulators
- Antipsychotics, antidepressants
- Prostate medication
- Pain medication
- Erectile dysfunction medication
- GI medications
- Corticosteroids
- Blood Thinners
- Antiepileptic medications
- Antivirals for HIV
- Beta-blockers
- Benzodiazepines
- Calcium Channel Blockers
- Combining Alcohol and CBD
It makes sense to understand the relationship between CBD and alcohol, since it is a common substance in our society.
Multiple metabolic pathways are required for alcohol to be metabolized in the body. These enzymes are the primary ones responsible for alcohol metabolism:
- ADH (Alcohol dehydrogenase)
- ALDH (Aldehyde dehydrogenase)
- CYP450
Individuals who drink frequently (in the literal sense). The first two enzymes are responsible for metabolizing alcohol. CYP450 is involved in regular drinkers.
This system, when combined with CBD should result in higher levels of alcohol. This means that CBD and alcohol can enhance each other’s effects.
CBD could protect against liver and neuro cell harm caused by alcohol.
These findings are not yet fully understood and there is no conclusive evidence regarding the relationship between CBD and alcohol.
Side effects of CBD
Here are some side effects that CBD interaction may cause.
- Drowsiness
- Sedation
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Diarrhoea
- Weight and appetite changes
