CBD Instead is very passionate about using hemp oil products correctly and safely. The purpose of hemp oil is to heal and help, and we recognize this isn’t so for everyone. You should always keep your doctor in the loop when taking any type of medicine, regardless if they have shown to be nothing but helpful in so many others.
This is especially true if you are taking medication already and you want to add to it, so let's talk about mixing medicine with CBD. If you are already putting chemicals into your body to fix something, adding CBD can turn your regimen into a random cocktail if you don’t know how they react together.
For first time users, it may be wise to begin your journey with our Beginner's Guide to CBD before scrolling down.
Mixing CBD with Medicine
Medication that may Cause Adverse Effects
Your body uses a family of isozymes called Cytochrome P-450 that play a crucial role in digesting certain types of medication. CBD oil can interact with these types of prescriptions because it inhibits this enzyme system.
When a doctor prescribes you a particular drug, they take into account how fast your body will process the medicine to determine the right dose for you. If the enzyme system is disrupted, it can make the pill digest at a different speed which can cause adverse effects.
Drugs Processed By Cytochrome P-450
- Beta Blockers
- Proton Pump Inhibitors
- NSAIDS
- Steroids
- Anesthetics
- Macrolide Antibiotics
- Anti-Arrhythmics
- Benzodiazepines
- Oral Hypoglycemic Agents
- Antidepressants
- Anti-epileptic
- Angiotensin II Blockers
- Sulfonylureas
- Antipsychotics
- Immune Modulators
- HIV Antivirals
- Antihistamines
- Prokinetic
- Calcium Channel Blockers
For a full list, here is a drug interaction table with the full list of medications that are processed by Cytochrome P-450 enzymes.
Does this Mean You can’t take CBD?
This is where your doctor comes in. There are a lot of reasons to take CBD and still need to take your prescriptions, even though half of the people who try CBD drop their prescriptions altogether. Explain to your doctor why you think you need to take CBD and the concerns you have with how it may affect your medication. First of all, your doctor will be impressed. Second, your doctor can adjust your medication to work with CBD, or they can work with you to figure out a good regimen for getting you happy and healthy.
Once you’ve figured it out and you can start your journey towards a healthier future, check out our shop! We have a great variety of ways to take CBD to fit almost anyone’s comfort level. Whether you like to smoke it, eat it, or drop it, CBD Instead has got you covered.
