CBD side effects tend to be mild, and may include fatigue, changes in appetite and dry mouth. Over time these side effects will dissipate as your body adjusts to CBD. Drinking plenty of water and adjusting dosage levels may also help manage these side effects more effectively.
Backes advises starting out by taking small doses gradually increasing them over time. He further advises verifying any products with third-party lab certificates of analysis on their labels.
CBD is not regulated by the FDA
CBD oil is an increasingly popular natural remedy used for various medical issues. Unfortunately, unlike prescription drugs, however, CBD is unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), making it hard to ascertain its safety for use. Therefore, when selecting high-quality FDA-approved products made in America it’s wise to opt for high-grade formulations crafted using ingredients produced locally.
Molecules recently published a study showing that CBD significantly decreased seizure frequency among patients suffering from Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome – two rare forms of epilepsy. Furthermore, according to another 2018 research paper published in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine CBD was well tolerated when taken alongside regular psychiatric care for PTSD patients.
Though CBD offers many potential health benefits, the Food and Drug Administration remains wary of regulating it as a dietary supplement. Instead, the agency is petitioning Congress for help designing an appropriate regulatory pathway for this substance. Consumers should carefully research any products before buying them to avoid potential surprises.
It interacts with other medications
CBD interacts with various medications in various ways, depending on its form. It is extensively metabolized by liver enzymes called cytochrome P450 (CYP) and may alter their metabolism of other drugs. Researchers analyzed 57 drugs that may interact with CBD such as antifungals, antiseizure medications, antibiotics and blood thinners such as warfarin. Furthermore, CBD may cause abnormalities on liver-related blood tests.
CBD acts as a serotonin 1A receptor agonist, which may influence other psychiatric medications like Aripiprazole used to treat psychotic disorders and bipolar disorder; however, it can have serious adverse side effects. According to FDA warnings about mixing CBD with supplements or medications without consulting their physician – especially dangerous when taken by older adults taking multiple prescription and over-the-counter medicines at once and potentially experiencing drug interactions as age-related physiological changes alter how quickly their bodies process medications.
It is not a cure-all
CBD may have gained an earthy, artisanal aura over time; however, it should not be mistaken as an all-purpose remedy. While it can help relieve arthritis pain and fibromyalgia symptoms, CBD does not prevent or cure age or cancer – nor depression and anxiety symptoms either. It does however provide relief in certain instances.
CBD supplements may be taken orally, in capsule form, tinctures or as infused oil; however, the FDA advises consumers not to rely on unproven products; instead seeking medical advice when making decisions regarding CBD treatments and any potential interactions between medications taken simultaneously and CBD supplements.
CBD may interact with various drugs, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin and acetaminophen, the blood thinner warfarin (Coumadin) and antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil) and citalopram (Celexa). Furthermore, Epidiolex, a prescription form of CBD has been shown to significantly decrease seizures in children suffering from two rare conditions known as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
It is not safe for everyone
CBD is a natural chemical that may help ease both pain and anxiety, yet is unregulated by the Food and Drug Administration, making its benefits hard to access. According to recent reports by World Health Organization, however, CBD appears to be well tolerated and doesn’t appear addictive; however it may interact with some medications, for instance increasing levels of antidepressants like Paxil (paroxetine), Celexa (citalopram) and Remeron (mirtazapine); decreasing effects of Klonopin and Ativan while increasing immune-suppressants such as Cyclosporine/rifampicin used against tuberculosis treatment.
CBD should never be combined with alcohol or any other sedatives as this could alter both mood and thinking, necessitating medical supervision for taking. Furthermore, you should avoid CBD gummies and cookies which contain significant amounts of sugar; store these away from children to protect themselves. Capsules provide more precise dosing control that may prove more suitable for daily use.
