CBD may assist people suffering from anxiety, sleep issues and other conditions. Animal and human studies demonstrate its analgesic properties.
Epidiolex, an FDA-approved CBD prescription product, can treat seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, Dravet Syndrome and Tuberous Sclerosis Complex.
Selecting a high-quality CBD product is crucial. A reliable brand will list its ingredients on its label as well as third-party test results, providing transparency about what ingredients and tests were conducted on it.
How CBD Works
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system to help alleviate anxiety, control pain and regulate bodily functions. Preclinical studies demonstrated how CBD can inhibit electrically induced calcium transients in cardiac cells as well as reduce oxidative stress through increasing pentose phosphate activity, maintaining NADPH/NADP+ ratio and downregulating ROS production and lipid peroxidation [109,120].
FDA has approved Epidiolex from GW Pharmaceuticals as a prescription medicine for seizure disorders caused by Dravet syndrome, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or tuberous sclerosis complex. Unfortunately there is limited scientific evidence demonstrating its efficacy against other conditions despite many people reporting relief.
CBD should only be taken under medical advice as it could interfere with other medications you are currently taking such as antidepressants, anxiety medication and blood thinners. In addition, taking CBD may make you sleepy or reduce breathing rates so it should not be combined with supplements that cause these effects, such as kava kava, melatonin or valerian. Furthermore, CBD isn’t appropriate treatment for children, pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers and should also be avoided if you have pacemaker technology installed or are breastfeeding.
Symptoms
CBD product dosage, delivery method and type of illness all play an important part in its effects. For instance, taking it alongside certain anxiety and depression drugs – such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates or antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), citalopram (Celebrex), mirtazapine (Remeron) or paroxetine (Paxil) can cause excessive sleepiness or reduced breathing; additionally it could interact with certain blood thinners; additionally it may affect how well other drugs work by competing for liver enzymes that compete for their liver enzymes so it’s best to consult your physician regarding any potential interactions before taking any such medicines.
One small study suggested CBD may help curb marijuana or opioid cravings; another revealed it to lessen chronic pain symptoms for some individuals; however, further research needs to be completed. It’s best to avoid illegally produced “spice” or bath salts containing CBD as they could cause psychotic reactions as well as health risks; also steer clear from products promoted as being capable of treating cancer or serious illnesses.
Dosage
No matter the goal: treating anxiety or improving sleep, finding the appropriate dosage of CBD depends entirely on your individual body chemistry and tolerance. Start low and gradually increase it until you find what works for you; some individuals might only require 10 mg daily; for others however, higher amounts may be needed.
Studies support CBD’s efficacy for treating PTSD and social anxiety. For example, one 2022 Nature study demonstrated that those receiving CBD prior to public speaking experienced less nervousness.
One small study also demonstrated that participants taking CBD experienced greater enjoyment during physical activity compared to those not taking it; however, larger trials are necessary to verify this finding. Furthermore, larger trials must also confirm this finding as CBD interacts with certain medicines (blood thinners and antiepileptic medicines among them) such as blood thinners and certain anti-epileptic agents, so prioritising medical advice before beginning CBD use. Large doses may cause liver-related blood tests to become abnormal.
Side Effects
CBD may cause mild side effects that usually fade within hours or days, including changes to alertness, most commonly experienced as sleepiness; gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea and loss of appetite; and mood changes, including agitation or irritability.
Side effects from taking high doses of CBD or edible products (gummies and cookies) to take your dosage may increase dramatically. Also beware that children shouldn’t access these products since swallowing them could prove hazardous.
Epidiolex, an FDA-approved CBD medication, contains a specific form of CBD which has been shown to significantly decrease seizures among those living with rare and severe seizure disorders, while simultaneously helping those suffering from high blood pressure to lower it. Furthermore, Epidiolex may help lower their blood pressure.
CBD interacts with liver enzyme CYP450, which helps break down and metabolize many drugs such as anticonvulsants such as phenobarbital (Benadryl), topiramate (Topamax), Lamotrigine, Valium and Xanax benzodiazepines; antidepressants including Elavil, Celexa and Mirtazapine as well as some antifungals like ketoconazole; CBD can also boost antifungals’ effectiveness by acting alongside them
