Whether you’re new to CBD or a long-time user, you must research before combining this drug with any other medicine or drug. CBD-drug interactions can often cause severe side effects.

We know not every connoisseur is familiar with all the medical terms and technicalities, and we know how difficult it is to construe interactions and pinpoint their short- and long-term effects. So, here’s an article that will cover most interactions CBD may have with other mainstream drugs. 

How Does CBD Interact With Other Drugs?

CBD & Caffeine Interaction

CBD reacts to different drugs in different ways. Some compounds selectively reduce or cancel out the effects of CBD. For example, combining caffeine with CBD can help you stay relaxed and alert at work or when driving, while the same relaxed alertness may not be ideal for you if you’re taking CBD for better sleep.

CBD & Alcohol Interaction

Some people have also reported that when they take CBD with alcoholic beverages, they feel the effects of the drink more, and this phenomenon is supported by scientific evidence, too. 

According to scientific research, cannabidiol has been shown to reduce the activity of a liver enzyme that’s responsible for breaking down alcohol. This increases the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream.

Moreover, some studies suggest that CBD, when consumed with alcohol, may protect you from some of the side effects, like liver damage and neuronal degeneration.

CBD & Prescription Medications Interactions

Cannabidiol inhibits the activity of certain enzymes – like cytochrome P450 – inside the liver, and apparently, these enzymes break down other medicinal drugs too.

So, if you take CBD with any such medicine that could only be broken down by these now non-functional enzymes, the concentration of the medicine would increase in the bloodstream. This could enhance the effects — and the side effects — of the medicine.

In contrast, some medicines tend to create the opposite effect, causing a CBD-level spike in the bloodstream. While these effects are minor and not life-threatening, it is best to take expert advice when combining cannabidiol with any other drug.

Now, let’s see how CBD interacts with mainstream (most known and used) drugs.

CBD & Blood Thinner Interaction

Blood thinners are drugs that prevent blood clots in the blood vessels. People with related conditions are sometimes at risk, as blood clots can stop the blood flow to organs like the brain, heart, and lungs.

CBD enhances the effects of Blood thinners, which may cause bleeding or bruising. So, anyone with these conditions should check with their doctors. 

Some of the most common conditions that involve blood thinner use are:

1. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
2. Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
3. Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)

CBD, Anti-epileptics & Other Similar Drug Interactions

Epilepsy is a neurological condition caused by abnormal electrical activity in the central nervous system. Approximately 50 million people have this condition, which makes it one of the most common neurological diseases in the world.

We’ve found through studies that CBD can enhance the effects of anti-epileptic drugs. So, this combination can amplify the side effects, too. Here are some that you need to know:

1. Drowsiness
2. Dizziness
3. Difficulty Concentrating

Besides anti-epileptics, similar side effects were observed for anti-depressants, benzodiazepines, and anti-anxiety drugs. In addition, we also found that opioid painkillers, when taken with CBD, can cause respiratory depression besides drowsiness and dizziness.

Apparently, CBD is also used as an alternative medicine for treating epilepsy. Read how CBD can benefit you if you have epilepsy disorder, here.

If you’re looking for high-quality & 100% organic hemp-based CBD products, visit our store. We also sell non-oral CBD products like body lotions, bath bombs, pain rubs, and creams, which could be ideal for people who don’t want to combine their medicine with CBD directly.

CBD & Anti-Cholesterol Drug Interaction

People with high cholesterol, diabetes, or hereditary cardiovascular problems often use anti-cholesterol drugs (or statins) to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases.

Cannabidiol increases statin levels in the bloodstream that can cause side effects like:

1. Muscle pain
2. Liver damage
3. Gastrointestinal issues

Keep in mind that statins are well-tolerated by most people. Only individuals with pre-existing conditions, like liver disease and muscle problems, must talk to a healthcare professional before combining CBD with anti-cholesterol drugs.

Conclusion

We recommend that before you combine CBD with any other drug, discuss the potential drug interactions it may have with your doctor. While we do not recommend self-administration, if for some reason you cannot consult a doctor, at least reduce your CBD dosage as much as you can.

Your doctor may closely monitor you for side effects and reduce the doses accordingly.

Some more informative articles to read:

1. CBD: A Viable Choice Over Chemicals & Toxins
2. CBD For Multiple Sclerosis: Efficacy & Benefits
3. Amazing Benefits of CBD For Seizures