Hemp-derived CBD is becoming quite popular mainly due to its magical healing properties and limited side effects. Still, it’s important to undermine that there are circumstances when such naturally derived hemp cannabinoids may interact with other medicines consumed for different medical conditions. Let’s dive in and discover how CBD interacts with other medicines.
Unwinding CBD – What you Need to Know
In generic terms, CBD aka cannabidiol is an active chemical found naturally in the hemp plant. CBD is known to interact with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) and is known to help with various body functions. Interestingly with the rising awareness of the health benefits associated with CBD, many individuals wish to try it with a clear intention of easing their medical conditions and related symptoms.
Although various researches generally depicted that CBD is safe for the human body, and there have been negligible cases of side effects reported, it’s worth understanding that the human body metabolizes different substances in numerous ways. This is the reason why CBD can interact with some medications.
When we consume medications, our body secretes numerous enzymes like cytochrome P450 (CYP450) to digest them. Similarly, CBD is also broken down by similar enzymes. It can It may either accelerate or inhibit the medication metabolism process. This may even result in more substantial effects of medication.
Two Types of Interactions of CBD with Medications
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Barring CYP3A4 enzyme and metabolizing Medication
As per different research, CYP450 enzymes metabolize cannabinoids, and then the CBD interacts with the CYP3A4 enzyme belonging to the CYP450 enzyme family. The leading issue is that CYP3A4 is responsible for metabolizing the vast majority of prescribed medications.
Furthermore, if a person uses products infused with hemp-derived CBD while taking these medications, the body may not be able to break them down effectively.
So if you are looking forward to trying CBD products for your ongoing medical condition then you must consult your healthcare professional to ensure no side effects occurs.
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Overcasts the concentration of the medicines in the bloodstream
Potential interactions of cannabinoids in humans are still in the research phase and many studies are focusing on how the cannabinoids would affect the medications present inside our bloodstreams. So it is quite dicey to state the actual reaction that may happen during the interaction of cannabinoids and medication inside our body.
Still, limited studies do suggest cutting down on the dosage of your ongoing prescribed medication before trying CBD for medical use. As per the Food and Drug Administration, ingredients found inside the grapefruit do increase the concentration of the medication in the blood and may even lead to major side effects.
It’s worth observing that a major number of medications interact with grapefruit and similar juices because the furanocoumarins substance normally found in citruses inhibits CYP3A4 and curbs down the medication metabolism process like CBD.
To avoid any unforeseen risks, it’s best suggested to avoid consuming CBD products if you are on medications with the grapefruit warnings. People going through the below-stated medical conditions may take some extra caution before experimenting with hemp-derived CBD wellness supplements.
- Anti-cancer
- Erectile dysfunction
- GI medications for GERD or nausea,
- Antibiotics and antimicrobials,
- Chronic Pain Management
- Antiepileptic drugs
- Blood pressure
- Antihistamines
- Heart pace
- Immunosuppressants
- Cholesterol
- Prostate
- Mood medications for managing anxiety or depression
- Blood solvents
- Corticosteroids
Final Verdict
CBD and its integration with other medicines is a subject to further research and before heading any further it is very important to consult a doctor. Recent findings have highlighted that cannabidiol can actually interfere with some medicines and result in either boosting the metabolism speed or reducing it.
Further research is required to ascertain how the dosage, time, and surrounding environment can result differently. Hemp-derived CBD surely poses some medical benefits but requires more clinical baking to ensure no ill effects are caused by other medicines. So stay safe and remember to consult your doctor and visit www.naplimited.com to know more about hemp and its uses.