Gummies infused with CBD offer you another way to take CBD in a fun and convenient way. They provide a way to help you relax and help with sleep, tension, and other balancing needs.
An important consideration when choosing to take something new is whether or not it is safe to take with other things you are already taking. In this case, we are talking about CBD gummies. With our wellness gummies, you should know how we blend CBD with other medications, vitamins, and supplements.
This article covers how CBD gummies work with medications, who should avoid them, and how to be safe when using gummies.
How CBD Interacts in Our Body
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a component found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, another compound found in hemp, CBD does not have intoxicating effects.
When gummies that contain CBD are ingested, the digestive system absorbs the gummies and then they are sent to the liver to be processed and then sent to the bloodstream. During this time, CBD interacts with medication in the liver. This is where it may cause issues with drug interactions.
Most interactions with CBD and other medications is with a group of liver enzymes called the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) system. This group is responsible for breaking down and eliminating many commonly prescribed medications.
Why CBD Gummies May Interfere with Your Medicine.
Certain enzymes in the liver, like CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, are responsible for breaking down a lot of different medicines. Some studies show that CBD can reduce or slow the functions of some of these enzymes. This results in some medicines being in the system longer than they should, sometimes causing them to become more effective or more side effects to be exhibited.
Simply put, that means...
Some medicines are more quickly processed than others, and that gap can be widened by taking CBD.
The levels of the medicine in the system can be higher (or lower) depending on the interaction.
This largely depends on the dose and frequency of CBD consumption, and the specific medicine.
Most people will not experience a severe interaction, but it is not something to ignore, especially for people who are on several medicines.
More information on Medicine and CBD Interactions
Even though more studies are needed, many doctors are cautious about recommending CBD to people who are on medicines that require heavy metabolization by the liver.
This mainly applies to these types of medicines:
Blood Thinners
Some blood thinners might require more monitoring by a doctor if CBD is being taken because of the influence CBD can have on the enzymes responsible for metabolizing these medicines.
Anti-Depressants and Anti-Anxiety Medications
The combination of these two different classes of medications, especially if they are metabolized by the same pathways as CBD, can cause excessive drowsiness in some people or a change in the levels of these medicines in the system.
Sleep Aids
Because CBD can promote relaxation, it can cause the combination of CBD with other sleep aids to push the system into an even more relaxed state.
Anti-Seizure Medications
Because of the greater possible influence of CBD on some anti-seizure medicines, most of the documented interactions of CBD and other medicines have been with anti-seizure medicines. Most of the studies have been about the interactions of CBD with the medicines clobazam and valproate.
Heart and Blood Pressure Medications
Possible effects connected to some heart medications mean caution is advised when using CBD. Consult your doctor for more advice.
Signs of Possible Drug Interactions
Not every side effect you experience means drugs are interacting. However, some side effects from combining CBD with certain drugs may include:
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Fatigue
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An upset stomach
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A generally unwell feeling
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Reduced or increased effectiveness of the medication
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Changes to your appetite
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Excessive sleeping or drowsiness
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Dizziness
If any of these effects occur after starting CBD gummies, stop taking them and tell your doctor.
Does the Risk Change Based on CBD Dose ?
Yes. Risk increases if you take higher amounts of CBD because of their greater potential effects on liver enzymes.
Most adverse interactions have only been reported after using high therapeutic doses of CBD in scientific studies. Additionally, the risk is also affected by:
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The amount of CBD taken
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How often it is used
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Body weight
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The condition of the liver
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The medications being taken
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How quickly your body breaks down substances
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Other factors
This is why most doctors advise that you take small doses and increase them only if necessary.
Are CBD Gummies Safer Than CBD Oil for Interacting with Other Drugs?
The risk of interaction is mostly the same regardless of the form of CBD used.
Whether you take:
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CBD beverages
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CBD capsules
All of them have the same potential to affect liver enzymes.
CBD gummies help eliminate variation in the amount of CBD used for a dose since they have a fixed amount of CBD per gummy.
Responsible Use of CBD Gummies
These tips can help if you want to try CBD gummies while on medication.
Examine Your Medication
List your prescriptions, supplements, and all other medications taken on a regular basis.
Consult Your Doctor
This is especially important for people on medication for any of the following:
- Epilepsy
- Heart Disease
- Blood Clotting Disorders
- Mental Health Disorders
- Organ Transplants
- Start Low
It is best to underdose at first, rather than taking what you believe to be a full dose.
Monitor Your Response
Listen to your body and pay attention for any unusual symptoms or side effects during the first few weeks.
Select Superior Products
Choose products that contain:
- Ingredients tested in a lab
- Clear labeling
- Quality manufacturing
Who Should Exercise Added Caution When Using CBD Gummies?
Some groups should avoid using CBD or tread with great caution.
Older Adults
Increased risk of interactions with multiple medications is a concern for older adults.
People With Liver Conditions
Because CBD is processed in the liver, use should be avoided without the approval of a health care professional.
Individuals Using Polypharmacy
This condition is defined by the use of multiple prescription medications and increases the likelihood of many drug interactions.
Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
Effects of CBD have not been studied thoroughly enough to ensure there is no risk, and therefore, a health care professional should be consulted.
Can CBD Gummies Interact With Supplements?
Yes.
Because CBD has a relaxing and sleep inducing effect, these effects could overlap and increase with some herbal supplements.
Here are a few examples of more common complementary supplements you might find:
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Melatonin
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Valerian root
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Kava
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Relaxation magnesium
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Valerian root
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Kava
Among other examples.
Interactions with these products are not as commonly researched as they are with prescription medication, but care should still be exercised.
Why Product Labeling is Important
When it comes to CBD, there is a wide variety of concentrations and formulations.
The label should say:
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How much CBD is in the product
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How much CBD is in each serving
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If there is any THC in the product
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The other product ingredients
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How the product was tested
When you know what you are consuming, it helps you avoid negative effects and encourages a more responsible consumption of the product.
What Research Currently Tells Us
CBD is a focus of much research and the consensus is that further research including long-term studies is crucial.
Current research has suggested that CBD is relatively safe for the majority of the adult population, however, it is suggested that if an adult consumption of CBD is planned that the adult consumption is still medically monitored.
The point is not to prohibit the consumption of CBD, but rather to consume CBD with an understanding of the risk of possible interactions with other products.
Key Takeaways
CBD is a popular supplement that is easy to start taking thanks to its gummy formulation.
The negative effects and risks of CBD should be researched and known especially if the adult taking medications or regularly takes health supplements.
CBD can negatively influence the levels of prescription medications in a person's body. While it is safe for the majority of the population to take CBD, it is a recommended best practice to seek a health professionals guidance.
Prior to using CBD gummies, check your medications, select gummies from reputable brands, and contact a qualified healthcare professional if you have any concerns. A little preparation helps you have a safer and more informed experience with CBD.
FAQs
Does CBD have any drug interactions?
Some blood thinners, anti-seizures, anti-depressants, and some heart medications may interact with CBD. They all happen to be medications that get metabolized by liver enzymes. Speak to a medical professional before mixing CBD with any of your prescription medications.
Who should not take CBD?
If you have liver disease you should avoid CBD. Pregnant or nursing women should also not take CBD. Those that take a lot of medications should seek medical advice before taking CBD.
Is CBD safe with prescription medications?
It really depends on the medication. With some it may be safe while with CBD it definitely isn't. Only your healthcare professional may determine if CBD is appropriate with your prescriptions.
What are the side effects of CBD gummies?
The side effects of CBD gummies may include drowsiness, digestive discomfort, changes in appetite, and drug interactions. Most side effects are mild but it is hard to predict how a person will react.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. CBD products may affect individuals differently. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using CBD or hemp-derived products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Blunt Essential does not make any medical claims regarding the use of CBD products.
