Does CBD Cream Interact with Medications

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the active ingredient contained in marijuana. However, it doesn’t have the “high” associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Research indicates CBD can benefit inflammation, pain, anxiety, seizures, and other issues. Yet, does CBD cream interact with medications? The answer is essential as it will determine its effects.

Higher doses of CBD produce calming effects, while lower amounts can generate alertness. It works by interacting with cannabinoid receptors and serotonin. Overall, CBD has mild side effects and is well-tolerated. However, serious interactions can occur when used with other drugs. 

Therefore, it is best to consult with your physician before using any CBD cream.

Does CBD cream interact with medications? Yes.

Your liver metabolizes CBD by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. How your liver enzymes process CBD determines potential drug interaction. Drugs containing antifungals, antibiotics, and seizure medication can alter these enzyme activities.

Enzyme inhibitors decrease how CBD is metabolized, increasing blood levels and side effects. Enzyme inducers increase activity, speed up the metabolism, and decrease overall effectiveness. Additionally, CBD can block enzymes that process other drugs like pain relievers and antidepressants. Therefore, use it with caution.

Approximately 60% of prescriptions use the same enzyme group as CBD for processing. Therefore, drug interactions can occur. The following medications can lead to interactions:

Antidepressants

CBD blocks the CYP2D6 enzyme, decreasing the metabolism and increasing blood levels. This effect works in selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). The combination increases the following side effects:

• Drowsiness
• Sleep disruption
• Increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviours

Antiepileptic Drugs

While CBD is often used with antiepileptic drugs and anticonvulsants, it can act with some medications. Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, oxcarbazepine, and phenytoin affect how CBD is metabolized, leading to decreased CBD levels. 

Combining it with Depakote can cause abnormally high liver enzyme levels, which can cause problems. Therefore, doctors must monitor patients using CBD for liver injury or disease. Furthermore, combining it with phenytoin and phenobarbital can cause toxicity. 

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines (diazepam, clobazam, and lorazepam) treat seizures, insomnia, and anxiety. When combined with CBD, it can cause drowsiness and coordination issues. 

Blood Thinners

CBD alters the metabolism of blood thinners (antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants). When taken with warfarin, there is an increased chance of bleeding. CBD can block the body’s ability to metabolize clopidogrel, rendering the medication ineffective and can increase the chance of stroke.

Opioid Analgesics

When combined with morphine, increased blood levels can exist, and it can decrease how the body metabolizes morphine. Side effects include sedation, drowsiness, lethargy, and fatigue. People experiencing chronic pain should carefully weigh the risks and benefits of mixing the two.

Immunosuppressants

CBD increases the blood levels when combined with tacrolimus and cyclosporine. It can cause toxic levels to form and increase your side effects. It can also increase viral infections and pneumonia because of its effects on the immune system.

Antimicrobials

When taken with antibiotics (clarithromycin and erythromycin) and antifungals (itraconazole and ketoconazole), CBD can block how your liver enzymes process it.  

Blood Pressure Medication

CBD can lower blood pressure, causing a concern for those taking blood pressure medication. It can lead to low blood pressure, falls, and fainting. Blood pressure must be carefully monitored if you are taking CBD with ACE inhibitors, diuretics, or beta blockers.

Researchers speculate that little to no absorption into the system occurs with topical products. However, there isn’t enough information about how much does get absorbed and its effects with prescriptions. While it may not be absorbed as deeply to cause a negative interaction, you must consult with your doctor before using CBD products.

Does the method of CBD consumption matter?

Yes, it does. CBD, when inhaled, is absorbed into the bloodstream quickly. Higher concentration occurs within half an hour and increases the risks of acute side effects. Edibles have a more prolonged absorption rate and are less likely to generate high-concentration peaks. They can eventually reach a high enough level to interact with other medications.

Topical applications may not absorb as much into the bloodstream to completely interact with medications. However, there needs to be more information to support precisely how much eventually reaches the blood. Furthermore, results are further complicated because products are not regulated for concentration, purity, or safety.

Speak to your Doctor before using CBD

The most significant concern regarding CBD is the lack of regulation. The FDA does not regulate most products as they are marketed as supplements. Regulations done at a local level involve using different approaches to ensure overall safety. Individuals may not know the exact dosage or the complete ingredient list. Several variables may exist. 

Before taking any product, conduct your research and talk to your doctor to discuss whether there are any risks. While CBD is relatively safe, there is the potential for serious interaction with certain medications.

Conclusion

Does CBD cream interact with medication? While ongoing research still must be conducted into this area, there are indications that CBD can have profound effects when combined with certain prescription medications. While professionals feel CBD topicals.

don’t absorb as deeply into the bloodstream as other methods, there is still the potential for serious interaction — and some can be serious.

Therefore, you must consult a physician before using the product to ensure nothing competes with the effectiveness of your medication or can cause serious harm. For more information on our CBD topicals, consult our website here.