Can you take CBD with antidepressants?

Because of its many health benefits, cannabidiol (CBD) is used to treat various everyday ailments. The product is also recommended to relieve the symptoms of certain chronic diseases such as depression. Caution! When interacting with certain medications, cannabidiol can cause side effects or opposite effects. So, can you take CBD with antidepressants?

How CBD Helps Fight Depression

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the many cannabinoids found in the composition of the hemp plant. Various scientific studies prove the therapeutic benefits of CBD. Cannabidiol is said to help combat depression in particular. Indeed, the natural substance would act in the body like a conventional antidepressant.

Specific scientific studies demonstrate the specific actions of the cannabidiol molecule in the human body against depression. Read this research conducted at Rockefeller University in New York and this experiment carried out by specialists in Brazil. This research notably proves that CBD activates the receptors of the endocannabinoid system, including the serotonin receptors 5-HT1A. This has the effect of increasing the serotonin level in the synapses.

Experts have notably observed, in depressed individuals, a decrease in serotonin levels in the synapses. This finding led scientists to develop antidepressants that regulate serotonin levels in the synapses. These medications are called serotonergic antidepressants or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. CBD would have actions similar to this family of antidepressants. Moreover, being a 100% natural product, the cannabinoid does not present side effects unlike medical treatment. Medications can notably cause nausea, nervousness, insomnia, and migraines.

However, to date, cannabidiol is not recognized as a medication. French authorities notably consider the natural substance as a wellness product. The natural remedy is therefore legally authorized for use in the same way as wellness supplements. Nevertheless, scientists are reportedly currently working to harness the qualities of cannabidiol to treat depression. These experts see in cannabidiol an alternative to drug treatments for depression.

Which Form of CBD for Depression?

CBD is sold in different formats in dedicated stores. The following forms of CBD products are notably the most suitable for depression:

CBD Oil

There are Full Spectrum CBD oils composed of terpenes, flavonoids, and the cannabinoids that make up the hemp plant. This type of cannabidiol oil contains THC at a rate lower than 0,3%.

There are also Broad Spectrum CBD oils containing all the active components of the cannabis plant except THC.

Isolate is another variety of cannabidiol oil that contains no other ingredient than the pure CBD molecule.

Through the entourage effect, full and broad spectrum CBD oils allow you to benefit from the optimized effects of CBD. Indeed, the other active ingredients optimize the actions of the cannabinoid. Certain hemp components such as cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN) also possess their own beneficial health properties.

You can also find oils with a cannabidiol concentration ranging from 5% to 40% at specialized retailers. The percentage of cannabidiol significantly influences the number of oil drops to use according to the recommended dose of cannabidiol for depression.

CBD oil is taken sublingually as part of depression treatment. This method of use offers rapid effects, within 1 to 2 minutes after taking it. But you can also opt for consuming CBD oil by ingestion. To do this, pour the CBD oil drops into your daily foods or drinks. You must wait 1 to 2 hours to feel the effects of CBD after taking it by ingestion.

CBD Infusions

You can buy CBD herbal teas made from hemp fruits or flowers. You can also get CBD tea, formulated with cannabis leaves. The CBD extracts are notably dried and must be prepared to obtain the hot drink with multiple therapeutic benefits. To do this, dilute the CBD extract in boiling water and fat (milk, oil, butter). Indeed, cannabidiol is a fat-soluble product. Moreover, the fatty substance offers a delicious flavor to your brew.

CBD infusion takes nearly 2 hours to exert its calming and relaxing effects to fight depression.

CBD Capsules

CBD capsules are particularly easy to take and dose. This form of cannabidiol is the most suitable for regular treatment over a long period.

CBD E-liquids

Vapers suffering from depression can fully enjoy the benefits of CBD thanks to special e-liquids. These items are used like their classic versions, with an electronic cigarette.

CBD Resin

CBD resin, commonly known as hashish or CBD hash, has a high concentration of cannabidiol. You only need a small amount to feel the effects of cannabidiol. This type of product is therefore practical and economical.

CBD resin can be used in different ways. You can notably dilute a piece in your drinks or crumble it over your meals. CBD resin can be cooked. The product notably accompanies your pastry recipes. It enhances the taste of chocolate. You can also enhance your savory dishes, especially your savory sauces, with melted CBD resin.

What Dosage of CBD for Depression?

It is essential to determine the right CBD dosage to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment against depression. Know notably that an overdose of cannabidiol can cause side effects or reverse effects. This can lead to, among other things, migraines, a state of drowsiness, and digestive disorders.

However, there is no specific and precise dosage of cannabidiol to fight depression or for other treatments. This is notably explained by the fact that the level of tolerance to CBD varies considerably from one person to another. Thus, the amount of CBD to take for depression depends on the specific needs of each consumer.

Nevertheless, specialists recommend not exceeding 200 mg of CBD per day to avoid experiencing adverse effects.

Precautions to Take to Properly Combine CBD with Antidepressants

CBD can have beneficial effects on anxiety and depression. But it can also interact with certain medications, including antidepressants. To avoid adverse effects, specialists notably recommend spacing out the intake of CBD and the administration of antidepressant medications by 2 hours.

Indeed, antidepressants are metabolized by the same set of liver enzymes as CBD. This can notably increase or decrease the effect of antidepressants. Interactions with CBD concern certain antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft).

Consequently, it is absolutely advisable to seek your doctor's advice before taking CBD with antidepressants.