A Beginners Guide to CBD And Drug Interactions

A Beginners Guide to CBD And Drug Interactions

CBD and Drug Interactions- A Beginners Guide

CBD, the now “golden compound,” is all the rage because of its many benefits. But is it safe? The answer is yes, CBD has a good overall safety profile. However, it is possible that CBD may interact with the drugs you are taking and cause an adverse reaction. The aim of today’s blog post is to provide you with an easy to understand/beginners guide on CBD and potential drug interactions. So, keep reading and stay informed.

Does CBD Interact with Prescription Drugs?

The short answer is yes, CBD can potentially interact with certain prescription drugs. This interaction may occur because CBD is metabolized by the cytochrome P450 (CYP450) an enzyme that breaks down most drugs, including NSAIDs. 

In general, drug interactions are not something to take lightly so if you are considering using CBD as an add-on therapy to your current treatment plan, first speak with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to determine and guide you about CBD products that are safe to take with the medications you may be taking. 


What Is the CYP450 System?

The cytochrome P450 enzyme system is found within the liver and is a group of enzymes involved in metabolizing around 60% of drugs consumed. 

Many drugs can inhibit, induce and alter relative amounts of different P-450 enzymes disrupting the manner in which the drug is absorbed, distributed and eliminated or in other words metabolized.
A 2018 study suggests possible adverse interactions can occur between the blood thinner warfarin and cannabidiol (CBD). This study highlighted the importance of monitoring lab work in patients consuming cannabis products at the same time as other pharmaceuticals, specifically those metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system.

The Grapefruit Test
Because CBD is so new, further studies need to be conducted to determine interactions. However, until then, there is one test to use as a guide: it is called the grapefruit test.  
You may be wondering ‘What is the grapefruit test?’

Here’s the explanation and it’s very simple. If the medication you are taking warns against the consumption of grapefruit or grapefruit juice, you should avoid CBD. An article published by Healthline states, “According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), consuming grapefruit while on one of these medications can lead to a higher concentration of the medication in the bloodstream and adverse side effects or even an overdose can occur.”

*Common drugs that interact with grapefruit according to Drugs.com include:

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