Can I Use Nam Wellness Products with My Other Types of Medications?
Most of us have by now figured out that cannabidiol (CBD) is considered a viable option (even in pretty high doses) to add as part of one’s daily routine. A lot of people who take CBD regularly are those who are looking for potential relief from some sort of symptom that they experience. Therefore, it’s not surprising that many regular hemp users are also getting additional treatment for an issue. For instance, a person dealing with pain may be on some sort of prescription pain medication, but has heard good things about cannabidiol, and wants to give that a try for some potential added relief.
So, the question is, is it okay to take CBD if you’re also taking some type of medication, whether it be prescription or over-the-counter? Well, we will be answering that to the best of our ability.
Please Note: Ultimately, this is a conversation that should be had with a licensed medical professional who knows your exact medication, dosage levels, and overall medical history.
Can a Person Overdose on CBD?
First, let’s clear up some key things about cannabidiol itself, in order for those who want to take it can feel more comfortable doing so. One question that’s fairly common is whether or not it’s possible to overdose on CBD. Basically, CBD and cannabinoids in general, along with the hemp plant as a whole, are all nontoxic to the human body. Meaning, an overdose caused by toxicity levels isn’t possible.
Of course, everyone’s body type/structure is unique. Some of us can’t tolerate certain natural products that’re deemed completely safe for everyone else due to an allergic-like reaction. Therefore, it’s always good to start a CBD routine slowly to make sure that your body agrees with it.
Can I Take CBD with My Medication?
Cannabidiol is nontoxic like we said, but all substances, even nontoxic ones, can potentially produce interactions when combined with other substances, as the laws of chemistry dictate. This is why you should definitely be careful before combining CBD with something else. Right now, we don’t have access to a lot of information about the potential for specific reactions, but we do know that studies are currently underway.
We cannot really say if there’s a difference in terms of potential interaction between prescription and non-prescription medications. How come? Because there is no single quality that elevates a particular medication to prescription status. But, prescription medications tend to be more potent than over-the-counter counterparts, and even tend to put a person more at risk of side effects due to their forceful nature.
CBD and Metabolization of Medications
Some researchers are suggesting that CBD may behave in a way that can possibly interfere with the metabolization of certain medications. Many medications, especially of a prescription nature, are broken down by a bodily enzyme called CYP34A. This enzyme is responsible for breaking down each dose of a medication that we take, so that by the time we take our next dose, it’s cleared from our bodies. Without this enzyme, there could be some overlap between the two doses, and this could be dangerous if a person is sensitive to a particular medication’s effects, or if they’re taking extremely high strengths of their medicine. Essentially, without CYP34A, the medication’s effects would last longer.
If you’ve ever seen a medication bottle suggest that you avoid grapefruit, it’s because of this enzyme. Grapefruit seems to suppress CYP34A, which means that doses can last longer in the body before getting metabolized. Now, some researchers are also suggesting that CBD may do the same thing. The problem, however, is that we don’t have any real studies to indicate whether or not this is actually the case. Of course, it does mean that caution should be exercised just in case.
A Word on Topical Medications and Topical CBD
Now, let’s talk about topical medications, and topical CBD.
Topical Medications
These are medications that are applied to the skin. Most of them are for targeted administration, meaning the medicine compounds stay contained within the area of application. Some do absorb into the body and disperse throughout the system, however. Also, are less likely to interact with CBD, due to the way in which they’re centralized. This changes the way in which the body metabolizes them.
Topical CBD
We know that when CBD is applied to the skin, its compounds are not dispersed throughout the body like internal methods such as edibles and tinctures. Therefore, topical CBD could be less likely to potentially interact with a medication that a person is taking.
What Medications Should be Avoided Then When Taking CBD?
Currently, we don’t have a lot of peer-reviewed information on interactions between cannabidiol and specific medications. But, if you’re using a medication that recommends avoiding grapefruit, then you might want to avoid CBD while taking the medication.
As for mild over-the-counter medications, you can probably exercise less caution. Right now, there are no reported instances of side effects caused by mixing CBD with a gentler medication such as a low-dose NSAID drug.
Also, keep in mind, if you take medical marijuana, then you can combine this with CBD. We know that the two plants can be taken together in a way that may even be complementary.
How Should I Take CBD with My Meds?
Now, if you feel that CBD is really helping you, and you are also taking a medication for a particular condition, we understand that you want to be as safe as possible when combining the two. The single most important thing is that you speak to your doctor. Your doctor can give you medical advice, which no one else, including us, is authorized to do.
Still, there is a chance that your doctor hasn’t heard about the potential link between CBD and CYP34A. That’s why we suggest that you bring this up to them during your conversation. This will allow them to examine any literature on the topic and tell you the best course of action. Again, best to leave this decision up to your doctor after explaining this to them.