Despite CBD Oils being a clear favorite for several people worldwide, some aspects of using this oil might need improvement for everyone. CBD Oil side effects, although uncommon, tend to occur in people woh do not use this oil with precautions. Then, they must face the side effects and adverse reactions.
CBD Oil: Reported Benefits vs. Potential Risks
As many benefits as CBD Oil has for people of all ages, it also has a side effect profile that might not be something that anyone wants to experience.
For comparison, both the benefits and potential risks of CBD Oils have been overviewed below:
Benefits
- Neuroprotective Properties: Research has indicated that CBD may exhibit neuroprotective characteristics to sustain conditions like epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and also degenerative diseases of the nervous system.
- Anxiety and Depression: The anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of CBD Oils have always been a topic of great interest for people who do not want to get disturbed by the side effects of their regular medications.
- Sleep Disorders: CBD oils, when used before bed-time, help induce deep sleep and relaxation, which is indeed a big relief for people with sleep paralysis, nightmares, and insomnia.
Potential Risks
- Quality and Purity: The CBD market is not strictly regulated, and there may be discrepancies in the quality attributes of products. It is necessary to choose products from reputable sources for these products to be safe as well as effective.
- Drug Interactions: CBD interacts with several drugs, altering their metabolism. Consulting a health specialist if you are on meds and thinking of CBD use is very important.
- Side Effects: Although relatively safe, some patients may develop dry mouth, drowsiness, appetite changes, diarrhea, or weakness.
Common Side Effects of CBD Oil
Some of the commonly experienced side effects due to the unchecked or excessive usage of CBD Oil include the following:
Dry Mouth
CBD helps reduce saliva secretion, causing a dry sensation in the mouth. However, dehydration can be overcome by drinking a lot of water.
Changes in Appetite
Others may develop changes in appetite, either feeling hungrier or reduced desire for food. This phenomenon is relative and depends on people.
Fatigue
In some people, CBD can lead to drowsiness or tiredness. It is recommended that you stay away from activities involving alertness, like driving or working with machines, until you know how CBD affects your body.
Diarrhea
In certain instances, diarrhea has been linked to CBD consumption. People should avoid taking any more CBD if this occurs before the condition takes a turn for the worse.
Nausea
This symptom can be minimized by altering the dosage or modifying the CBD delivery method (for example, from oral intake to topical application). However, nausea is very rare to occur in people.
Dizziness
You may experience lightheadedness or dizziness when taking CBD, especially in large doses. Thus, beginning with a small amount and slowly increasing the dose while observing for any side effects is recommended.
Interactions with Medications
Here are some important considerations regarding potential interactions between CBD and medications.
Cytochrome P450 Enzymes
CYP450 is a very large family of enzymes that play a very crucial role in the breakdown of many drugs.
CBD can suppress or promote these enzymes, altering the concentration levels of several other drugs.
Induction of Enzymes
Some drugs may also be metabolized faster due to the activation of CYP450 enzymes by CBD in some cases. This is likely to result in underrating the level of the drug concentration present within a person’s body.
Potential Interactions
Drugs primarily metabolized via the same CYP450 enzymes as CBD may include anticoagulants, anti-seizure medications, antifungal drugs like those used to treat it, antipsychotics, or certain statins.
Monitoring for Side Effects
Monitoring for side effects and efficacy should also be conducted if you are using CBD in addition to other pharmacological agents. You should immediately inform your healthcare provider of any strange symptoms or medication’s efficacy change.
Consulting Healthcare Professionals
A healthcare provider should always be consulted before the use of CBD, especially if you are taking any prescription medication. We can get personalized medical advice based on our medical history and the drugs we take.
Special Considerations and Precautions
There are several special considerations and precautions individuals should be aware of.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The research on the use of CBD during pregnancy and also lactation is limited. Because of these risks, it is usually suggested that women who are pregnant or lactating avoid using CBD unless their healthcare provider advises for doing otherwise.
Pediatric Use
However, the safety of CBD in the underage population is also a hot topic. Although CBD-based Epidiolex is approved in certain pediatric epilepsy conditions, the use of CBD in other pediatric populations should be considered with caution and under medical supervision.
Liver Function
CBD passes through the liver, and sometimes the elevated enzymes have been associated with high dosage use of this compound. Liver function surveillance could be recommended, particularly in the cases of high dosages and/ or with pre-existing liver damages.
Final Thoughts
The increasing popularity of CBD oil for its possible health benefits indicates an approach that should use such products with caution and knowledge. It is very essential to consult healthcare professionals, especially if you suffer from any chronic disease or are taking some drugs.
As more studies about CBD continue, many new insights may be discovered, which might call for some amendments to the rules.
Keeping abreast of the developments in relation to CBD promotes a sensible and knowledgeable addition of CBD into one’s wellness practice, given that it is beneficial for personal conditions. It is your safety and comfort that precedes everything else.
Andleeb Asghar - Pharmacist
Andleeb Asghar holds a “Pharm-D” degree from Lahore College for Women University, Lahore. She is an official Registered Pharmacist (RPh) in Punjab, Pakistan. She has also got a “Master of Philosophy” degree from the University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Lahore. Andleeb has worked in various practice settings as a clinical Pharmacist and has a wide range of experience. She has been cited in Healthline and Telehealth for her expertise. She has also served as a distinguished guest speaker at various local hospitals and high-profile organizations. She has been writing Cannabinoid & Marijuana related content for the past five years for different reputable companies. She is passionate about serving others by crafting information and helpful pieces for her readers.
