Understanding the Potential Risks: CBD Oil Side Effects and Medication Interactions in the UK

It's a common question that we get in store or online, and its understandable considering how new this still feels to many of our customers. Understanding CBD in and out, including potential side effects, is a sure fire way to make sure you're using CBD correctly, and that your regime is working for you. So let's break down some of the common side effects, and what drugs should not be taken with CBD as well as a quick intro into CBD itself for those who are completely new to this!  

 

What is CBD oil and its growing popularity in the UK

 

CBD oil, or cannabidiol oil, is a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant. It has gained significant popularity in the UK and around the world due to being sold as a wellness product to use alongside a fitness routines, to supplement a regiment around chronic conditions or to help relax. Unlike THC, another compound found in cannabis, CBD does not have psychoactive properties, meaning it does not produce a "high" effect. This makes it a safe and appealing option for individuals seeking alternative remedies.

In recent years, CBD oil has become increasingly popular in the UK, with many people turning to it as a natural supplement or with medical cannabis patients being prescribed it alongside their THC based prescription (Though some save money by sourcing the CBD part of their regime from over the counter CBD products). It is available in various forms, including oils, tinctures, capsules, topicals and even edibles. The growing popularity of CBD oil can be attributed to its word of mouth from people having a positive experience whilst trying a natural alternative. However, before incorporating CBD oil into your wellness routine, it is crucial to understand its potential risks and side effects.

Common side effects of CBD oil

While CBD oil is generally considered safe, it may still cause some side effects. It's important to note that these side effects are typically mild and temporary. The most common side effects of CBD oil include:

1. Dry Mouth: In high doses CBD may reduce the production of saliva, leading to a dry mouth sensation. This can be easily managed by staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids.

2. Drowsiness: Moderate to high doses of CBD oil may have a calming effect on the body, which can result in drowsiness or a feeling of relaxation. It is advisable to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how CBD affects you personally.

3. Diarrhoea: Although uncommon, in some cases, CBD oil may cause digestive issues such as diarrhoea. This side effect is usually temporary and can be managed by adjusting the dosage, changing the type of carrier oil to CBD is in or discontinuing use if necessary.

4. Changes in Appetite: CBD oil may affect your appetite, causing an increase or decrease in food intake. It is important to listen to your body's signals and adjust your diet accordingly.

5. Nausea: Although rare, some individuals may experience nausea after consuming CBD oil. If this occurs, it is recommended to discontinue use and consult with a healthcare professional.

Potential risks and side effects of CBD oil

While CBD oil is generally well-tolerated by most individuals, there are potential risks and side effects to be aware of. These risks are more prevalent in individuals with certain medical conditions or those taking specific medications. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating CBD oil into your routine, especially if you fall into one of these categories.

1. Liver Damage: Some studies have suggested that high doses of CBD oil may lead to liver damage. However, these studies were conducted using extremely high doses that are not typically recommended for regular use. It is important to follow the recommended dosage guidelines and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your liver health. It would be fair to say that these were extreme examples, but worth noting incase you are already someone with liver complications. 

2. Drug Interactions: CBD oil may interact with certain medications, potentially altering their effects. This is because CBD can inhibit the activity of certain enzymes in the liver, which are responsible for metabolising some medications. It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about your CBD oil use to ensure safe and effective medication management if you are currently on other medications. Although reported drug interactions are minimal, it is vital to check and confirm with your GP if you are at all concerned. 

3. Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to CBD oil. Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue use and seek medical attention immediately.

It is important to note that these potential risks and side effects are not experienced by everyone and can vary depending on individual factors such as dosage, frequency of use, and overall health.

CBD oil and medication interactions - what you need to know

The potential interaction between CBD oil and medications is an important consideration for anyone using CBD oil in conjunction with other drugs. CBD can affect how certain medications are metabolised in the body, potentially leading to altered levels of the medication in the bloodstream. This can result in either reduced effectiveness or increased side effects of the medication.  

To better understand the potential interactions between CBD and medications, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalised advice based on your specific medical history and the medications you are taking. Additionally, a CBD oil drug interaction checker can be a useful tool to identify potential interactions. These online tools allow you to enter the medications you are taking, including CBD oil, and provide information on potential interactions.

It is important to note that CBD oil can interact with both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Therefore, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including CBD oil, to ensure safe and effective treatment.

CBD oil and blood thinners - potential interaction and risks

One common concern regarding CBD oil and medication interactions is its potential interaction with blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants. Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to individuals with conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, atrial fibrillation, or those who have undergone certain surgical procedures.

CBD oil has the potential to increase the effects of blood thinners, leading to an increased risk of bleeding. This is because CBD can inhibit the activity of enzymes responsible for metabolising these medications, potentially resulting in higher levels of the blood thinner in the bloodstream.

If you are taking blood thinners and considering using CBD oil, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider to remain safe and find any recent information about their interactions. They can advise you on whether CBD oil is safe for you and recommend appropriate dosage adjustments if necessary. It is important not to adjust your medication regimen without medical supervision.

CBD oil and blood pressure medication - potential interaction and risks

Another important consideration is the potential interaction between CBD oil and blood pressure medication. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that often requires medication management. CBD oil has been suggested to have potential blood pressure-lowering effects, which may interact with the medications prescribed for this condition. Although we've never seen these issues firsthand, it doesn't mean it isn't possible. So again it's important to talk to your GP first, and if proceeding to know what to keep an eye out for. 

If you are taking blood pressure medication and considering using CBD oil, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider. They can monitor your blood pressure levels and adjust your medication dosage if necessary. It is important not to make any changes to your medication regimen without medical guidance, as uncontrolled blood pressure can lead to serious health complications.

Understanding the CBD oil drug interaction checker

To ensure safe and effective use of CBD oil with other medications, a CBD oil drug interaction checker can be a valuable resource. These online tools allow you to enter the medications you are taking, including CBD oil, and provide information on potential interactions.

When using a CBD oil drug interaction checker, it is essential to input accurate and up-to-date information about your medications. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. The checker will then analyse the potential interactions between CBD oil and your medications and provide recommendations based on the available data.

However, it is important to note that a CBD oil drug interaction checker should not replace the advice of a healthcare professional, it is only a quick reference. It is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.

Medications that should not be taken with CBD oil - a comprehensive list

While CBD oil can interact with various medications, there are specific medications that should not be taken with CBD oil without talking to your doctor due to the potential for severe interactions. It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider and inform them about your CBD oil use to ensure safe and effective treatment. Some medications that may have significant interactions with CBD oil include:

1. Warfarin: CBD oil may increase the effects of warfarin, a commonly prescribed blood thinner. This can lead to an increased risk of bleeding.

2. Clobazam: CBD oil can increase the levels of clobazam, a medication used to treat epilepsy. This can result in an increased risk of sedation and other side effects.

3. Valproate: CBD oil may increase the levels of valproate, a medication used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. This can lead to an increased risk of liver damage and other adverse effects.

It is crucial to note that this list is not exhaustive, and there may be other medications that can interact with CBD oil. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice based on your specific medical history and medication regimen.

CBD oil and common medications - what you should be cautious of

In addition to the medications mentioned above, CBD oil may also interact with common medications used to treat various conditions. It is important to be cautious when using CBD oil in conjunction with the following medications:

1. Antidepressants: CBD oil may interact with certain antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). This can result in increased side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

2. Antiepileptic drugs: CBD oil may interact with antiepileptic drugs, potentially leading to increased side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating.

3. Benzodiazepines: CBD oil can increase the effects of benzodiazepines, resulting in increased sedation and drowsiness.

It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider if you are taking any of these medications and considering using CBD oil. They can provide personalised advice and monitor your medication regimen for any potential interactions.

CBD oil and over-the-counter drugs - potential interactions

CBD oil can also interact with over-the-counter drugs commonly used to treat various conditions. It is important to be aware of potential interactions when using CBD oil in conjunction with these medications:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): CBD oil may interact with NSAIDs, potentially increasing the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers. Although rare, it is worth considering and asking for advice with. 

2. Antihistamines: CBD oil may increase the effects of antihistamines, leading to increased drowsiness and sedation.

3. Sleep aids: CBD oil may enhance the effects of sleep aids, resulting in increased drowsiness and sedation.

Always consult with your healthcare provider before using CBD oil with over-the-counter medications to ensure safe and effective treatment.

Factors to consider before using CBD oil with medication

Before incorporating CBD oil into your medication regimen, there are several factors to consider:

1. Consult with a healthcare professional: It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD oil, especially if you are taking other medications. They can provide personalised advice based on your specific medical history and medication regimen.

2. Start with a low dosage: If you decide to use CBD oil, start with a low dosage and gradually increase it if needed. This allows you to monitor how your body responds to CBD and any potential interactions with your medications.

3. Monitor for side effects: Pay close attention to any side effects that may occur when using CBD oil with your medications. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and consult with your healthcare provider.

4. Be aware of potential interactions: Educate yourself about potential interactions between CBD oil and your medications. This includes understanding how CBD affects the metabolism of certain drugs and the potential consequences of these interactions.

By considering these factors and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can make informed decisions about using CBD oil with your medications.

CBD oil and specific medication types - an overview

CBD oil can potentially interact with medications from various categories. Here is an overview of how CBD oil may interact with specific medication types:

1. Anticoagulants: CBD oil may increase the effects of blood thinners, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.

2. Antidepressants: CBD oil may interact with certain antidepressants, potentially increasing side effects such as drowsiness and difficulty concentrating.

3. Antiepileptic drugs: CBD oil may interact with antiepileptic drugs, potentially leading to increased side effects such as drowsiness and difficulty concentrating.

4. Benzodiazepines: CBD oil can increase the effects of benzodiazepines, resulting in increased sedation and drowsiness.

5. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): CBD oil may interact with NSAIDs, potentially increasing the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers.

6. Antihistamines: CBD oil can increase the effects of antihistamines, leading to increased drowsiness and sedation.

7. Sleep aids: CBD oil may enhance the effects of sleep aids, resulting in increased drowsiness and sedation.

It is important to consult with your healthcare provider if you are taking any of these medications and considering using CBD oil. They can provide personalised advice based on your specific medical history and medication regimen.

Conclusion: Understanding the importance of consulting with a healthcare professional about CBD use.

In conclusion, CBD oil has gained significant popularity in the UK due to its potential health benefits. However, it is crucial to understand the potential risks and side effects associated with its use and what drugs should not be taken with CBD. CBD oil can interact with certain medications, potentially altering their effects and increasing the risk of side effects. 

Before incorporating CBD oil into your medication regimen, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide personalised advice based on your specific medical history and medication regimen and are much more informed than Dr Google!

Additionally, a CBD oil drug interaction checker can be a useful tool to identify potential interactions when considering things. However, it should not replace the advice of a healthcare professional.

By understanding the potential risks, consulting with a healthcare professional, and monitoring for any adverse effects, you can make informed decisions about using CBD oil with your medications. Remember, your healthcare provider is your best resource for personalised advice and guidance.