CBD and depression

CBD and current antidepressants

Treatment of mental illnesses usually takes place in two ways. The patient undergoes psychotherapy and also takes medications. The prescribed medications are antidepressants. However, there is more and more talk about the positive effects of CBD on the body in the course of diseases such as depression. CBD and current antidepressants – can CBD replace antidepressants?

What is CBD (cannabidiol) and how does it work?

CBD (cannabidiol), is a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis. It is obtained by extracting marijuana plants with a low concentration of THC and the highest possible concentration of CBD. It is gaining popularity as a way to deal with anxiety, stress, pain, and many other undesirable symptoms.
 

How does CBD work?

Human studies show CBD has anxiolytic, antipsychotic, and mood-enhancing effects. As you can see, it clearly affects our psyche in a beneficial way. The only question is: how?

There is a set of receptors in the human body that interact with cannabis compounds called cannabinoids such as CBD. These receptors make up the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the body’s system that is involved in many physiological processes and maintains homeostasis.
Cannabinoids like CBD interact with this system by mimicking natural compounds (called endocannabinoids) made by the body. In other words, CBD influences the activity of the cannabinoid receptors and encourages the body to produce natural endocannabinoids.

It turns out that CBD can also interact with opioid, dopamine, and serotonin receptors. Although research into the medical use of CBD is still ongoing, the observations made so far indicate that it may open up completely new possibilities in psychiatry. CBD and current antidepressants – so can it compare with them?

How much does CBD have to do with today’s antidepressants?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1 in 13 people worldwide suffers from anxiety disorders. It is extremely important to find a safe method of managing the symptoms of mental illness. Are psychotropic drugs really effective?
Fast-acting anxiolytics such as Xanax and Valium, while providing immediate relief, are addictive. Long-acting anti-anxiety medications like Prozac can help relieve symptoms over time, but they don’t work for everyone.
Therefore, the ideal drug is still being sought, which would not cause side effects and would be effective in helping to cure the problem. This is why CBD has recently come to the fore as an alternative or complementary anxiety treatment. Clinical research into CBD as a drug for anxiety disorders has gained momentum in recent years and the evidence points to its therapeutic potential.

Can you take CBD with antidepressants?

Studies conducted so far have shown that CBD may have an effect on antidepressant medications. There are many indications that it inhibits their metabolism. Unfortunately, research on cannabinoids has not yet provided comprehensive information on CBD’s interactions with antidepressants. This is why you should take extra care when combining CBD with any medications you are taking.