CBD oil is surging in popularity right now. It is available in tinctures, capsules, and a variety of topical products. It is said to help with everything from chronic pain to depression. But, while CBD claims to treat a plethora of ailments, is it actually safe to take with your prescription and over-the-counter medications?
Types of medications that commonly have a grapefruit warning
Antibiotics and antimicrobials
Antibiotics are drugs that kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. They are used to treat bacterial infections and are usually prescribed for serious infections.
Antimicrobials are drugs that are effective against bacteria but are not classified as antibiotics.
Anticancer medications
Most anticancer medications work by interfering with the cancer cell’s ability to grow and divide. Some work by interfering with cell signalling, while others work by interfering with cell metabolism. The drugs used most often to treat cancer are chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. The first two groups work by targeting fast-growing cells, while targeted therapies work with molecules that specifically target the malignant cells.
Antihistamines
Antihistamines are a class of drugs used for treating allergies and the symptoms of allergic reactions such as sneezing, wheezing, or itchy eyes. There are two main types of antihistamines: H1 antihistamines (e.g., clemastine, hydroxyzine) and H2 antihistamines (e.g., chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine).
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs)
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are medications used to treat seizures and other movement disorders. Anticonvulsants are used to treat epilepsy, but they can also help prevent seizures in people without epilepsy. AEDs are used alone or with other medications to treat certain types of seizures and to prevent sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
Blood pressure medications
The treatment for high blood pressure varies by the type of high blood pressure and your overall health. Some patients may need medication to control their blood pressure. Your primary care provider will perform routine screenings and blood tests to determine if your blood pressure is elevated. Depending on the results of those tests, your provider may refer you to a cardiologist who will work with you to develop the best treatment plan for you.
Blood thinners
Blood thinners, also known as anticoagulants, are commonly used to prevent blood clots from forming in your body. They are especially important if you are at an elevated risk for blood clots, which are related to factors such as age, gender, family history of blood clots, or certain medical conditions.
Cholesterol medications
Cholesterol medications are traditionally produced to treat high cholesterol, but they also help to combat heart disease. This medicine is available in various forms, including tablets, liquid or gel capsules, injections, ointments, and suppositories. All forms of this medication have to be taken regularly. The medication is taken either with food or on an empty stomach, as advised by your physician.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, or steroids for short, are a potent group of drugs used by many patients for a variety of purposes. Corticosteroids are highly anti-inflammatory in nature and therefore are often used to manage pain, swelling, and other symptoms associated with illnesses such as arthritis, asthma, and emphysema.
Erectile disfunction medications
Erectile dysfunction or erection problems are common among men. Erectile dysfunction can also be characterized by how long it lasts or how hard you feel. Erectile dysfunction affects almost half of all men and is most prevalent among older men. Erectile dysfunction medications are prescribed to help men who have erectile dysfunction.
GI medications, such as to treat GERD or nausea
Most people are familiar with the term “GI” (gastrointestinal) medications, but those medications are only one type of medication that affects the digestive system. There are also medications called “GI motility agents” or “antacids” that are taken when heartburn occurs. But medications that relieve the symptoms of acid reflux, constipation, diarrhea, or indigestion are also GI medications.
A comprehensive study from 2015 found that CBD was perfectly safe and well-tolerated when taken with prescription and over-the-counter painkillers. Given its long history of safe use, there is no reason to think that CBD is not safe.