CBD oil has many health benefits, improving ailments and symptoms of various diseases. The FDA has approved its use in patients suffering from seizures. But we must remember that, like any medication, the dosage must be taken care of and the behavior of each person must be closely monitored. In today’s article, we will learn about the side effects of CBD to which we should pay attention.
Could CBD have side effects?
Generally, CBD is well tolerated, when side effects are reported they are usually accompanied by a very high dose or because it has been combined with other medications. But, there are people who may experience some symptoms.
The most common are dizziness, headaches or dry mouth. Although in some cases they may present low blood pressure or diarrhea. In a small percentage there are adverse effects such as convulsions or lethargy, which would require medical attention. Although in most cases these are mild to moderate effects of a transitory nature.
What to consider before taking CBD?
As with any medication, several considerations and precautions must be taken into account in order to administer it responsibly. First, we must take into account in which cases we should modify the dosage or omit CBD altogether.
- Do not use during pregnancy or lactation.
- Epidiolex is approved for use in children over 1 year of age. At a dose of 25 mg/kg per day, but other CBD presentations are not approved for use.
- In hepatic patients the dose should be modified.
- Cardiopathy patients cannot receive CBD, unless under strict medical supervision.
- High doses of CBD may worsen tremors and muscle movements in Parkinson’s disease.
- Renal patients should consult their physician before opting to consume CBD, as their condition reduces the elimination of CBD.
- Do not mix with alcohol.
- Avoid taking medications such as sedatives, anticonvulsants, antidepressants, valproic acid, immunosuppressants, calcium channel blockers, antipsychotics and opioids. This is because CBD and these drugs compete for the cytochrome P450 enzyme to be metabolized.
Mild side effects of CBD
Mild side effects of CBD occur when a higher than recommended dose is taken, and some individuals are more sensitive to CBD than others. These are some of the effects:
- Headache: It occurs frequently in people who start taking CBD, exceeding the dose and shortening the intervals.
- Dry mouth: CBD can indirectly regulate saliva production by increasing the concentration of anandamide, which binds to CB1 receptors inhibiting saliva production.
- Appetite changes: In some cases, it can accelerate the metabolism, leading people to feel hungrier. While in other groups, appetite tends to decrease or be suppressed, leading to weight loss.
- Dizziness: Dizziness is uncommon and the cause or mechanism by which CBD causes dizziness has not yet been established.
- Fatigue: Fatigue often occurs when CBD is taken in the morning, before going to work or during the day at times when there is more stress. The reason for this has not been established, but it is believed to be part of its deep relaxation effects.
Also may occur; redness of the eyes; mild euphoria, reduced alertness, vomiting and mood swings. Other effects that may occur are diarrhea and low blood pressure, but these would be two moderate side effects.
Benefit-risk ratio of CBD
CBD does not produce psychotropic or intoxicating effects, its toxicity is very low and its side effects are few. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes that it is a molecule with a good tolerance and endorses its safety, presenting a very low or no dependence effect. It is usually very well tolerated, as long as there are no other drugs involved.
CBD has been approved to treat seizures in patients with Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndrome, which are often resistant to conventional treatments.
So far this is the only prescription for which the FDA approves CBD, although it has shown great health benefits for patients with diabetes, multiple sclerosis, anxiety or sleep problems. But, enough scientific data needs to be gathered to approve its use in these diseases.
Taking into account the above, is it worth taking CBD? Absolutely, as long as it is under medical supervision. Avoid exceeding the dose, remembering that side effects, although infrequent and mild, may occur.