Nearly half of all CBD users in America use CBD to relieve stress and anxiety. For patients in Australia who are suffering from side effects or lackluster efficacy of traditional medications for anxiety, this new medication could be an alternative. Do follow for a detailed study on CBD Oil for Anxiety.
Highlights of CBD:
Evidence suggests that CBD oil (Cannabidiol) is a promising treatment option for anxiety disorders.
CBD oil has been shown to be safe and well-tolerated for short-term use even in high doses.
CBD oil is not associated with recreational cannabis use. You can take our quick eligibility test to see if your doctor will not prescribe.
The ABCs of CBD: What is it?
Cannabidiol (CBD), is a member of a group of molecules known as cannabinoids. These chemicals are found in cannabis (marijuana, hemp) plants. CBD oil is CBD oil that has been dissolved in carrier oil.
What is the process?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signalling system, identified in the early 1990s by researchers investigating THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), a common cannabinoid. Even if you don’t use cannabis, the system is still active in your body. Your body has cannabinoid receptors that make up the ECS.
The brain has the most cannabinoid receptors of any organ in the body. CBD regulates how brain cells behave through the control of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers in the body.
Non-cannabinoid receptors such as the serotonin receptors can also be activated by CBD. Low brain serotonin levels, a neurotransmitter that are associated with anxiety and depression. Although CBD can increase brain serotonin use in certain people and this effect is still not fully understood.
How is CBD different from THC?
There are more than 100 types of cannabinoids found in cannabis flowers and leaves. CBD and THC are the most commonly used cannabinoids in medicinal cannabis products.
Despite being from the same group of molecules, CBD is different to THC.
THC can be used to treat nausea, vomiting and pain, as well as improve appetite and sleep. THC can cause a high in some individuals who consume too much.
CBD is not a stimulant and can reduce side effects from THC.
Evidence from Research:
Although more research is necessary to understand the mechanisms behind CBD’s use in anxiety disorders treatment, it is safe. Patients who are not receiving the benefits of traditional medications or who experience side effects from them may consider CBD.
Depression and Anxiety
After 3 weeks of treatment for various conditions, a study has shown that CBD can improve patients’ quality of life. CBD is used to treat anxiety and depression. Patients who received CBD experienced improvements in their daily activities as well as a decrease in anxiety and depression symptoms.
Phobia Therapy and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Research suggests that CBD may reduce the severity of post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in patients when used alongside routine psychiatric treatment16 and when combined with THC. THC and CBD can have an “entourage effect”, which is when they are combined with each other. This is where THC increases the effects of CBD and CBD counters the negative effects of THC.
A study shows that the exposure therapy can be enhanced by CBD. This therapy helps patients to distinguish between fear responses and cues.
What Anxiety Disorders can CBD Oil Treat?
Preclinical evidence supports CBD oil’s short-term use as a treatment for these anxiety disorders.
- Generalised anxiety disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social anxiety disorder
- obsessive compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder.
What is CBD Oil’s role in anxiety treatment pathways?
There are many methods to manage anxiety. People with anxiety will recover faster if they get help sooner.
Currently, the main pharmacological treatments for anxiety disorders include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclics, partial 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) receptor agonists, and benzodiazepines. These medications can have side effects and low effectiveness in about 40% to 60% of patients.
While CBD oil is not an ultimate first-line treatment for anxiety disorders such as panic attacks. It is an alternative when other therapies have failed. There is evidence to support the effectiveness of CBD oil as a monotherapy or complement therapy in treating anxiety disorders.
CBD oil has the ability to reduce anxiety by:
- Muscle tension
- Restlessness
- Fatigue
- Problems in concentration
- Social anxiety
- CBD for Anxiety Dosing
Dosage:
Recent research revealed that there is no consensus among different studies on the right dosage of CBD oil for anxiety disorders. It was clear that CBD oil is effective in treating different types of anxiety disorders. The majority of studies used daily dosages of 20 to 1,500mg.
In 2018, a study showed that CBD 300mg, administered 90 minutes prior to a simulated public speaking exam, significantly decreased anxiety in speakers. The difference in effectiveness between those who took a lower dosage (150mg) or a higher dose (600mg), was minimal. These results show that dosages can vary and that a higher dose does not always mean it is more efficient.
A 2019 study found that CBD oil was effective in reducing anxiety. The doses were 25 to 75 mg/day.
There are many factors that influence the amount of CBD oil you should consume.
- Your weight
- The condition to treat
- The product’s CBD content
What should caregivers and patients know?
CBD oil is not a psychoactive substance and does not produce a high.
Consider your tolerance to CBD oil. How much CBD oil you need will depend on your tolerance. Unless your doctor has recommended a particular dose, you should start slowly increasing the dose until you get the desired effect.
CBD oil can help reduce anxiety. However, you should consult your doctor before stopping any medications that you are currently taking. You may experience withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking your prescription medications. CBD oil isn’t intoxicating so you can drive if you only use it. Take care when you’re using CBD products. It is illegal to drive if you are using THC products.
Is CBD Oil Safe for Anxiety?
Side Effects
CBD oil may have side effects, just like all medications. These side effects can vary depending on the product used and how they are experienced by each individual. The side effects of CBD products tend to be less severe than THC products.5 Recent research shows CBD oil is relatively safe.
Some side effects of CBD include:
- fatigue and sedation
- dizziness (vertigo)
- nausea and vomiting
- fever
- decreased or increased appetite
- dry mouth
CBD oil can be used continuously for its safety and well-tolerated effects. If you have any side effects or adverse reactions to medicine, contact your doctor immediately.
Withdrawal and dependence
CBD oil withdrawal symptoms are not associated with discontinuation. This oil can be stopped at any time without gradual reducing. While CBD oil demonstrates no potential for abuse or dependence.
Interactions
CBD oil blocks CYP3A4, which is an enzyme that breaks down many medications. This can lead to unwanted side effects or increase in the amount of medications in your system. It is possible for CBD oil to interact with drug interactions by blocking this enzyme. However, it is not clear if these effects occur at CBD’s usual dosage levels.
Patients who took CBD oil and valproate together had abnormal liver function tests. High CBD oil dosages may cause plasma concentrations to increase for certain epilepsy medications, such as clobazam or topiramate. The observed levels of epilepsy medications did not change beyond the therapeutic doses. However, the study emphasizes the importance of monitoring serum antiepileptic drug levels during CBD oil treatment.
A recent comprehensive review found that there have been reports of CBD oil interacting with epilepsy medicines, antidepressants, opioid analgesics and THC, as well as several other common medicines such as paracetamol, and substances including alcohol.
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