Knowing how cannabis interacts with other medications is crucial as more patients seek relief from it. Cannabis can affect how some medications affect the body. These drugs have the ability to either intensify or lessen cannabis’ effects.
A medical marijuana doctor should be consulted before adding medical marijuana to your current medication regimen. To begin using medical marijuana, apply for a medical cannabis card online.
The Cytochrome P450 Enzyme System: Its Role in Drug Metabolism
The liver’s cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzyme system is in charge of breaking down a variety of drugs. The action of these enzymes can be slowed down or accelerated by cannabis. It has an impact on how rapidly medications are metabolized and taken up by the blood.
Because CBD inhibits CYP450 enzymes, some medications break down more slowly and have higher blood concentrations. This may result in more potent effects and a higher chance of adverse effects.
Certain drugs may degrade more quickly than usual due to THC’s ability to activate CYP450 enzymes, which could lessen their effectiveness.
How a patient’s body metabolizes cannabinoids, the particular medication, and the dosage all affect how severe these interactions are.
Different Types of Drug Interactions with Cannabis
- Inhibitory Interactions
Because CBD slows down the metabolism of some medications, blood levels of these substances rise. This may make drugs like blood thinners and antidepressants more effective.
- Inductive Interactions
THC can decrease the effectiveness of some medications by accelerating their breakdown. Immunosuppressants and painkillers may become less effective at controlling symptoms as a result.
- Additive Effects
Cannabis may intensify the effects of drugs that alter blood pressure or induce drowsiness or sedation. When taken with anti-anxiety medications like Zoloft, it may make side effects more likely.
Medications That Cannabis May Affect
When cannabis is taken with the following medications, side effects like lightheadedness, drowsiness, disorientation, and trouble focusing may worsen. Additionally, some older adults may have problems with their motor coordination, judgment, and thought processes.
Avoid or use alcohol sparingly while on these drugs. Until you know how these drugs affect you, avoid doing things that need your full attention, like driving or operating heavy equipment.
Consult your physician if you are worried. Discuss all medications, including vitamins and herbal supplements, with your healthcare provider. Never stop taking a medication without first talking to your doctor.
- Abilify (aripiprazole)
- Alfentanil
- Ativan (lorazepam)
- Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- Brexanolone
- Buprenorphine
- Butorphanol
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Flexeril (cyclobenzaprine)
- Klonopin (clonazepam)
- Lamictal (lamotrigine)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Lyrica (pregabalin)
- Oxycodone
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Seroquel (quetiapine)
- Valium (diazepam)
- Xanax (alprazolam)
- Zoloft (sertraline)
- Zyrtec (cetirizine)
You can check the entire list here.
Potential Risks of Combining Cannabis with Medications
- Increased Side Effects
Side effects like lightheadedness, disorientation, excessive sedation, and poor coordination can become more likely when cannabis is used with specific medications.
- Reduced Medication Effectiveness
Cannabis may cause some drugs to break down too quickly. This reduces their capacity to alleviate symptoms.
- Potential for Overdose
When combined with cannabis, medications with limited therapeutic windows, such as immunosuppressants or blood thinners, may become overly potent, raising the possibility of severe side effects.
CBD vs. THC: How They Differ in Drug Interactions
- Because CBD inhibits the liver enzymes that metabolize many medications, it increases the likelihood of drug interactions.
- When combined with some medications, THC can increase sedation and change heart rate, but it is less likely to disrupt drug metabolism.
- By lowering the need for larger dosages of opioids or other painkillers, CBD may be used in conjunction with certain medications.
Patients and healthcare professionals can make more informed decisions regarding the use of cannabis in conjunction with prescription drugs if they are aware of these distinctions.
Key Factors Affecting Cannabis-Medication Interactions
- Interactions are more likely to occur when cannabis dosages are higher.
- Cannabis that is inhaled acts rapidly. Edibles and tinctures can result in unexpected interactions and have longer-lasting effects with a delayed onset.
- Over time, regular use may affect how drugs are metabolized.
- The way cannabis interacts with medications can be influenced by a patient’s age, weight, metabolism, and liver function.
- Other cannabinoids and terpenes found in full-spectrum CBD products may have a different impact on drug interactions than those found in CBD isolates.
Tips to Minimize Risks When Using Cannabis with Medications
- See your doctor before taking cannabis along with prescription drugs. Tell them if you take any supplements or medications.
- Before changing the dosage, start with a small amount of cannabis and observe how they react.
- Keep an eye out for any unexpected drug side effects, sleepiness, dizziness, or changes in symptoms.
Why You Should Consult a Medical Marijuana Doctor
Finding the ideal product and dosage while avoiding potential hazards can be facilitated by speaking with a medical marijuana physician.
Apply for a medical cannabis card at Online Medical Card to speak with a medical marijuana physician. Additionally, you can obtain a grower’s license to grow 99 plants in CA if you wish to grow marijuana for medical purposes at home. From the comfort of your home, our skilled and informed cannabis doctors will assess your condition or conditions, respond to your inquiries, and offer treatment recommendations.