Cbd side effects

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Common Side Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD)

Clinical studies consistently report that the most common side effects of CBD include tiredness or fatigue, diarrhea, and changes in appetite or weight. These effects are generally mild to moderate in severity and occur more frequently at higher doses of CBD Iffland2017Huestis2019. Sedation and somnolence (sleepiness) are also commonly observed, especially in studies involving patients with epilepsy or when CBD is used alongside other medications such as clobazam Chesney2020Santos2020Boggs2018.

Serious Adverse Effects and Drug Interactions

Serious adverse effects from CBD are rare but can occur. The most notable serious side effects include elevated liver enzymes (transaminases), which are especially likely when CBD is used together with certain other medications like valproate, a common anti-epileptic drug Chesney2020Santos2020Huestis2019+1 MORE. Other rare but serious effects reported include pneumonia and upper respiratory tract infections, particularly in children with epilepsy who are taking multiple medications Chesney2020Santos2020.

CBD can interact with other drugs by affecting how they are metabolized in the liver. This can increase the risk of side effects from both CBD and the other medications. For example, CBD can increase the sedative effects of clobazam and may require dose adjustments of other drugs metabolized by the same liver enzymes Santos2020Iffland2017Huestis2019+1 MORE.

Tolerability and Safety Profile

Overall, CBD is considered to have a favorable safety profile compared to other medications used for similar conditions, such as epilepsy and psychiatric disorders Iffland2017Huestis2019. Most people tolerate CBD well, and the risk of severe side effects is low when it is used appropriately and under medical supervision Chesney2020Iffland2017Boggs2018. However, monitoring is recommended, especially for people taking other medications or those with underlying liver conditions Chesney2020Santos2020Brown2019.

Special Considerations for Children and Epilepsy

In studies involving children with epilepsy, side effects such as abnormal liver function, sedation, and infections are more common, likely due to interactions with other anti-epileptic drugs Chesney2020Santos2020. Careful monitoring and possible dose adjustments are important in these cases.

Potential for Counteracting THC Side Effects

CBD may also help reduce some of the psychotropic and psychiatric side effects caused by THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis. Research suggests that CBD can counteract THC-induced cognitive and affective disturbances, possibly by affecting specific brain signaling pathways .

Conclusion

CBD is generally well tolerated, with the most common side effects being tiredness, diarrhea, and changes in appetite or weight. Serious adverse effects are rare but can include liver enzyme elevations and drug interactions, especially in people taking other medications. Monitoring and medical supervision are recommended, particularly for children with epilepsy and those on complex medication regimens. More research is needed to fully understand the long-term safety of CBD, especially outside of clinical trial settings.

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Most relevant research papers on this topic

Adverse effects of cannabidiol: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

CBD is generally well-tolerated with few serious adverse effects, but interactions with other medications should be monitored.

Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2020·

237citations

·E. Chesney et al.

Neuropsychopharmacology·

DOI

Serious adverse effects of cannabidiol (CBD): a review of randomized controlled trials

CBD has rare serious adverse effects, mainly elevated transaminases, convulsions, sedation, lethargy, and upper respiratory tract infections, which may be related to drug-drug interactions.

Systematic Review

2020·

56citations

·R. G. dos Santos et al.

Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism & Toxicology·

DOI

An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies

CBD has a favorable safety profile in humans, with common side effects including tiredness, diarrhea, and changes of appetite/weight, but more clinical research is needed on its interactions with other drugs and hormones.

Literature ReviewHighly Cited

2017·

541citations

·Kerstin Iffland et al.

Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research·

DOI

Cannabidiol Adverse Effects and Toxicity

CBD has shown therapeutic efficacy for serious conditions like Dravet and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes, but its use should be based on a thorough understanding of its adverse effects and potential drug-drug interactions.

Systematic ReviewRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2019·

339citations

·M. Huestis et al.

Current Neuropharmacology·

DOI

Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug–Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use

CBD use may cause adverse drug events and drug-drug interactions, requiring careful monitoring and alternative therapies for medically complex patients.

Literature ReviewRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2019·

249citations

·Joshua D. Brown et al.

Journal of Clinical Medicine·

DOI

The effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on cognition and symptoms in outpatients with chronic schizophrenia a randomized placebo controlled trial

CBD augmentation did not improve cognitive impairments or psychotic symptoms in stable antipsychotic-treated outpatients with schizophrenia, but was well-tolerated and did not worsen mood, suicidality, or movement side effects.

RCTVery Rigorous JournalHighly Cited

2018·

211citations

·D. Boggs et al.

Psychopharmacology·

DOI

Cannabidiol Counteracts the Psychotropic Side-Effects of Δ-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol in the Ventral Hippocampus through Bidirectional Control of ERK1–2 Phosphorylation

CBD counteracts the psychotropic side effects of THC in the ventral hippocampus by blocking THC-induced ERK phosphorylation, potentially reducing neuropsychiatric risks associated with high-potency cannabis use.

Non-RCTAnimal StudyVery Rigorous Journal

2019·

69citations

·R. Hudson et al.

The Journal of Neuroscience·

DOI

The Effects of Cannabidiol, a Non-Intoxicating Compound of Cannabis, on the Cardiovascular System in Health and Disease

CBD shows potential beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system in various diseases, but further clinical research is needed to recommend its use for treatment.

Highly Cited

2020·

123citations

·Aleksandra Kicman et al.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences·

DOI

THC and CBD: Similarities and differences between siblings

THC and CBD show promising therapeutic properties, but their distinct mechanisms of action and brain effects differ, with potential for developing cannabinoid-based therapeutics for various diseases and ensuring safe use in the legal cannabis market.

Highly Cited

2023·

119citations

·N. Stella

Neuron·

DOI

Clinical and Preclinical Evidence for Functional Interactions of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol

Cannabidiol (CBD) may interact with THC, potentially reducing anxiety and psychosis-like symptoms, and should be considered in future cannabis-related policy decisions.

Literature ReviewRigorous JournalHighly Cited

2017·

198citations

·D. Boggs et al.

Neuropsychopharmacology·

DOI

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