Samuel Njoroge
Pain and inflammation are common problems for most people. If you struggle with pain more often, chances are ibuprofen has been your best companion. With CBD gaining popularity daily, more and more people are using it to manage various health issues, including pain and inflammation.
So, is CBD effective in relieving pain? And can you take CBD with ibuprofen? Well, continue reading to learn more.
Understanding CBD
CBD is among the hundreds of cannabinoids available in the cannabis plant and is legal in most states. While you can use it to treat various psychiatric disorders like depression, anxiety, seizures, etc., CBD won’t get you high.
The main psychoactive compound in marijuana is THC and is responsible for the “high” effect associated with cannabis use. You can buy high THC cannabis seeds and grow pot on your own. THC strains are considered classic for regular consumption.
CBD can offer relief against various health issues, including pain and depression, without getting you high. Due to the many health benefits and legality in some parts of the world, CBD use has rapidly increased. Some common products you can infuse with CBD include capsules, lotions, shampoos, edibles, soaps, etc.
CBD vs. Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a common drug used to treat pain and inflammation. It is a nonsteroidal inflammatory drug and is sold over the counter.
Ibuprofen works by blocking prostaglandin, a specific type of hormone. Unlike other hormones, prostaglandins form through a chemical reaction at the point they’re required. Most specifically, they form in a site with an infection or tissue damage, leading to inflammation, pain, or even fever.
Ibuprofen limits the production of enzymes by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), resulting in decreased prostaglandin production when you’re injured. This will, in turn, help lower inflammation and pain.
Ibuprofen can cause serious side effects when taken in excess, including heartburn, high blood pressure, dizziness, stomach bleeding, heart attack, stroke, etc.
CBD has been used to manage and reduce pain for centuries. CBD binds to CB1 and CB2 neuropeptides and thus helps manage and relieve pain and inflammation.
As you can see, both ibuprofen and CBD can help combat pain and inflammation. However, unlike CBD, which can be taken daily as part of your daily supplements, ibuprofen should not exceed ten days or as advised by the doctor.
How Does CBD Interact with Ibuprofen?
Currently, there’s no sufficient information on how CBD interacts with other medications. While more research is needed to determine how CBD interacts with ibuprofen, available research shows that CBD has inhibitory effects on some enzymes known to galvanize drug metabolism.
You can experience adverse side effects associated with ibuprofen when you use it with CBD.
CBD drug interactions fall into two main categories; those that require users to be cautious when using the two together and those that shouldn’t be used together as they pose more significant threats.
Luckily, ibuprofen falls into the first category, meaning you can use the two together cautiously. The interaction between ibuprofen and CBD will either decrease or increase depending on how the liver can break down the drugs.
It’s also worth noting that timing and dosing determine how CBD interacts with ibuprofen and other drugs. When you space out doses of medication, the workload on the liver will be significantly reduced.
The dosage will also play a key role in determining the interaction of CBD with ibuprofen. To that end, you may experience an increased risk of stomach bleeding when you take higher amounts of CBD and ibuprofen. Conversely, CBD won’t affect how the liver metabolizes ibuprofen when taken in low amounts.
However, it’s important to remember that different persons respond differently to drugs. While some people react to certain substances, others will not be sensitive. Ideally, genetics, age, body size, etc., will determine how the body processes the medication.
So, Is It Safe to Use CBD with Ibuprofen?
As you’ve seen, taking low amounts of CBD with ibuprofen will not cause adverse effects on your body. However, more research is required to determine whether CBD will affect the effectiveness of ibuprofen.
Since each person is different, you should talk to your doctor about using CBD oil with ibuprofen. If you experience any adverse effects, it’s best to stop the medication immediately.
