CBD and Antidepressants: Can You Take CBD with Sertraline?

Drug interactions are fascinating, however more often than not pose a challenge to patients looking to treat anxiety and other mood disorders. It can become overwhelming to decide what combination of medications feels best. This brings us to an important question: can you take CBD with sertraline and other SSRIs?

While CBD is generally safe, it does pose a few potential drug interactions, urging consumers to exercise caution, especially when combining CBD with other prescriptions.

Why consider CBD for Anxiety and Depression?

CBD, renowned for its potential to alleviate discomfort and stress, emerges as a possible aid for anxiety and depression. However, for those on medications to manage these conditions, incorporating CBD requires an understanding of how we metabolize it, and what additional side effects can occur. 

We see more positive interactions between active ingredients found in hemp and cannabis like terpenes and cannabinoids, blending together to aid in regulating the human nervous system. This simple and soothing supplement may be of interest to those struggling with mood disorders, but there are considerations to take on how CBD affects SSRIs and other drugs. 

CBD exacerbates antidepressants effects via liver metabolism

Many antidepressants, part of the cytochrome P450 family, influence liver enzymes responsible for metabolizing various drugs. CBD may exhibit a similar inhibitory effect. When combined with antidepressants that impede these enzymes, CBD could substantially slow down drug metabolism, potentially leading to elevated drug concentrations in the body. Studies indicate that CBD might hinder the breakdown of drugs like Zoloft and Lexapro, raising concerns about heightened SSRI-related side effects.

The combination of CBD with antidepressants like sertraline and escitalopram could intensify side effects, posing risks for those experiencing sleep disturbances or gastrointestinal issues. Both CBD and antidepressants affecting liver function magnify the potential for liver injury. Reports of amplified side effects, including warnings about suicidal ideations from both CBD and antidepressants, highlight the gravity of these interactions. Further clinical data is essential to understand the full impact of this doubling effect.

What happens when you combine CBD and sertraline?

Studies exploring CBD’s impact in conjunction with sertraline for PTSD have showcased intriguing results. Though there are still similar risks to liver health when taking an SSRI with CBD, there is compelling evidence to show CBD and sertraline may provide relief from PTSD. 

Combined treatment exhibited improved behaviors in rats with PTSD, with CBD and sertraline showing a synergistic action on cognitive and emotional disturbances. Notably, gene expression analyses revealed normalized alterations in these animals’ gene expressions, indicating a potential for PTSD treatment with the combination of CBD and sertraline.

Additional precautions

Seeking guidance from a medical professional before incorporating CBD with other mood-stabilizing medications is imperative. CBD may interact with a wide array of medications, supplements, and even certain food types, including anticoagulants, benzodiazepines, caffeine, and more.

Combining CBD with sertraline or other antidepressants demands cautious consideration, given the potential amplification of side effects and altered drug metabolism. While preliminary studies highlight the synergistic potential of CBD and sertraline in managing PTSD, thorough clinical evaluations and medical guidance are vital before integrating these substances.