Consumers new to cannabis often start with CBD oil because they don’t want the high that typically comes from using marijuana products that are rich in THC. CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid people take to help with pain, inflammation, anxiety, and even sleep.
Whether it’s from hemp or cannabis, CBD has the potential to interact with any other medication or supplement you take. CBD is a stronger inhibitor of p450 enzymes, the enzymes in your liver that break down drugs, than THC or CBN. This means there is a greater chance of a drug interaction when using CBD than THC or CBN.
How Does CBD Interact With Alprazolam?
One class of drugs that can interact with CBD are benzodiazepines, commonly used to treat anxiety. Specifically, Xanax, also known by its generic name alprazolam, can interact with CBD. A liver enzyme called CYP3A4 is the main way Xanax is broken down, and thus taking CBD with Xanax make increase the amount of time Xanax is in your bloodstream, causing an increased risk of sedation, addiction, or suicidal thoughts.
“The initial step in alprazolam metabolism is hydroxylation catalyzed by cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A). Drugs that inhibit this metabolic pathway may have a profound effect on the clearance of alprazolam. Consequently, alprazolam should be avoided in patients receiving very potent inhibitors of CYP3A. With drugs inhibiting CYP3A to a lesser but still significant degree, alprazolam should be used only with caution and consideration of appropriate dosage reduction. For some drugs, an interaction with alprazolam has been quantified with clinical data; for other drugs, interactions are predicted from in vitro data and/or experience with similar drugs in the same pharmacologic class.”
https://www.pfizermedicalinformation.com/en-us/xanax/warnings
There have been no case studies or clinical trials documenting a Xanax and CBD interaction, but based on how other potent inhibitors of CYP3A4, including ketoconazole, nefazodone, and cimetidine increase blood levels of Xanax, I suggest that Xanax dosage be reduced while taking CBD, and eliminated if possible under the care of your doctor.
Learn how to manage your anxiety with a CBD consultation with Dr. Michele Ross: Book an Appointment.
How Likely Are You To Experience A CBD Drug Interaction With Xanax?
For some people, there may be a huge drug interaction, while others, only a modest one. How big the drug interaction, if any, may depend on four things:
- how you take the CBD (route of administration)
- when and how much of the CBD you take (dosage)
- your genetic profile (your DNA)
- your liver health
If you use a CBD topical cream, the CBD will not get into your bloodstream and will not inhibit p450 liver enzymes. Thus, the safest way to use CBD if are using a drug that interacts with it is a topical pain relief cream. However, this may do little for your anxiety unless applied to tense muscles in your neck and back.
Using a CBD vape pen or smoking hemp flower with CBD is another way to avoid metabolism through the liver and a possible drug interaction.
How To Avoid A Xanax and CBD Oil Drug Interaction
One way to potentially avoid a drug interaction when taking oral CBD products like CBD gummies or CBD drinks could be by making sure you space out your consumption of Xanax and CBD. For example, take your CBD in the morning, and your Xanax at night.
Another way is to simply avoid oral CBD products that are metabolized in your liver. CBD oil tinctures or drops, CBD vape pens, and CBD lotions or topicals are all safe to use with Xanax.
One word of extreme caution: if you take Xanax and edible CBD products, please don’t drink alcohol, as the risk of sedation, overdose, and even death skyrockets.
Need Help Tapering Off Xanax?
Many patients using Xanax or other prescription medications for anxiety or panic disorder dislike the side effects of these drugs and their addiction liability. Some are turning to CBD oil and cannabis for relief, and want to safely reduce their dependence on their dangerous prescriptions.
If you are ready to try a more natural, plant-based approach to managing your symptoms of anxiety, I can help. I’ll review your medical history and medications, and lifestyle to come up with safe dosing for CBD, cannabis, and other plant medicines to improve not your mood, but your quality of life.
Choosing CBD or cannabis is a brave first step. Remember to do it safely, under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Book an appointment with a plant medicine Anxiety Specialist here.
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