CBD can be an amazing addition to your routine to address a variety of symptoms. But, just because it’s only shown to have a few side effects yet many benefits doesn’t mean it’s the solution for everyone. As with any supplement, it’s important to talk to your doctor about CBD.
Approaching your doctor about your interest in natural therapies like CBD can be intimidating if you aren’t prepared. We’ve put together some tips for discussing your interest in CBD with your doctor to make sure you’re on the right track in your wellness journey.
Why it’s necessary to consult a physician
There isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to wellness. Likewise, CBD simply isn’t a solution for everyone. There are possible risks when mixing CBD with certain prescription drugs. Because of the way CBD interacts with the body, it can change the way your body metabolizes certain drugs. This change can increase the time it takes your prescriptions to be metabolized. So, if you continue taking your prescriptions on your usual schedule, it can lead to possible misuse or even overdose.
Steroids, antibiotics, antidepressants, beta-blockers, antiarrhythmics, HIV antivirals, and NSAIDs are just some of the common medications that can be affected by CBD.
Taking these medications does not necessarily mean you cannot also take CBD. However, there are possible severe side effects, and it’s important to speak to your doctor about how to adjust your medications accordingly to remain safe and healthy. Furthermore, you need to ensure that your other existing conditions do not worsen at the expense of your prescriptions working improperly.
It’s also important to never suddenly stop taking a medication without instructions from your doctor to do so. He or she can instruct you with how to safely taper your medication if you find another alternative — such as CBD — or your condition improves.
4 easy steps for talking to your doctor about CBD
The first step to talking to your doctor about CBD is to thoroughly research your symptoms, documenting them, and what you hope to accomplish with your therapy. You should also research CBD in general. Remember that CBD from hemp is legal.
You may also choose to write or type a physical list of questions about CBD to bring with you. Your health is your physician’s first priority, and it will make his or her job easier if they know how to address your concerns. As mentioned above, make sure to clarify if any of the medications you take interact with CBD. Going into your conversation with all of this in mind will help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
If your doctor is not receptive to adding CBD to your regimen, don’t be afraid to get a second opinion. But never disregard your doctor’s advice and start taking CBD even though he or she advises against it.
If you and your doctor decide that CBD is a good addition to your health routine, shop our online store. We stock one of the largest selections of CBD products from the highest-quality brands. You can also find lab results from every product under the lab results and analysis tab on the brand’s respective page.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on 4/11/19 & has been updated to include more information.