Taking ibuprofen and missing your favorite CBD products? OR Do you want to delve into the wonderful world of CBD but are concerned about the interaction between CBD and ibuprofen? Don't worry; we're here to help you.
Ibuprofen and cannabidiol combat pain and inflammation in the human body. But ibuprofen's long list of side effects makes it a more dangerous option. In comparison, CBD is not only much safer to use on a regular basis, but it also helps improve physical and emotional well-being.
While both medications have potential therapeutic benefits, many people are unsure whether it's safe to take them together or how long they should wait between taking CBD and ibuprofen. This is a common concern among people who use these medications and supplements on a daily basis, as well as those who are new to these products.
In this article, we'll explore the potential interactions between CBD and ibuprofen, how they interact, and how to use them safely. Let's find out.
What is Ibuprofen?
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) often used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation in the body.
However, the benefits of ibuprofen go beyond just pain control. It has been shown to be effective against rheumatoid arthritis and other disorders, minor musculoskeletal injuries, and fever, and also helps prevent blood clots.
How Does Ibuprofen Work?
When the human body experiences stress or physical injury, it produces prostanoids in cyclooxygenase enzymes called COX-1 and COX-2, which are responsible for regulating pain and inflammation. Ibuprofen inhibits and restricts these enzymes and the prostanoids they produce. As a result, pain and inflammation are significantly reduced or completely eliminated.
Ibuprofen is a non-selective COX inhibitor, meaning it inhibits both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes. Therefore, it can be used for a variety of purposes.
CBD vs Ibuprofen
Now that we have a general idea of how ibuprofen works, it's time to turn our attention to CBD and how it works in our bodies.
CBD and ibuprofen are two different compounds that can have similar effects on pain and inflammation, but they work through different mechanisms and have different potential side effects.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant. It interacts with the body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological functions, including pain, inflammation, and immune response. CBD has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and neuroprotective properties, and it has been used to manage a wide range of conditions, including chronic pain, anxiety, and epilepsy.
On the other hand, Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that cause inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing the number of prostaglandins in the body, ibuprofen can help to alleviate a wide range of symptoms, including headache, menstrual cramps, arthritis, and other forms of pain and inflammation.
But, if ibuprofen is so effective, why should we consider CBD? Well, because taking ibuprofen carries several risk factors that we must take into account. Even with short-term usage, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Interaction between CBD and Ibuprofen
Anti-inflammatory Effects: The combination of CBD and Ibuprofen may help with inflammation reduction.
Analgesic Effects: When CBD and Ibuprofen are combined, both substances cure pain more effectively.
Adverse Effects: Combining CBD with Ibuprofen may increase the risk of adverse effects such as dizziness, nausea, and drowsiness
Gastrointestinal Risk: When CBD and Ibuprofen are taken together, they can affect the digestive tract, increasing the risk of ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding.
Drug Interactions: The combination of CBD and Ibuprofen may increase the risk of drug interactions such as blood thinners.
Can I Take CBD and Ibuprofen Together?
On the one hand, you have a fast-acting synthetic drug with known side effects and health risks. On the other hand, you have an organic substance that is known to have its own benefits and no risks. Based on these data, the combination of both does not seem such a bad idea.
CBD and ibuprofen are generally regarded as safe when taken together, although there may be potential interactions or dangers that must be considered. Both CBD and ibuprofen have possible side effects, and taking them together may increase the risk of undesirable effects such as gastrointestinal distress, drowsiness, and changes in blood pressure.
Additionally, both CBD and ibuprofen are metabolized in the liver by the same enzymes, so taking them together could potentially lead to drug interactions or changes in their pharmacokinetics. This could have an impact on how one or both substances are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, or eliminated from the body, altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
How Long After Taking CBD Can I Take Ibuprofen?
You don't need to wait for a specific amount of time between taking CBD and ibuprofen. However, spacing out intake times reduces the risk of negative interactions.
We recommend taking them separately and with caution, especially if you are taking other medications or have a history of medical conditions.
If you do decide to combine CBD with ibuprofen, you should space out the dosages to minimize the risk of interactions or side effects. For example, you could take CBD in the morning and ibuprofen in the evening, or vice versa. Alternatively, you could try a different type of pain reliever, such as acetaminophen, which is not an NSAID and may have a lower risk of interactions with CBD.
Should I Take Ibuprofen OR CBD?
Ibuprofen and CBD are both effective treatments for pain and inflammation. However, they differ in certain key ways that could affect the drinking experience and general health.
The most important difference between the two substances is the side effects they cause. NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, have a bad reputation for causing numerous adverse effects. These side effects are very common, and sometimes, they can be very serious.
Side Effects of NSAIDs include:
- Ulcers
- Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Tinnitus
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Leg swelling
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack, stroke, and death
The risk of experiencing side effects from the consumption of NSAIDs is 25%.
In comparison, the risk of experiencing side effects with CBD is much lower. Furthermore, significantly higher doses of CBD can be safely consumed in a single day. According to the study, the human body can tolerate high doses of up to 1,500mg per day. CBD is non-toxic, making it a far safer option for the kidneys and liver. In terms of cardiovascular health, research has revealed that, unlike ibuprofen, CBD has no effect on blood pressure, heart rate, or body temperature.
Side Effects of CBD include:
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Changes in appetite and weight
CBD is Perfect for Regular Consumption while Frequent consumption of NSAIDs might result in hospitalization or even death. Most ibuprofen adverse effects occur after prolonged use. For this reason, for those who need to take pain or inflammation medicine on a regular basis, CBD is a better option than ibuprofen because it has milder side effects.
Another advantage of using CBD is how rapidly its effects appear. When taken orally, the effects of ibuprofen are usually seen within 20 to 30 minutes. For certain types of pain, ibuprofen can take up to 3 weeks to work.
By comparison, when smoked or consumed sublingually, the effects of CBD are felt within minutes, or even seconds.
CBD has significantly more flexible dosing options than over-the-counter NSAIDs. CBD can be consumed in the form of gummies, tinctures, capsules, oils, e-liquids, powders, ointments, salves, and lotions. CBD-rich cannabis strains can also be smoked or vaped for a similar effect.
What Drugs Should Not Be Taken with CBD?
CBD has the potential to interact with many medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. The following drugs should not be combined with CBD:
Blood Thinners: CBD can increase the blood-thinning effects of drugs like Warfarin, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
Antidepressants: CBD can interact with certain antidepressants, including SSRIs, which can lead to increased levels of serotonin in the body and potentially cause side effects such as agitation, anxiety, and rapid heart rate.
Anti-anxiety Medications: CBD can interact with anti-anxiety medications, such as benzodiazepines, which can increase the sedative effects of these drugs.
Blood Pressure Drugs: CBD can drop blood pressure and interact with hypertension drugs, leading to hypotension (low blood pressure).
Steroids and Immunosuppressants: CBD may affect the metabolism of drugs used to treat autoimmune diseases and may increase the risk of side effects.
FAQs
Can I take painkillers after CBD oil?
It is generally considered safe to take painkillers after using CBD oil, although there may be some interactions or risks that need to be considered.
CBD oil may affect the way painkillers are absorbed, distributed, metabolized, or eliminated from the body, which can lead to changes in their effectiveness or safety. Additionally, some painkillers, particularly prescription opioids, can be habit-forming and have a high risk of addiction and overdose.
Can you take paracetamol after CBD?
Yes, it is generally considered safe to take paracetamol (also known as acetaminophen) after using CBD. Paracetamol is an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer that is often used to treat mild to moderate pain.
CBD doesn't have any known negative interactions with paracetamol, and there is no evidence to suggest that combining the two medicines would be risky. However, like with any drug, it is important to follow the dosing instructions and not exceed the recommended dose.
When is the best time to take CBD for pain?
The best time to take CBD for pain can vary depending on the type of pain and the individual's specific needs. It is recommended to experiment with different dosages and timings to find what works best for you. However, taking CBD with food, being consistent with dosing, and considering the type of pain can all be helpful in determining the best time to take CBD for pain.
Bottom Line
There is no general rule of thumb for how long to wait between taking CBD and Ibuprofen because it depends on individual factors such as dosage, frequency, and the medical condition being treated. Consult your doctor for specific guidance on how long you should wait between taking both drugs.
If you have gastrointestinal issues, such as ulcers or bleeding, you should be careful when combining CBD and Ibuprofen, as both medications can increase the risk of complications in the digestive system.
Lastly, if you are taking other medications, you should consult with your doctor before mixing CBD and Ibuprofen to avoid any drug interactions.