Cannabidiol Side Effects May Be Limited
Cannabidiol (cannabis) is a phytoalexin derived from the marijuana plant. It has been touted as a promising natural cure for Alzheimer’s and is currently being studied by hundreds of clinical trials. The only known side effect so far has been an increased appetite. Since appetite is one of the hallmarks of weight loss, this could be a serious problem. Other side effects include nausea, insomnia, dizziness, muscle weakness, and joint pain. If these side effects are common enough they may indicate Cannabidiol should not be used by everyone.
Another of the Cannabidiol side effects is the increase in appetite that can lead to increased caloric consumption leading to weight gain. This is why some patients taking the treatment have difficulty maintaining steady weights and suffer from sleep problems along with the increased appetite. Weight gain has also been noted in some adolescent children taking the medication for ADHD.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse has issued a number of statements regarding the safety of cannabidiol and other cannabis-based medications. These statements indicate that short-term use of cannabidiol do not present immediate side effects that are present when the drug is abused or taken in combination with another medicine. However, long term use of the medicine could result in the formation of a substance abuse problem, especially if the dosage is increased without consulting your doctor first. In addition to the National Intersal Cancer Society, the American Cancer Society states that there is no concrete evidence to support the theory of cannabidiol’s ability to fight cancer. If you take any of these medicines and are experiencing any of the side effects listed above, contact your primary care physician immediately and discuss your concerns.
There are two types of clinical trials currently underway using cannabidiol in the treatment of childhood epilepsy, depression and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A clinical trial sponsored by Janssen Pharmaceuticals is examining the effect of cannabidiol on liver function, a key sign of liver disease in patients with Alzheimer’s. The results of this study are expected in the next few months. In another FDA-approved clinical trial, oncology investigators are investigating the effect of cannabidiol on breast cancer of the blood and lymph glands. In the second trial, participants with diabetes are being evaluated for its effect on insulin levels and glucose control.
As with all medications, taking cannabidiol can affect people differently. Some people do not experience any side effects, while others will suffer from severe side effects such as vomiting, stomach pains and diarrhea. More commonly, people who are taking cannabidiol to treat depression and anxiety are experiencing nausea, a common side effect, and are experiencing an increase in cholesterol levels. If you notice any of the above mentioned symptoms, contact your doctor immediately and discuss further measures you must take to counteract these side effects.
Cannabidiol oil are derived from the same plant, with some differences between them. The primary difference between the two is CBD’s lack of a psychoactive component. Since CBD has the ability to reduce neuro-transmitters in the brain that contribute to anxiety, it is believed to provide natural relief for people who are anxious or suffer with depression. While scientists are still unclear on the exact benefits of CBD, they agree that it is a beneficial addition to current medication and treatment for patients with Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, depression, and other ailments.
Since the FDA approved cannabidiol to treat certain medical conditions, it is legal for prescription and non-prescription use in the United States. However, since it is still considered a Schedule II substance, cannabidiol cannot be purchased over the counter or through the mail. People who are pregnant are not supposed to take cannabidiol since it can lead to defects in the development of their unborn baby. Many people believe that taking cannabidiol side effects during pregnancy is safe, but it is best to consult your doctor before trying any herbal supplement.
Even though cannabidiol is relatively new to the market, it has been making news since at least 2021. The first company to market cannabidiol was GW Pharmaceuticals, which was able to successfully get the US government to approve its synthetic counterpart called cannabidiol-one. Since then, numerous other pharmaceutical companies have made it clear that they would like to market their own brands of sativa extracts. If you are interested in trying cannabidiol, it is important to speak to a qualified physician or healthcare professional so that they can guide you in the correct direction.
