When you hear the term “Cytochrome P-450 System”, I can’t blame you if you get intimidated by the mere sound of it. But actually, the Cytochrome P-450 System – or CYP450 for short – is simple and very relevant to daily living, so it’s not something too technical or “science-y”.

What is the Cytochrome P-450 System?

The CYP450 is found in the liver and is made up of enzymes mainly involved in drug metabolism. The CYP450 helps metabolizes compounds consumed by the body that are potentially toxic or hazardous. Approximately 60% of the toxicity in our body is caused by the medications that we take, and as we grow older, this toxicity can increase as a result of both increased intake of drugs and medication coupled with cell degeneration.

So… what’s this got to do with CBD? CBD restrains the CYP450’s ability to process drugs and medication. This means that if you choose to integrate CBD into your regular health routine, you should be aware that it might inhibit some of the other medications that you might be taking as well.

Which Types of Drugs Interact with Cannabidiol?

It’s important to note that if you are actively using CBD, there are certain types of drugs and medications that are inhibited from taking effect in your body.

There are times when CBD will temporarily deactivate the CYP450 so it will also change how we metabolize a wide range of compounds, drugs and medication included.

CBD Oil Review lists some of the drugs and substances that cannabidiol might possibly interact with or inhibit:

• Steroids
• Calcium channel blockers
• Antihistamines
• HIV antivirals
• Immune modulators
• Antibiotics
• Anesthetics
• Antipsychotics
• Antidepressants
• Anti-epileptics
• Beta blockers
• NSAIDs
  

Is it Safe to Take CBD with Other Medications to Manage Illnesses?

Taking CBD together or simultaneously with other drugs is safe as long as you have checked with your doctor and the dosage is managed. There haven’t been any reported cases of severe problems or side effects among patients that take both their normal medication and ingestible CBD products. 

If you are trying to recuperate from a recent illness and you choose to take both your prescribed medication and your regular CBD products, you should take in less of your CBD products to make sure that it doesn’t prevent your prescribed medication from taking effect.

For people with high blood pressure, taking CBD together with your medication, in proper dosages, can actually complement the drug’s effect since CBD oils have anticoagulant effects that can thin the blood and prevent your blood pressure from shooting up.