Antidepressants are a type of medication used to manage depression. This category includes but is not limited to: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRI), and tricyclic antidepressants.
Zoloft is an SSRI medication prescribed to manage depression. It is associated with common side effects like weight gain, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction (including decreased libido).
Some people take CBD oil for anxiety relief. Anecdotal reports suggest that combining the two may help reduce symptoms of each condition without causing unwanted side effects. However, it’s important to note that taking these two substances together may cause a more substantial sedative effect, resulting in increased drowsiness and impaired cognitive function.
Today, we’ll talk about the interactions between CBD and Zoloft, the benefits of both as standalone treatments, and the reactions people had when they combined them.
What We Know of Zoloft and CBD:
It’s essential to understand the basics of CBD and Zoloft before we look at how they are related.
What Do We Know About CBD?
CBD stands for Cannabidiol, one of the most abundant cannabinoids in cannabis. It was first isolated from hemp 16 years ago and has gained more recognition as a potential treatment for various ailments, including mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.
Common CBD Products
- CBD can be found in a variety of products, including:
- oils (sometimes used orally, but also commonly vaporized)
- tinctures (liquid extract dropped under the tongue)
- capsules and pills (some people swallow these while others break them open to release their contents into food or beverage). CBD patches are another popular option used to deliver the substance directly onto the skin.
The Effectiveness of CBD in Treating Depression
A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders concluded that CBD has the potential to treat depression.
The report identified several factors contributing to this conclusion, including its ability to increase serotonin levels and ease symptoms without causing side effects. Another critical factor was patients’ reports on how their overall quality of life improved while using it.
Related post: Why CBD Oil Is Not Working For You?
What Do We Know of Zoloft?
Zoloft is a medication that works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin plays a vital role in mental health, both as a neurochemical and as part of the endocrine system. Low serotonin has been linked to depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bipolar disorder.
The Effectiveness of Zoloft in Treating Depression
In a meta-analysis conducted by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), it was found that SSRIs, like Zoloft, were more effective than placebo at reducing depressive symptoms. However, only slightly more than 50% of patients who took an antidepressant were better after 12 weeks.
Why Is This Relevant?
CBD and Zoloft are both used to treat mental health disorders, but they work on different systems in the body. While CBD is a cannabinoid found naturally occurring in cannabis plants, Zoloft focuses on increasing serotonin levels by inhibiting its reuptake into neurons after it has been released.
CBD and Zoloft: Benefits and Side Effects
Zoloft and CBD have different benefits that may be able to address mental health symptoms including PTSD without side effects. While Zoloft is effective at increasing serotonin levels, it can also lower dopamine activity in the brain, which has been linked with psychosis or schizophrenia.
This makes it a risky choice for people already diagnosed with these conditions. If you are at risk of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, CBD may be a better choice for you.
CBD has also been linked with positive effects on sleep and anxiety levels without the adverse cognitive side effects associated with Zoloft.
Some studies show it can even help reduce panic attacks in PTSD patients when paired with exposure therapy. However, more research is needed to determine CBD treatment’s ideal dosage and length for mental health.
Is CBD Compatible with Zoloft?
It’s crucial that you speak to your doctor before taking CBD alongside Zoloft. While the two substances work in different ways, they both affect serotonin levels and dopamine function. This can cause complications if not used correctly under a doctor’s supervision, so it is best practice to inform them of any supplements or medications you are already using (including those bought over the counter).
What Do People Say?
Many people say that CBD and Zoloft work well together. Others report a reduction in symptoms when they combine them with exposure therapy, which is an effective treatment for PTSD (and doesn’t require SSRI medication as Zoloft does). However, some claim these substances make their symptoms worse.
To Avoid Side Effects…
If you are already taking Zoloft and want to try CBD for mental health, it is best to start slow. Begin with a low dosage of each substance, then work your way up until you find the optimal amount for treating your symptoms without side effects. If done correctly, this can be an effective way to treat mental health symptoms without the side effects associated with prescription medication.
Antidepressants and CBD Oil: Compatibility & Interactions
CBD oil is considered compatible with antidepressants because it does not have any psychoactive components that impact brain activity, so there are no known interactions.
Anecdotal evidence suggests taking both medications together may increase the beneficial effects of each treatment option. However, CBD oil is still a relatively new treatment method, so more scientific data on its long-term effects are needed.
Related post: Can Someone Be Allergic to CBD?
In Summary
CBD and Zoloft are compatible treatments for mental health symptoms, but you should speak to your doctor before using them together. CBD oil has not been studied in depth yet, so it’s best used alongside other treatment methods rather than as a replacement.
If taken correctly under medical supervision, both medications can effectively treat depression without the side effects associated with prescription medication. However, CBD oil is still a relatively new treatment method, so more research is needed to understand its long-term impact on mental health.
We would love to hear your thoughts on the topic. Which of these treatments have you found most effective at treating depression? What do you think about CBD oil as a treatment option, and how has it helped or not helped with your symptoms so far? Let us know in the comments!