Xanax is notorious for being one of the strongest, most notorious drugs on the market. On the other hand, we have medicinal hemp products that are becoming more popular with each passing month. So, it shouldn’t surprise us that many people are wondering can you use CBD and Xanax together?
Xanax is commonly used for anxiety and panic attacks, but it can also be used for relaxation. It is a very strong drug that may lead to additional. Based on that alone, it makes sense that a lot of people would look for natural alternatives such as CBD.
Oftentimes, they might use CBD and Xanax together while figuring out which is the better solution. Sometimes, people will use cannabidiol for some other issues while also simultaneously administering Xanax for anxiety.
In this article, we will talk about potential issues that may occur when using CBD and Xanax at the same time. Check it out!
What is Xanax, and how does it work?
Xanax is one of the most common drugs in the world. Its proprietary name is Alprazolam, and it is classified as a benzodiazepine. The reason why Xanax is so popular is not only because of its strength but also its ability to make a rapid impact on your body. This is very important if you’ve just suffered a panic or anxiety attack.
The main issue with Xanax is the fact that many people abuse these meds. Instead of using it based on your current needs, there are those who are using it on a constant basis. For example, there are those who will administer the product so they can relax and go to sleep instead of using it exclusively for mental disturbances. Keep in mind that the drug should be used selectively and not on a daily basis.
Xanax works by attaching itself to benzodiazepine receptors BNZ1 and BNZ2. These receptors are located in the brain and are crucial for regulating sleep, memory, coordination, muscle relaxation, etc. By using these drugs, you are able to regulate all of these functions. In particular, the item is meant to boost the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid, which works as a neurotransmitter inhibitor.
What is CBD?
CBD or cannabidiol is one of the most common substances found within medicinal hemp products. It is mainly used as a wellness substance, which should promote health and wellbeing, regulating various internal functions.
As previously mentioned, there are those who use CBD for anxiety and some other mental problems. It is believed that the chemical compound is able to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for numerous organic processes such as sleep, mood, pain, regeneration, protection, etc.
Some people use cannabidiol on a constant basis as a way of harmonizing their internal processes. So, if you just started using Xanax, you probably wish to know how this substance would interact with CBD. On the other hand, you might’ve used Xanax for a while, and you want to find a more natural solution for your panic and anxiety attacks.
Unfortunately, CBD and Xanax might not be an ideal combo. Both of these products affect the P450 enzyme that is produced within the liver. That being said, mixing these substances can lead to some really nasty problems.
How do CBD and Xanax work together?
When ingested, CBD works by inhibiting P450 enzymes found in the liver. The problem with that is the fact that these enzymes are used to dissolve Xanax and various other drugs. In other words, if they’re unable to break down Xanax, it will remain in your body for a prolonged period of time, which may lead to serious side effects.
First of all, the inability to destroy Xanax will lead to an elevated level of foreign substances and increased toxicity. Not only will this increase the odds of side effects, but it might worsen the side effects that you’re already experiencing. As a result, you might feel disoriented, extremely sleepy, and worst yet, it might increase the risk of Xanax addiction.
Needless to say, all these potential issues are multiplied if you took some additional drugs. Alcohol can only worsen the issue. So, as you put more stuff into your body, the overall amount of potential side effects will increase as well as their severity.
Can I take CBD and Xanax together?
Based on everything that was said, there will always be an increased risk if you decide to use these products at the same time. The best thing you can do to avoid these problems is to spread the use and lower the dose. You definitely shouldn’t take Xanax after CBD or vice versa; give your body some time to process the substances and flush them out. Keep in mind that the administration method will be a major factor determining how long cannabidiol stays in your body. Edibles may affect you for up to 5 hours, while vapes will remain for a short period of time.
We also need to consider dosage. According to limited data, the amount of CBD you take can play a major role in whether or not you’ll feel side effects. A study from 2013 indicates that a person can take up to 40mg of CBD and a standard dose of Xanax without suffering any issues. But, this is just one study, and it doesn’t provide us with conclusive evidence.
There are several factors determining how fast we’re able to process CBD and other substances. The most important one is weight. Heavier people can go with a higher dose of cannabidiol without suffering any consequences. Age and sex may also be important.
Can you replace Xanax with CBD?
There are several issues preventing CBD from being a reasonable replacement for Xanax.
First of all, Xanax is able to provide almost immediate results. Although you might get the same impact when smoking or vaping CBD, other administration methods take some time to yield results. This is far from ideal if you’re in the middle of a panic attack.
The second potential issue is the fact there are numerous products on the market. Some of them can barely be called CBD items. This is why it might be hard to find a quality substance that will also work for anxiety.
Anyway, if you wish to replace Xanax with CBD, or some other wellness product, we urge you to consult your doctor beforehand. Although Xanax is a strong substance, it is still the best, most reliable way of addressing these issues.