Prescription sleeping drugs are able to make a person sleepy but most of the time they cause grogginess, addiction, or rebound insomnia after the drugs are stopped. CBD is a potentially safer alternative since it aims to treat the underlying causes of poor sleep, including anxiety or pain, but not just sedate the brain. Other users say that they have a deeper restful sleep with CBD, especially in conjunction with lifestyle changes.
CBD comparing to Anti-Seizure Medications.
Anti-seizure drugs are life-saving to most epileptic patients, but they may have serious side effects. The efficacy of CBD in the treatment of severe childhood epilepsy i.e. in decreasing the frequency of seizures has been already demonstrated with the prescription cannabinoid compound Epidiolex. In other patients, CBD is used together with pre-existing drugs to offer better control of seizures and with fewer side effects.
Shortcomings of CBD vs. Conventional Medicine.
Although the possibilities of CBD are exciting, it should not be limited to them:
Small scale research: Much of the research is still in its infancy and there are very few trials of research over a long period of time.
Unregulated product: Since there is not a strict FDA regulation, the quality of the product can be quite different in every brand.
Not necessarily a replacement: In extreme or life-threatening cases, conventional drugs cannot be done without.
A Complementary Approach
The most axiomatic opinion is that CBD may be a supplement to the conventional medicine, rather than necessarily a substitution. To others it can be a new way out; to others it may be a supplement to preexisting therapies, decreasing side effects or increasing quality of life. CBD is slowly accepted by healthcare providers as part of the solution of integrative approach to wellness, provided that it is used appropriately and on a medical basis.
CBD Side Effects, Risks and Safety.
Learning the Safety Profile of CBD.
In most cases, CBD can be seen as a safe compound, particularly in the comparison with other cannabis substances, such as THC, or a number of pharmaceutical medications. Nonetheless, generally safe does not imply being completely safe. CBD, similar to any supplement or a drug, is associated with side effects, interactions with other drugs, and its quality may vary, depending on the source of the product.
Common Side Effects
The vast majority of individuals tolerate CBD properly, and a few of them can have some side effects like:
Dry mouth: This happens as a frequent result of salivary secretion alteration.
Fatigue or drowsiness: More probable with an increased dose, and may cause impaired alertness.
Digestive problems: This is accompanied by diarrhea or appetite problems.
Lightheadedness: Sometimes it is associated with blood pressure variations.
Such side effects occur normally depending on the dose and pass with time as the body adapts or with a reduction in dosage.
Drug Interactions and Safety Issues.
CBD has some interactions with prescription drugs. As an illustration, it can affect liver enzymes (cytochrome P450) which metabolizes most of frequently used drugs, such as:
Blood thinners (e.g., warfarin)
Antidepressants
Anti-seizure medications
Heart medications
Such interactions may change the absorption or breakdown of medications and this may cause adverse effects. This is the reason why people who are already on prescriptions need to consult a medical professional before incorporation of CBD into their daily life.