Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is one of the many cannabinoids that occur naturally within the cannabis plant. Despite its early discovery, the interest in its potential health benefits has only gained traction in recent years. However, the hype surrounding this “super compound” seems justified if its potential health benefits are anything to go by. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), CBD does not produce the “high” associated with the cannabis plant. Thus, it generally safe to use. Some research indicates CBD has considerable antidepressant-like effects in the body. In fact, alternative medicine experts suggest that CBD may be a treatment for some conditions. It might even have the potential to become a regular therapy for some conditions in the not-so-distant future.
Seroquel is the brand name for Quetiapine, an antipsychotic medication (atypical type). It treats mental conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Seroquel is also used together with antidepressant medications to alleviate major depressive disorder. It works by rebalancing dopamine and serotonin in the brain. As a result, it improves mood, behavior, appetite, sleep quality, and energy levels. This way, patients can then concentrate, experience fewer hallucinations, and feel less nervous.
This CBD vs Seroquel article will look at how these can treat depression-related problems. We’ll talk about how they work, their possible interactions with other medications, and potential side effects.
Experts are already looking into CBD as an alternative to antidepressant drugs. Various studies attest to CBD’s ability to interact with the body in a similar way as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). CBD could have a similar therapeutic effect on patients. CBD binds to receptors of the endocannabinoid system within our bodies. One of its particular effects is to enhance the calming effect of the GABA inhibitory neurotransmitter. This has the subsequent effect of optimizing how your body uses the serotonin already present in it. Ultimately, this is what causes CBD’s antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.
Seroquel also has antidepressant effects. It interacts with 5-HT, dopamine, glutamate receptors, and the norepinephrine transporter. By influencing the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine, Seroquel regulates essential brain functions like memory. This medication helps reduce manic and depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
Both CBD and Seroquel work similarly in the body. They both affect the release and reuptake of vital neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. By normalizing these chemicals’ levels, they both may ease symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorders.
Another essential side to the CBD vs Seroquel discussion is the intake mode and the proper dosage of them for their medicinal value. So, is there a right or wrong way of using Seroquel and CBD?
Seroquel comes in tablets, which could be 100, 150, or 200 mg. this medication is taken through the mouth as directed by a doctor. The dosage of this medication depends on one’s medical condition. Also, their response to treatment and any other medications they might be taking also plays a part. Before taking this medication, you must inform the doctor of any other drugs you are using. These include prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, or even supplements.
There is no fixed dosage for this medication. Doctors advise patients to start at a low dose and increase gradually. Most importantly, patients should follow their doctor’s orders. Always take the medicine just as instructed to get the best out of it. What’s more, patients should not increase the dose or use the drug for longer than their doctor advised. Besides increasing the risk of side effects, this won’t help improve their condition any further.
CBD is available in different formulations and can be taken orally, through vaping, or by applying topically. However, the most common CBD products that people hope to take for depression and related conditions are CBD oil, tinctures, and edibles. Among these, CBD oil is the most common for treating of these kinds of disorders. You can take it sublingually; this means placing a few drops under the tongue and waiting for some time before swallowing it. However, this method has a downside as the dosage may not always be accurate. This is due to the first-pass effect. The effect simply means that, by consuming it orally, the liver processes a part of the dosage taken. This means some of the CBD gets lost before reaching the circulatory system. Thus, it will have less impact than the same dose taken another way would.
A good way of by-passing the first-pass effect is by vaping. To vape CBD oil, you would need a vaping gadget, such as a vape pen. This device warms the CBD oil and forms a vapor, which is inhalable. Taking CBD for depression through vaping allows it to enter the bloodstream immediately. This way, the effects are experienced faster and more accurately related to the dose taken. But remember that vaping has been linked to serious lung injuries, so proceed with caution.
Like with other drugs, the use of Seroquel for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder comes with various side effects. Therefore, you should use this drug exactly as advised by the doctor to reduce the degree of its side effects. A simple way of ensuring that the side effects don’t become severe is by following the recommended dosage.
There’s a host of potential side effects associated with Seroquel. However, this shouldn’t scare patients from using the medication. In fact, many of the side effects fail to manifest for some patients altogether.
Some of the most common side effects include:
Some patients may experience severe side effects; these may include:
If any of these severe side effects occur, patients need to inform their doctors right away. CBD is generally considered safe for treating various conditions. However, it is not uncommon for some to experience mild side effects after using the cannabinoid. Some of those include:
According to WHO, CBD is generally safe to use. However, individuals should talk to their doctors whenever they intend to use it together with other medications or supplements. Mainly, it would help if you did not use CBD together with drugs that come with a grapefruit warning.
It is also essential to take some precautions before using Seroquel for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Patients should inform their doctors of any allergies they may have. Also disclose their medical history for conditions such as:
Patients should also inform their doctor if they use substances such as marijuana, alcohol, or supplements regularly. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should not use Seroquel. This is because some of the drug’s effects may reach your unborn baby. When born, babies may develop symptoms, including drowsiness, muscle stiffness, and breathing difficulties.
The interaction between different drugs often changes how they work and increase the risk of severe side effects. CBD ends up in the liver via the digestive system, and a group of enzymes known as CYP450 metabolizes it. Particularly, the CYP3A4 enzyme metabolizes CBD and is also responsible for metabolizing about 25% of all drugs. CBD is also known to interact with drugs in your body just as grapefruit does, increasing the risk of side effects. Patients should, therefore, avoid using CBD products together with drugs that come with the “grapefruit warning.”
Various medications can alter normal body processes, especially when used together with Seroquel. Drugs like moxifloxacin, amiodarone, procainamide, thioridazine, and others may affect the heart rhythm. This condition could worsen by using them together with Seroquel. Other medications that react with Seroquel include azole antifungals and medicines used to treat seizures.
Patients should also inform their doctors if they are using products or drugs that cause drowsiness. Those include cough relievers, opioids, marijuana, alcohol, sleep and anxiety drugs, and muscle relaxants. Using these drugs and Seroquel together may not be safe as they may worsen each other’s side effects.
Over the years, studies consistently point to CBD, one of the many cannabinoids, as having antidepressant effects. While research is still ongoing, CBD is increasingly becoming a popular way of addressing symptoms of depression. Always remember that CBD is not a replacement for antipsychotic medications like Seroquel. If you are on these kinds of medication, do not under any circumstances discontinue their use in favor of CBD. You would only be risking your well-being and mental health. And, as with any other treatment, you should ask your physician before you start taking it.
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