1. < Depression & Anxiety

Does CBD oil help you with your depression and/or anxiety?

Posted by lalyfa @lalyfa, Feb 24, 2018

I am curious to know if anyone has had success with CBD or Hemp oil helping with depression/anxiety? I’ve been reading a lot about it and am curious.
I've been reading about this and am very interested but would like thoughts/opinions from anyone who has actually tried it or knows someone who has. TIA

Thank you,
Laura

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Depression & Anxiety Support Group.

redhedplus | @redhedplus | May 16, 2018
In reply to @lalyfa "I have been totally off the effexor and all anti-depressants for 2 weeks now. The dizziness..." + (show)
@lalyfa

I have been totally off the effexor and all anti-depressants for 2 weeks now. The dizziness is getting much better however my emotions/agitation are horrible. I cry at everything and am extremely crabby/agitated. I realize most of this has to do with the withdrawal. I really want to see this through to find out if I can live without anti-depressants but at the same time I know it's very hard on my family. I have another doctor appt beginning of April and she says that if I don't feel better by then I most likely will need to go back on an anti-depressant. For the most part I agree with her. My hopes of proving her wrong as getting slim however. I'd like to know how long it took some of you who have withdrawn from anti-depressants to feel somewhat 'normal' or you knew you had to go back on them? I guess I'm asking if another month is a good amount of time for me to determine what I should do. In some ways I feel like I should start on them again now but I'm not going there yet? BTW, I am in no way feeling suicidal. Mornings seem to be my worst time and by early evenings I feel somewhat better - is this strange too? I haven't tried the CBD living water yet but did find a place near me to get it. Just havent had the time to get there. I also have the Ativan which I take one night to help with sleep. I'm trying not to take it unless really necessary. Tomorrow I have a huge even that my husband and I are in charge of so I'm planning to take an Ativan in the morning to get me through the day without falling apart (crying scene) in front of everyone (or yelling at them) :)! Thanks for all your input!!

Jump to this post

Did you titrate off slowly?? Those issues can be decreased and your rebound symptoms will not be as bad if you titrate off for a month. There are other meds now. Do you have a good psychiatrist who deals with mood disorders? Some are"t. Get a 2nd opinion if your insurance allows, or even if not. id a response about Cannabis below...

REPLY
redhedplus | @redhedplus | May 16, 2018
In reply to @gailb "@lalyfa Welcome to Mayo Connect. I am a Volunteer Mentor and not a medical professional. As..." + (show)
@gailb

@lalyfa

Welcome to Mayo Connect. I am a Volunteer Mentor and not a medical professional. As such I can offer the benefit of my personal experience, as can others on this site, but not medical diagnoses nor medical opinions. We strive to help each other with the understanding that we are all different and what works for me may not work for you. I have gotten so much good from participating in Mayo Connect that I love it.

Yes, I have used CBD tincture and CBD Living Water for anxiety. I haven't used it for depression as I already take an antidepressant. It doesn't seem to interfere with my Citalopram.

I decided to try CBD when I was withdrawing from Tramadol, a synthetic opiate I had been taking for pain (with 2 other medications) for over a year. As I began slowly reducing my use, I experienced a lot of anxiety and muscle tremors in my legs especially. I know that using a marijuana medication meant that my pain doctor would not prescribe for me again, but I was getting off the pain medications one by one anyway, so I don't care.

The CBD Living Water was my favorite as it just was like drinking bottled water and was immediately available in my system. Within a few minutes of drinking one serving, my anxiety began reducing. It was so benign that I thought perhaps it was just my own thoughts that were calming me down--my belief that it would help. So, I bought the CBD tincture as kind of a test to see if I reacted the same. The next time I was having withdrawal anxiety I used the CBD Tincture. I didn't realize at that time that it can take up to 2+ hours to have effect when you take the tincture, but that was actually good for my test purposes. My anxiety continued for another hour until slowly the tincture began taking effect. I decided then that the CBD Living Water worked best for my anxiety.

CBD Living Water is expensive at $5.00 per bottle with 2 servings. It has no flavor (the tincture had a sweet weird flavor I didn't like) and is easy to drink. I only used 4 bottles to help me through my withdrawal. I don't use it now, but I will if I have anxiety in the future. I am impressed with how helpful it was in my withdrawal. I think it would help in withdrawal from cigarettes too. I did that 34 years ago though.

Are you willing to share what you're anxiety is about? I had panic and anxiety attacks for years and used Ativan and later Lorazepam for them, especially when I had to fly in planes. About 6 years ago I started taking Citalopram antidepressant, and all my anxiety/panic attacks went away. I only had it again recently during my withdrawal process. I know my relief from anxiety is from the Citalopram. I even did 7 zip lines in Costa Rica a little over a year ago. My flights there, to Panama and back were anxiety free. That has been so incredible for me! I love traveling now.

Please let me know if you have questions,. I also hope others on Mayo Connect will let you know their experiences with CBD and Marijuana as medical alternative treatments.

Gail B
Volunteer Mentor

Jump to this post

Don't EVER go off 2 psych meds at the same time. And NEVER just decide to go off yourself. Your symptoms sound like rebound symptoms from going off your meds.
Get a good doc, and don't try "self-treatment". You know they say a defendant who is his own lawyer has a fool for a client. Same goes for trying to be your own doc, or making med decisions on your own. DON'T!

REPLY
redhedplus | @redhedplus | May 16, 2018
In reply to @parus "With some of the dreadful reactions I have had to medications I mostly say no to..." + (show)
@parus

With some of the dreadful reactions I have had to medications I mostly say no to drugs. The psychotropics turn me psycho. I read about addictions and have been through thus...I went off cold turkey with pain medication, antidepressants, anti psychotics, anti anxiety...I do not care to go through anything like that again. If I can get something stronger than an OTC I only want a low dose and do not want to go through what I did in 2010 again. This is where I am currently. Maybe my pain is not as severe as pain is for others. I do know what withdrawal is like and...I have had a good life all in all. I endeavor to be content and learn what I can. I do know what does not work for me.

Jump to this post

You're right. NEVER go through that again. Cold turkey? it can actually not only make you sick, but kill you. Dead turkey! Be gentle with yourself and your illness. Treat yourself like a best friend. And don't deny your symptoms of pain and anxiety. See my post about medical cannabis, below.

REPLY
redhedplus | @redhedplus | May 16, 2018
In reply to @cdcc "@parus i just got my certification for medical marijuana. Upon buying what was recommended I was..." + (show)
@cdcc

@parus i just got my certification for medical marijuana. Upon buying what was recommended I was given CBD oil, I’ve not been on it a week yet today will be my fourth day of using it. It takes about 1/2 hour to work but it seems to help. They also gave me a cannabinol patch to use at night fir the severe itch in my head from the shingles. Also a vape two puffs as needed for the itch break through which I have not tried yet. I’m a bit anxious about using it.

Jump to this post

After using it for about a year, i would tell you to not be afraid. Use as directed. IT WORKS IF YOU WORK IT!! A nb al-anon saying. But true with CBD. It can be miraculous!

REPLY
Gary, Alumni Mentor | @gman007 | May 16, 2018
In reply to @redhedplus "I started using medical cannabis to relieve my intractable pain, although my primary diagnosis is PTSD...." + (show)
@redhedplus

I started using medical cannabis to relieve my intractable pain, although my primary diagnosis is PTSD.
I've found it worked extremely well for my anxiety. I also have Bipolar 1, and PTSD, for which the cannabis works beautifully! I also had extreme pain from a shoulder needing replacement. Again, it worked wonderfully.
The issues are ;
1. The docs who can "certify" are not really available (as far as i knew a year ago) in Rochester, so you have to go to the Cities, once you search out and find a doc. Look on line.
2. None of this is covered by insurance. Expect to pay $200 plus just for the doc who certifies you. Depending on what you get in terms of the medial cannabis, it can be expensive. None of this is covered by insurance! Just so you know...
3. You MUST have a current diagnosis that fits the parameters of what MN will allow legal treatment for cannabis. Research this.
4. DO NOT BE FOOLED THINKING SMOKING POT IS THE SAME THING! IT"S NOT! Medical cannabis is very specifically formulated. It is tested for actual percentages of cannabis CBN and THC levels. The pharmacist at the dispensary will help you decide what's best, what fits your diagnosis.
5. If you have the need for Pain control, or help with other illnesses or conditions that can be treated by MC, do your due diligence to make it happen. It's worth the trouble and time, and the money.
Best wishes for all who may be treated, and treated well by MC!

Jump to this post

@redhedplus Thank you for the information and all of the areas where you have achieved relief. The only thing I am curious about, and you don't have to answer this if you feel it is too personal, but have you simply smoked cannabis before stating that is not the same or is that what you know from research. I did have access to Rick Simpson Oil - the highly concentrated paste that is the carmelization (I think that is the process) of the plant and it worked for nearly everything I have ever complained of. I also know those who simply smoke the weed and get great relief from pain, anxiety, PTSD, depression, lack of appetite and a host of other things and it is so much less expensive than dealing with dispensaries - street sellers are not nearly as greedy as pharma or those receiving tax revenues for the legal sale.

REPLY
Gary, Alumni Mentor | @gman007 | May 16, 2018
In reply to @gailb "@parus Some people vape the CBD oil, which is legal everywhere. However, I don't like vaping..." + (show)
@gailb

@parus

Some people vape the CBD oil, which is legal everywhere. However, I don't like vaping or smoking anything as I've tried and it hurts my throat and lungs. I have the hunch that it's not good to put anything in my lungs. I smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day for 17 years and quit cold turkey in 1982. Marijuana helped me quit cigarettes at the time, but I didn't smoke it often due to it being illegal at the time.

I put the CBD oil under my tongue and hold it there for about 30 seconds before swallowing it. It takes longer to have effect then, but it does work. For immediate mild effects, CBD Living Water works immediately.

You're right, insurance won't pay for anything connected to Cannabis. I'm surprised it doesn't pay for your thyroid med. Are you on Medicare? I am, and they pay for my Levothyroxin that I take for my thyroid. It's the generic for Synthroid. Also, perhaps you need an adjustment in the mcg. you are taking. I was being prescribed way too much for several years and had a lot of side effects. My new Endocrinologist cut it nearly in half and had me stop taking it completely for a week or two (can't remember how long). I was worried to learn that overdosing it can cause bone thinning! I don't need that at my age! I hope you get good information from the documentary.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

Jump to this post

@gailb, @parus, What is sold as CBD oil in states where weed is legal is very different in the level of THC than what I can legally purchase in SC - zero THC. Am I off base in my research surrounding CBD oil? One thing is certain; legal/not legal, ingredients/lack of ingredients, how your dose it, etc...is all much more confusing than when I was a teenage neer-do-well!

REPLY
GailBL, Alumni Mentor | @gailb | May 16, 2018
In reply to @gailb "@parus Some people vape the CBD oil, which is legal everywhere. However, I don't like vaping..." + (show)
@gailb

@parus

Some people vape the CBD oil, which is legal everywhere. However, I don't like vaping or smoking anything as I've tried and it hurts my throat and lungs. I have the hunch that it's not good to put anything in my lungs. I smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day for 17 years and quit cold turkey in 1982. Marijuana helped me quit cigarettes at the time, but I didn't smoke it often due to it being illegal at the time.

I put the CBD oil under my tongue and hold it there for about 30 seconds before swallowing it. It takes longer to have effect then, but it does work. For immediate mild effects, CBD Living Water works immediately.

You're right, insurance won't pay for anything connected to Cannabis. I'm surprised it doesn't pay for your thyroid med. Are you on Medicare? I am, and they pay for my Levothyroxin that I take for my thyroid. It's the generic for Synthroid. Also, perhaps you need an adjustment in the mcg. you are taking. I was being prescribed way too much for several years and had a lot of side effects. My new Endocrinologist cut it nearly in half and had me stop taking it completely for a week or two (can't remember how long). I was worried to learn that overdosing it can cause bone thinning! I don't need that at my age! I hope you get good information from the documentary.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

Jump to this post

@gman007

I think it's OK that you are trying the CBD oil with no THC. It's certainly worth testing. My bottle of CBD indicated what they recommended as a single dose. I started at their recommendation and then increased the dose until I felt the resulting relaxation. I tried a higher dose but didn't like it, so I dropped back to the previous dose. My CBD comes with a pump spray which I spray under my tongue and hold there for 30 seconds. I use 8 sprays now. They recommended starting at 3 sprays.

You do have to experiment with the doses on your own. You could be more or less sensitive than me. Don't expect to feel the way you did when you were a teenager, it won't. You should feel less anxious and feel your muscles relax. I found I could breathe more easily and freely. I really hope you find relief with the CBD you purchased.

GailB
Volunteer Mentor

REPLY
GailBL, Alumni Mentor | @gailb | May 16, 2018
In reply to @dbrown72 "Has anyone tried CBD oil to quit smoking cigs? My boyfriend is trying to quit and..." + (show)
@dbrown72

Has anyone tried CBD oil to quit smoking cigs? My boyfriend is trying to quit and thinks this would help

Jump to this post

@dbrown72

Welcome to the Mayo Connect community. I am a Volunteer Mentor and am not a medical professional so I don't provide diagnosis nor medical recommendations. I share my experience and other members and I will support you. We hope you will feel free to share issues you may not be comfortable sharing with family or friends.

To answer your question, I used marijuana to help me stop smoking many years ago. It was illegal at the time, but I was so anxious and shakey that I needed something. I was smoking 2 packs of cigarettes a day at the time I quit. There were no medications to help me quit as this was 1982. I wanted to quit so I could become a programmer in Silicon Valley and we couldn't smoke around the computers which were very large and kept enclosed in glass rooms with raised floors. There were special air systems to keep everything stable. Today we use laptop computers and tablets with more power than the big ones I worked with. My point is that I was highly internally motivated to quit. I had "quit" many times before this, but I felt different this time.

I had such heavy withdrawal symptoms that afterwards I said I would have put myself in the hospital if I had realized how bad I was going to feel. For at least 2 weeks I had shakes, sweating, nausea, bad mood, headaches, and anxiety. My hands would sweat so bad I couldn't hold an ink pen or pencil. I've never had my hands sweat before that or after that. I would get up from my desk and walk around the office building when my anxiety got too high. I took deep breaths to remind myself of the healthy life I was choosing. A friend finally recommended that I smoke some pot to help. I was not a drug user (too chicken to try any) but I finally agreed to try it. I smoked it in the evening so I wasn't high at work during the day. It really helped my anxiety, shaking and nausea, which helped me have a better attitude/mood.

I was able to stick to my cold turkey stop of smoking cigarettes because of the marijuana. I smoked marijuana whenever I thought I wanted a cigarette. At some point within 3 months I realized I no longer craved cigarettes, so I stopped smoking marijuana. I didn't want to trade one addiction for another. However, I never had a problem stopping marijuana cold turkey. I have most recently used CBD tincture orally to help me withdraw from Tramadol 50 mg that I was prescribed for pain from my back surgery. I was addicted to it, but using the CBD oil under my tongue a couple of times a day as I reduced my doses of Tramadol helped me to relax. I had a lot of anxiety withdrawing and the CBD really helped me. Now I use CBD orally for the occasional pain that Tylenol doesn't resolve.

@dbrown72, I hope this is helpful for you and your boyfriend. Please let us know how things go for him.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

REPLY
Gary, Alumni Mentor | @gman007 | May 17, 2018
In reply to @gailb "@parus Some people vape the CBD oil, which is legal everywhere. However, I don't like vaping..." + (show)
@gailb

@parus

Some people vape the CBD oil, which is legal everywhere. However, I don't like vaping or smoking anything as I've tried and it hurts my throat and lungs. I have the hunch that it's not good to put anything in my lungs. I smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day for 17 years and quit cold turkey in 1982. Marijuana helped me quit cigarettes at the time, but I didn't smoke it often due to it being illegal at the time.

I put the CBD oil under my tongue and hold it there for about 30 seconds before swallowing it. It takes longer to have effect then, but it does work. For immediate mild effects, CBD Living Water works immediately.

You're right, insurance won't pay for anything connected to Cannabis. I'm surprised it doesn't pay for your thyroid med. Are you on Medicare? I am, and they pay for my Levothyroxin that I take for my thyroid. It's the generic for Synthroid. Also, perhaps you need an adjustment in the mcg. you are taking. I was being prescribed way too much for several years and had a lot of side effects. My new Endocrinologist cut it nearly in half and had me stop taking it completely for a week or two (can't remember how long). I was worried to learn that overdosing it can cause bone thinning! I don't need that at my age! I hope you get good information from the documentary.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

Jump to this post

Thank you @gailb. I realize that it may not be as much relief as if it did contain THC, but I will report back after having tried it. I am hopeful that our state legislature may move next year to expand use of medical cannabis as I know from experience that it would help me so much more that opioids with less long term damaging effects.

REPLY
dbrown72 | @dbrown72 | May 21, 2018
In reply to @dbrown72 "Has anyone tried CBD oil to quit smoking cigs? My boyfriend is trying to quit and..." + (show)
@dbrown72

Has anyone tried CBD oil to quit smoking cigs? My boyfriend is trying to quit and thinks this would help

Jump to this post

Thank you. He already smokes weed too, LOL, I told him I doubt CBD oil would help him quit smoking those nasty cigs. Maybe it will help with his anxiety though

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.