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.

D | @debralee | Oct 24, 2018
In reply to @colleenyoung "Dear Connect members, As you likely know, our Community Guidelines (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/) and Terms of Use (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/terms-of-use/)..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Dear Connect members,
As you likely know, our Community Guidelines (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/tab/community-guidelines/) and Terms of Use (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/terms-of-use/) prohibit posting on Mayo Clinic Connect for financial gain. Messages selling products and services are not allowed and are removed by the moderating team.

What isn’t allowed:
- No commercial postings or solicitations.
- No advertisements for your business or get-rich-quick schemes
- No solicitations for a charity. (Unfortunately, it is impossible to verify the validity of each and every organization that solicits donations; therefore, to protect you from fraud, we must prohibit solicitations for charities.)

What is allowed:
Many of you ask each other about the CBD products you use, where and how you get it. Sharing your experiences and which products have worked or not worked for you is allowed.

Keep in mind that some sellers of CBD and medical marijuana products can easily pose as patients and still “soft sell” their products without technically violating the Terms of Use. Therefore we advise that you use discretion, exercise due diligence and research products. Consult reliable, trustworthy sources before purchasing or using products or supplements. Speak with your doctor and/or pharmacist where possible.

The Connect disclaimer (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/about-connect/tab/disclaimer/) reminds all members:
"All information shared by members on the Mayo Clinic Connect, such as messages, images, advice, URLs, and any other material, is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on the community."

Our goal is to keep you and the members of the community safe. Always evaluate advice about drugs and supplements carefully. When in doubt, ask questions. If you see any post or receive unwanted private messages, please report the post or write to me using this form: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/contact-a-community-moderator/

For many, the use of CBD oil is new territory - for patients and for many clinicians. Keep sharing. Keep asking questions. This is how we learn together.

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The great part about many doctors and clinics is that they're owned by Big Pharma. Guess what? That means they don't want any of us to get better! They're in the SICK BUSINESS. But of course, CBD has no positive benefits, right? This CBD discussion doesn't mean anything, right? Take business away from Big Pharma and you either die, get followed, or get threatened.

REPLY
stephanieann | @stephanieann | Oct 24, 2018

I feel like the whole CBD industry is a bit like the old wild west. Anything goes. A lot more research is needed to evaluate, get some consistency and regulation in products . I am being pretty cautious of who I buy from , the good news is in the meantime, people like my son are getting helped . The bad news is that Medicare and Medicaid covers zero so can get very costly for someone on a low income who is disabled. However since the CBD seems so far to be more helpful in decreasing anxiety, irritability and aggression than the more heavy duty prescription medications like atpical antipyschotics and other meds that can cause liver damage etc with long term use, it is worth it. So far I have not heard about any side effects from CBD use when ingesting it. If anyone has any other information on this let me know.

REPLY
3 replies
stephanieann | @stephanieann | Oct 24, 2018
In reply to @stephanieann "I feel like the whole CBD industry is a bit like the old wild west. Anything..." + (show)
@stephanieann

I feel like the whole CBD industry is a bit like the old wild west. Anything goes. A lot more research is needed to evaluate, get some consistency and regulation in products . I am being pretty cautious of who I buy from , the good news is in the meantime, people like my son are getting helped . The bad news is that Medicare and Medicaid covers zero so can get very costly for someone on a low income who is disabled. However since the CBD seems so far to be more helpful in decreasing anxiety, irritability and aggression than the more heavy duty prescription medications like atpical antipyschotics and other meds that can cause liver damage etc with long term use, it is worth it. So far I have not heard about any side effects from CBD use when ingesting it. If anyone has any other information on this let me know.

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Regarding why I decided to try CBD on my son while he was on poly pharmacy. I was hoping to decrease the numerous medications he was on because they were not that effective and because of the possibility of long term sometimes irreversible side effects. Tardiv dyskinesia, weight gain, etc He still had meltdowns and , got very anxious with all the medications. . His profile of high intensity but low frequency behaviors is known to be difficult to treat with traditional psychiatric medications .
By using CBD, so far it has worked to be able to wean him off 2 medications and am now reducing a third medication while he continues to show slow progress in terms of having a more stable mood and no meltdowns in the past 5 months since he has been on it. I hope his progress will continue but am trying to let go of expectations since this is really a new treatment intervention .

REPLY
1 reply
stephanieann | @stephanieann | Oct 24, 2018
In reply to @stephanieann "Regarding why I decided to try CBD on my son while he was on poly pharmacy...." + (show)
@stephanieann

Regarding why I decided to try CBD on my son while he was on poly pharmacy. I was hoping to decrease the numerous medications he was on because they were not that effective and because of the possibility of long term sometimes irreversible side effects. Tardiv dyskinesia, weight gain, etc He still had meltdowns and , got very anxious with all the medications. . His profile of high intensity but low frequency behaviors is known to be difficult to treat with traditional psychiatric medications .
By using CBD, so far it has worked to be able to wean him off 2 medications and am now reducing a third medication while he continues to show slow progress in terms of having a more stable mood and no meltdowns in the past 5 months since he has been on it. I hope his progress will continue but am trying to let go of expectations since this is really a new treatment intervention .

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One comment to the moderator who commented on advising seeking the advice from your physician on using CBD. The difficult issue is that most MD's have had little experience with CBD and so it is naturally difficult for them to advise on it. . This is totally understandable since marijuana was illegal until recently and the federal government and many states still consider it illegal including CBD if it contains THC. Psychiatrists can certainly talk about weaning off medications and what issues there might be in weaning off but I have found they do not have the knowledge to talk about using CBD in conjunction with weaning off a prescription medication. There are a few doctors and nurse practitioners who do have more knowledge about this but you have to search them out.. Some of the medical marijuana dispensaries have very informative consultants but again you need to be careful who you talk to and which medical marijuana dispensary you go to. INMHO, you should do the research first and speak and then speak with your physician to discuss how you can safely wean off medication . Also consider, if you are having success with traditional psychiatric medications and little or no side effects, then there may be no reason to get off of them and onto CBD..

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edziner | @edziner | Oct 26, 2018

@stephanieann
In an earlier post, I mentioned the Facebook page called "Cbdoilusersgroup" you can look at. I understand that if you look under product reviews, that many companies offer product discounts for service members & disabilities. I do not sell or promote any of these. I just use cbd oil for 4 months now myself. Hope this helps.

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cdcc | @cdcc | Oct 26, 2018
In reply to @summertime4 "A question I have. Why did you go off antidepressants if they were working? I should..." + (show)
@summertime4

A question I have. Why did you go off antidepressants if they were working? I should say why do we go off a medication that is working. Several years ago I was taking Zypexia for depression. I took it for at least 3 years and it worked well. The problem was weight gain. alot of weight gain through the years. I weaned off of it, but it was hell.I am not sure if my brain still mourns for it. Again the reason was unhealthy weight gain. I did lose the extra weight plus because I was so sick. I also took Zoloft for until about 2 months ago when the doctors believed the Zoloft to cause hypoglycemia. I am not diabetic. Right now I am taking Effexor 37.5 and Elavil 50mg at night. The elavil was prescribed because of chronic pain from fibromyalgia. I do believe the elavil helps with pain and sleep. I also use Percocet for osteo arthritis . I do not believe I will never have to take an antidepressant and if one works without serious side effects I will stay on. I am just not sure of anything right now. My husband died Jan. 7, 2018 and I am still somewhat of a mess.

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So sorry for your loss. Many prayers for you. I no longer want to take a prescribed antidepressant I’m using CBD oil and it’s helping a lot with my severe anxiety and depression. Some people need prescription drugs as other things don’t work for them. I have no problem with that. I just want to feel healthy

REPLY
Charlie312 | @charlie312 | Oct 27, 2018
In reply to @stephanieann "I feel like the whole CBD industry is a bit like the old wild west. Anything..." + (show)
@stephanieann

I feel like the whole CBD industry is a bit like the old wild west. Anything goes. A lot more research is needed to evaluate, get some consistency and regulation in products . I am being pretty cautious of who I buy from , the good news is in the meantime, people like my son are getting helped . The bad news is that Medicare and Medicaid covers zero so can get very costly for someone on a low income who is disabled. However since the CBD seems so far to be more helpful in decreasing anxiety, irritability and aggression than the more heavy duty prescription medications like atpical antipyschotics and other meds that can cause liver damage etc with long term use, it is worth it. So far I have not heard about any side effects from CBD use when ingesting it. If anyone has any other information on this let me know.

Jump to this post

CBD is metabolized by the CYP450 enzyme in the liver. At higher dosages, it can affect the actions of other medications.
Be sure to advise your pharmacist and physician that he is taking CBD to avoid any issues.

REPLY
Charlie312 | @charlie312 | Oct 27, 2018
In reply to @cdcc "I use CBD oil for my anxiety and depression. I can tell you the ingredients if..." + (show)
@cdcc

I use CBD oil for my anxiety and depression. I can tell you the ingredients if you’d like. I also take Celexa, and Sectral for my irregular heart beat. I do agree with you on native Americans and their old fashion cures. I’m sure they are a lot better then the pharmaceuticals. I have no side effects from the oil. I usually just do two droppers full a day. Morning, afternoon or evening depending on my anxiety. I also have CBD oil with THC when it’s really bad, I take like six small drops, as I don’t like light headedness if I use to much.
Kathy

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To avoid lightheadedness, try using a CBD isolate it contains no THC and is very effective.

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mamabecci | @mamabecci | Oct 27, 2018

@cdcc I too am having withdrawals from Lyrica. I was on it for 2 1/2 weeks and I started feeling suicidal. Why did my doctor not titrate me up? And why did I not say something? Because I had taken it for shingles for six weeks this summer at the same time I was taking Cymbalta. After I titrated off of Lyrica, I started to have problems sleeping. Eventually I was in incredible pain. That's what Cymbalta did to me. So I thought the Lyrica would be a good choice since it helped with the shingles. I was so wrong. Apparently, the two drugs taken at the same time masked the side effects of each. Crazy! I am down to 50 mg. 2 times daily, and I am having terrible anxiety in the morning and early afternoon. I am going to stay here for awhile just so I can see if my brain adjusts. I am taking CBD oil, but it doesn't seem that effective against this anxiety. Of course, I'm still experimenting with it, so I don't know how much I should take. The oil that I have I purchased from Idaho and it is zero THC.

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Lisa Lucier | @lisalucier | Oct 29, 2018

Hi, everyone,
It’s time to open a new group dedicated to depression and anxiety.

So many of you are connecting on the topics of depression and/or anxiety — coping, tapering of medications, etc. — that it was time to give you a space dedicated to Depression & Anxiety. All current discussions about depression and anxiety have been moved to the new group, and you will continue to get notifications about the discussions you participate in.

See the new group here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/depression-anxiety/.

– Follow the group
– Browse all topics
– Add a reply
– Start a new discussion

If you’re not sure how to do any of these things, see this step-by-step guide https://connect.mayoclinic.org/get-started-on-connect/.

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