CBD and Suicidal Thoughts: What the FDA Says
Quick answer
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. In life-threatening situations, call 911. CBD is not an approved treatment for depression or suicidal thoughts: the FDA has approved only one CBD product, a prescription drug to treat certain seizures.
This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation.
Key takeaways
- Depression is usually treated with talk therapy, medication, or both. Antidepressants usually take 4 to 8 weeks to work, so give them a chance.
- Talk to a health care provider before starting or stopping any medication, and before using any CBD product.
- CBD can change how other medicines work and has been linked to liver injury. It can also cause sleepiness, diarrhea and irritability.
- Store-bought CBD products may contain more or less CBD than their labels say, and may contain THC. Cannabis use is linked to depression and thoughts of suicide.
Though still a less-recognized issue, depression is a severe psychological illness that can severely affect one’s social and personal life. The common characteristics of depression are lowering mood, persistent feelings of dejection, and loss of interest. Dealing with depression can be very overwhelming. Contrary to what many people think, depression (clinically known as Major Depressive Disorder) is not a weakness or a motivation deficit, and one cannot just snap out of it.
It is not uncommon for people dealing with depression to have suicidal thoughts. These abstract thoughts can confuse and scare you. It is often challenging to explain to someone what you are going through. The FDA has approved only one CBD product, a prescription drug to treat certain seizures, and it has warned companies to stop selling CBD products they claim can treat psychiatric disorders. If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Manufacturers have introduced CBD-infused products such as CBD capsules, oils, tinctures, and gummies. This article will explore whether CBD capsules can help relieve depression and prevent suicidal thoughts. You can also explore the CBD capsules at CBD.co if you feel intrigued about their therapeutic values.
CBD is an active compound obtained from the Cannabis Sativa. The CBD extracts are encapsulated in a gelatinous sheath to produce CBD capsules. Other than the one prescription drug, CBD products have not been evaluated by the FDA to see whether they are effective to treat a particular disease. CBD can also cause gastrointestinal distress, most commonly diarrhea and decreased appetite. If you are a CBD enthusiast you would know that it is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. i.e., it does not induce a sense of high. However, CBD can cause changes in mood, most commonly irritability and agitation.
Studies show that CBD works by interacting with the endocannabinoid system. CBD binds with the endocannabinoid receptors present throughout different body organ systems and brings about therapeutic effects.
Can CBD Capsules Help You Come Out of Suicidal Thoughts?
CBD is not an approved treatment for depression or suicidal thoughts, and the FDA says some CBD products are being marketed with unproven medical claims. Depression treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medication, or both. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression. Though CBD does not boost serotonin levels, they interact with the serotonin receptors in the brain and alter the way the receptors respond to the serotonin present in the circulation already.
High serotonin helps reduce depression by inducing a sense of happiness and satisfaction. Some experts believe that CBD slows down the metabolization of serotonin. It means the serotonin present in the circulation stays in the system for a long time, leading to increased amounts of serotonin in the bloodstream.
Unproven claims about CBD may lead people to put off getting important medical care, such as proper diagnosis and treatment. If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. In life-threatening situations, call 911.
How Are CBD Capsules Different From Anti-depressant Drugs?
Usually, conventional antidepressant drugs take several weeks to show effect. Giving a medication a chance to work is important before deciding whether it is right for you. Taking CBD with other medications may increase or decrease their effects, which may lead to an increased chance of adverse effects of antidepressant medications such as insomnia, sexual dysfunction, mood swings, and agitations. The FDA does not yet know what happens if you take CBD daily for sustained periods of time.
Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand. Only a small amount of evidence from studies in people suggests that cannabis or cannabinoids might help to reduce anxiety. One study of 24 people with social anxiety disorder found that they had less anxiety in a simulated public speaking test after taking CBD than after taking a placebo.
How Much CBD Should You Consume In A Day?
Figuring the correct dosage of CBD can be challenging, especially if you are a first-timer. The ideal dosage for CBD is calculated considering three factors: the body weight, the condition for which you are using CBD, and your metabolism.
Experts advise the users to start with a low dose of CBD capsules if they are a newbie. You can increase the dosage slowly as your body begins to get accustomed to the effects of CBD. You can start with a dose of 20-40mg per day. You can increase the amount by 5mg after a week but may not experience much relief within the first few days. CBD products have not been evaluated by the FDA to determine what the proper dosage is, and the FDA does not know what level of intake triggers the known risks of CBD.
Is It Safe To Consume CBD Capsules To Deal With Depressive Thoughts?
The FDA has seen only limited data about CBD safety, and these data point to real risks, including liver injury and interactions with other drugs. However, it is not rare for people to experience some mild-to-moderate side effects, such as:
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Changes in weight
Furthermore, some people might also experience allergic reactions to CBD capsules. People are allergic to terpenes such as linalool and d-limonene, nuts, etc. The common symptoms of hypersensitive reactions to CBD capsules are:
- Runny nose
- Sneezing
- Congestion
- Dry cough
To conclude, CBD is becoming increasingly popular among health enthusiasts. But the FDA says products like CBD may have potential risks, be of unknown quality, and have unproven benefits. Moreover, CBD capsules can react adversely with certain medications. Thus, if you want to include CBD capsules in your daily regime, we recommend consulting your physician first, as they might help with the dose and help you avoid any complications.
