Do you or your friends suffer from depression, and are you curious if CBD oil can truly help with depression? Are you searching for information on this topic?
Unfortunately, prolonged periods of profound sadness are becoming more common. For example, nearly 1 in 8 men and twice as many women are affected by this.
The usual approach to treating depression is through antidepressants in most cases. Patients need them to manage their daily life. However, antidepressants often come with significant side effects.
In this post, we'll introduce you to CBD oil and its effects on depression based on studies. This active ingredient could be a genuine and effective alternative or complement to antidepressants for everyone.
What is CBD, anyway?
Cannabidiol is a component of the female cannabis plant and has numerous positive properties according to studies. Scientists have shown that CBD oil can be
- relaxing on your muscles,
- pain-relieving [1],
- anti-inflammatory [2],
- and calming.
Effects can vary.
Definition: What are depressions?
The World Health Organization describes the condition as follows:
“Depression is a (...) mental disorder characterized by sadness, (...) low self-esteem, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, fatigue, and impaired concentration.”
As you'll soon discover, cannabidiol seems to be just the right remedy for these symptoms. However, it's essential to note that a temporary mood dip doesn't immediately indicate depression.
Temporary mood dips can also be caused by inadequate or poor sleep. Coupled with a lack of motivation and persistent mood swings, they may be signs of depression, and you should seek medical attention.
How does our brain react during depression?
In the case of depression, certain functions in the human brain change because the different interactions of neurotransmitters (including norepinephrine and serotonin) are responsible for depression.
A significant part of this change involves the exchange of these neurotransmitters. When patients take antidepressants, they help restore the brain's balance – unfortunately, not without side effects, as you'll learn shortly.
What symptoms occur with depression?
There are different signs that may indicate you're suffering from depression. In many cases, it's persistent sleep disturbances. Here are the symptoms at a glance:
- Unexplained headaches and stomachaches
- Lack of energy and motivation
- Constant fatigue
- Quick irritability
- Anxiety
What are the causes?
The causes are varied and can be attributed to the following risk factors:
- Alcohol dependence
- Long-term illnesses
- Genetic predisposition
- Significant life events and stress
- Hormonal changes after childbirth
Conventional treatment options
In most cases, antidepressants are combined with psychotherapy. However, they are unfortunately directly associated with the following side effects:
- Dizziness
- Sleep disturbances
- Stomach pain
- Blood pressure problems
- Sexual dysfunction
Interestingly, CBD can be a good complement and in some cases even an alternative to conventional treatments. Let's now look at its properties in detail.
CBD's effect on depression
Based on experiences, CBD appears to have a relaxing effect and can be effectively used for depression. Especially for people under a lot of stress, cannabidiol could be the right choice. Scientists have already identified a connection between stress and the onset of depression.
Furthermore, it's suspected that this could also be related to a lack of serotonin and dopamine.
Serotonin and dopamine are hormones that make us feel good. When CBD oil is taken during depression, the following may happen:
- The serotonin level increases
- Anxiety is reduced – you feel better
- You can sleep much better [3]
What side effects can occur with CBD?
CBD is a natural product, and side effects are unlikely. However, there are sensitive individuals who may experience slight dizziness or headaches, but these effects don't last long.
Are there interactions with antidepressants?
Yes, interactions are possible. The following medications may interact:
- Calcium antagonists
- Beta blockers
- Antihistamines
- Immunosuppressants
In any case, speak with your doctor if you're unsure about potential interactions with your current medication. Pregnant women should only take CBD oil after consulting their doctor. Children under 2 years old should not be given CBD.
Using THC is generally not recommended. It was recently found that smoking marijuana reduces dopamine levels. This makes users apathetic and indifferent. People with depression could, therefore, fall into even more severe depression by using marijuana.
For this reason, avoid using joints, especially if you suffer from depression.
Which products are recommended for mood swings?
Definitely recommended is CBD oil, as it's also perfect for inexperienced users. You can take CBD oil continuously or acutely. The effect of CBD naturally varies and depends on your physical condition and the amount you consume. It's absorbed through the oral mucosa and takes effect quickly.
For smokers, CBD as a liquid is also interesting. Here are its properties:
- Preferred for pain relief
- Has the highest bioavailability at 40-50%
- Cannabidiol enters the bloodstream directly through the lungs when vaporized
Can I take antidepressants and CBD oil at the same time?
You should definitely discuss taking CBD oil in parallel with antidepressants with your doctor. CBD oil can, however, support you naturally in combating your depression.
How should I dose CBD oil for depression?
If you suffer from depression, start with a smaller amount and see how your body reacts.
An overdose is almost impossible. The worst that can happen is that you feel more tired than expected.
| Product | Intake / Note | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| CBD oil | Orally, dropwise under the tongue | Start with 25 mg per day, increase if needed, once a day initially |
| CBD liquids | Via a vaporizer, effect is immediate | 25 mg per day, if needed (works quickly) |
| CBD crystals | Use with caution | Start with very little, 25 mg per day |
Are there experiences and studies on CBD and depression?
Yes! There are both experiences and studies.
For instance, De Mello's work [4] from 2014 describes how CBD can help with depression.
Another study on mice is another indication that CBD can help with depression. [5] A complete overview of studies can be found at the end of the article.
When looking for opinions from other people, we came across experiences mostly related to improved sleep and pain relief.
“I was looking for an alternative and came across CBD drops. I got advice (…) and bought drops that I take three times a day. I never thought the effect would be this good. The pain & depression are much more bearable, and I cope with everyday life very well and can sleep at night again. Especially restful sleep is a blessing for me.”
Conclusion on CBD for depression
Based on studies, CBD oil can be a complement to conventional treatments or even an alternative to antidepressants. However, you should not take the condition lightly and should always consult a doctor. It's essential to critically examine your life and see what else you can change.
When buying CBD, pay particular attention to the quality of the products. Unfortunately, inferior oils are sometimes sold. Only high-quality CBD oil can have a positive effect.
If you have already had experiences with CBD oil, especially concerning depression, please share them with us and the global CBD community through comments!
References
- [1] Darkovska-Serafimovska M et al., Pharmacotherapeutic considerations for use of cannabinoids to relieve pain in patients with malignant diseases. 2018, J Pain Res
- [2] Montagnese F et al., A role for cannabinoids in the treatment of myotonia? Report of compassionate use in a small cohort of patients. 2019, J Neurol
- [3] Shannon S, Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series, Perm J., 2019
- [4] De Mello Schier AR, Silva AC et al., Antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of cannabidiol: a chemical compound of Cannabis sativa
- [5] Sales AJ et al., Cannabidiol Induces Rapid and Sustained Antidepressant-Like Effects Through Increased BDNF Signaling and Synaptogenesis in the Prefrontal Cortex, Mol Neurobiol. 2019