Anxiety disorders can significantly affect your quality of life. For example, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) affects roughly 6.8 million adults in the U.S.
If you’re one of them, your doctor may have prescribed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) like escitalopram (Lexapro). Lexapro works by increasing serotonin levels in your brain.
But you may have also heard about cannabidiol (CBD) as a possible treatment for anxiety. CBD interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), and research suggests it may have similar effects to SSRIs.
So, what’s the difference between CBD and Lexapro? This article compares these two substances, including how they work, their benefits and risks, and how they might interact with one another.
Before making any changes to your treatment plan, it’s important to talk with your doctor. They can help you determine the best course of action for your individual needs.
Understanding Lexapro
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. SSRIs are antidepressant drugs that help increase the amount of serotonin in your brain.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical messenger that helps regulate your mood, sleep patterns, and appetite.
Lexapro works by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in your brain. When Lexapro blocks reuptake, it allows more serotonin to float around in the space between nerve cells, called the synaptic cleft.
What conditions does Lexapro treat?
Doctors prescribe Lexapro for:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Panic Disorder
- Social Anxiety Disorder
What are the side effects of Lexapro?
Common side effects of Lexapro include:
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weight gain
- Emotional numbness
- Withdrawal effects if you stop taking it
A 2021 survey found that of 180 people who took Lexapro, 73.5% experienced withdrawal effects, 71.8% had sexual problems, 65.3% gained weight, 64.5% felt emotionally numb, and 43% felt addicted to the drug.
Understanding CBD
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a chemical compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s important to understand that CBD is not the same as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that makes you feel “high.” CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive. Hemp, a type of cannabis plant, only contains a very small amount of THC.
CBD interacts with your body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is critical for almost every aspect of our moment-to-moment functioning. It helps regulate things like mood, sleep, pain, and immune response, and can be aided with techniques like Bhramari Breathing. While the exact mechanisms aren’t fully understood, CBD may influence serotonin and GABA transmission, which are neurotransmitters that play a key role in anxiety.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Anxiety
CBD has potential therapeutic benefits for anxiety. It may promote mental relaxation, help you get restful sleep, and support physical comfort, similar to the effects of brainwave music for anxiety. Some studies have looked at CBD’s effects on anxiety. For example, research has shown that CBD reduced anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort in people participating in public speaking. A review of studies also suggests that CBD has considerable potential as an anxiety treatment. However, more research is needed.
Potential Side Effects of CBD
It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of CBD. Generally, side effects of CBD are milder than those associated with prescription anxiety medications. Common side effects can include drowsiness, dry mouth, and changes in appetite. Some people may experience dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness, especially when CBD is combined with other medications. Always talk to your doctor before trying CBD, especially if you’re already taking other medications.
CBD vs. Lexapro: How They Work
Lexapro (escitalopram) belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs increase the amount of serotonin available in the brain by preventing it from being reabsorbed. More serotonin floating around means improved mood and less anxiety for some people.
CBD, on the other hand, works a bit differently. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate things like mood, stress, and sleep. It’s thought that CBD can affect serotonin and GABA (another neurotransmitter) transmission, and that it prevents the breakdown of anandamide, a naturally produced cannabinoid. Some think that CBD’s effect on serotonin may be similar to the effect of SSRIs.
Lexapro directly targets serotonin, while CBD’s effects on the ECS are more indirect and widespread throughout the body.
It’s also important to note that Lexapro has been studied extensively in clinical trials, whereas research on CBD is still in its early stages. This doesn’t mean CBD is ineffective, but it does mean we have a much better understanding of how Lexapro works and its potential side effects.
CBD and Lexapro: Potential interactions and risks
It’s important to talk with your doctor about using CBD and Lexapro together. CBD could change how your body breaks down Lexapro and other antidepressants, which could change the amount of medication in your blood and lead to side effects.
CBD interacts with enzymes in your liver known as cytochromes P450, and that could affect how your body processes drugs.
Using CBD and Lexapro at the same time could increase the concentration of Lexapro in your blood. That could make side effects like drowsiness worse.
However, a 2021 review of studies found that using CBD and Lexapro at the same time could increase the concentration of Lexapro in the blood, but the people in the study didn’t have any bad effects.
It’s essential to talk with your doctor before you use CBD and Lexapro together. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits of combining these medications. There is a risk of overlapping side effects, such as drowsiness.
It’s also risky to treat yourself with CBD or any other drug without getting advice from a health professional. Self-treating can lead to:
- Delays in getting the right diagnosis
- Interactions between medications
- Worsening of your condition
Dosage considerations
If you and your doctor decide to try CBD along with Lexapro, start with a low dose of CBD and slowly increase it while your doctor monitors you.
CBD products that you apply to your skin are less likely to interact with Lexapro than edibles or things you smoke.
Can CBD be used instead of Lexapro?
CBD might seem like a good alternative to Lexapro, but you shouldn’t stop taking any prescribed medication without talking to your doctor.
If you’re thinking about using CBD instead of Lexapro, it’s super important to have a conversation with your psychiatrist. They can help you weigh the pros and cons based on your individual needs.
Some people find that CBD helps in addition to Lexapro. However, it’s important to be super careful and have your doctor supervise you.
Ultimately, the decision to use CBD, Lexapro, or both depends on what works best for you. A good healthcare provider will help you figure out the best plan.
Buying tips: How to know you’re getting good CBD
Because the CBD market is largely unregulated, it’s up to you to make sure you’re getting a high-quality product. But how do you do that?
- Read the lab reports. Look for third-party lab reports that tell you how much CBD is actually in the product and whether it contains any contaminants.
- Read the reviews. See what other customers are saying about the product on the company’s website and on third-party review sites.
- Be skeptical of outlandish claims. CBD is not a cure-all. If a company claims its product can cure illnesses, be very wary.
- Consider full-spectrum CBD oil. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains other cannabinoids and terpenes, which may enhance its effects.
- Find out where the hemp comes from. See if the CBD company tells you how their hemp was grown and processed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBD more effective than antidepressants?
There’s currently no conclusive evidence that CBD is more effective than antidepressants for treating anxiety disorders. While some studies suggest CBD may have anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, the research is still preliminary. Antidepressants, like Lexapro, have a longer history of use and more robust clinical data supporting their effectiveness for many individuals.
Can CBD replace anti-anxiety meds?
CBD should not be considered a replacement for prescribed anti-anxiety medications without consulting a healthcare professional. Abruptly stopping prescribed medications can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of anxiety. Always discuss any changes to your treatment plan with your doctor.
What can I take for anxiety instead of Lexapro?
If you’re looking for alternatives to Lexapro for anxiety, it’s crucial to consult with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. Other options may include different types of prescription medications (like other SSRIs, SNRIs, or buspirone), therapy (such as cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT), lifestyle modifications (like exercise and mindfulness), or other complementary therapies as appropriate.
Can you use CBD with Lexapro?
Using CBD with Lexapro should only be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. CBD can potentially interact with Lexapro and other medications, potentially affecting their metabolism and increasing the risk of side effects. It’s essential to discuss this combination with your doctor to ensure it’s safe for you.
Closing Thoughts
So, what’s the deal with CBD versus Lexapro for anxiety? Lexapro is a medication that has been approved by the FDA, and it has a proven track record of success. CBD, on the other hand, is a natural compound that shows promise. However, there’s still not a lot of research to back up all the claims.
Deciding how to treat your anxiety is a really personal choice. It depends on:
- your needs
- your preferences
- your medical history
Before you make any changes to your routine, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional. That goes double if you’re thinking about stopping a medication you’re already taking.
We also need more research into how well CBD works for anxiety, and what the risks might be.
As you consider your options, make sure you’re getting your information from reliable sources. And remember, your doctor or therapist is always the best person to guide you toward the treatment plan that’s right for you.