CBD Oil and Lexapro

depressed woman

Are you on wondering if you can take both Lexapro and CBD oil at the same time? Are you on Lexapro and want to switch to CBD oil? Find the answers to these and more related questions below.

What is Lexapro?

Lexapro is one of the major antidepressants in the market today. Lexapro is actually just a brand name and the actual medication goes by the name Escitalopram. Lexapro is used to treat major depressive and anxiety disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs called SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). These are drugs that boost the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that increases feelings of calm, relaxation, and joy.

Can you take CBD oil if you’re on Lexapro?

Lexapro, like many other antidepressants, is a pretty strong drug that interacts with the central nervous system. So it is very important to watch what other medications you take alongside it lest you amplify its effects on the body. As it stands, Lexapro should not be taken together with a lot of drugs such as other medicine for pain, anxiety, depression, arthritis, etc.

The verdict on whether one can take CBD oil (cannabidiol oil) and Lexapro at the same time is still pending. However, it is important to err on the side of caution when taking strong medication such as Lexapro. Some arguments believe that CBD oil could interact with Lexapro and enhance its effects – not a good thing. However, other arguments support that the two cannot interact especially in light of how Lexapro uses multiple live enzymes which would make inhibition unlikely.

Still, a lot of people are looking to take CBD oil even when on Lexapro. The safest approach is to lower your Lexapro intake and start weaning with CBD oil.

Weaning off Lexapro with CBD oil

Do not stop taking your Lexapro at once lest you get bad withdrawal symptoms. Taper your Lexapro consumption gradually over a period of about 4 weeks as you slowly start taking more and more CBD oil. After 4 weeks you will be able to stop taking Lexapro completely and get on CBD oil. A CBD oil dosage of about 150mg per day should be ideal for patients who were previously on Lexapro.