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Can You Take CBD and Ibuprofen Together?

When you need pain relief, where do you turn?

I usually prefer over-the-counter medications for kicking that nagging headache or muscle pain, with a strong inclination towards ibuprofen because I know it works.

However, with the growing popularity of natural, holistic treatments, many people choose to soothe the pain with Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-intoxicating compound of the cannabis plant.

I enjoy using this product to help me relax, reduce anxiety, and sleep, in addition to pain relief.

But is it safe and effective to combine these two drugs if I feel I need both to unwind and reduce my pain?

Can you take CBD and Ibuprofen together?

Mixing drugs should always be handled with caution because of the possibility of drug-drug interactions.

When you wonder, “Should I take these two drugs together?” the number one rule is to first consult your doctor about the safety of mixing medications over a sustained period.

Even if the practice seems safe to you, your doctor knows your unique medical history and how your body might react to mixing two different medicines.

In addition, we don’t have enough research currently to determine the safety of taking these two drugs simultaneously.

In fact, some studies indicate potentially harmful effects, or at the very least, the combination can render each drug ineffective.

What is Ibuprofen?

Ibuprofen has been on the market since 1961 and is in a class of medications called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

It’s one of the most popular pain relievers in use today.

Ibuprofen can be prescribed or delivered over-the-counter and can be taken as a capsule, tablet, or syrup, and is also available as an external substance that you rub into your skin.

The drug works by blocking enzymes that cause pain or swelling in your body.

The enzyme is released at the location of the pain and medicine works to slow it down.

However, you should be aware that taking ibuprofen can result in side effects, including dizziness, ulcers, and heartburn.

More severe side effects can include heart attacks and strokes, although these are rare.

Thus, you should take ibuprofen in moderation, according to the directions on the bottle or your health care provider’s instructions.

What is CBD?

The cannabis plant (otherwise known as marijuana) has been used for centuries to treat pain and is sometimes prescribed (and legally available in most states) for debilitating illnesses and chronic pain.

However, in general, the use of marijuana is not legal in most states because of its altering effect on the brain.

CBD is the chemical found in the marijuana plant that contains only minimal traces of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the ingredient that produces a high, which means you can take advantage of the pacifying qualities without worrying about the psychoactive effects.

It’s usually sold in the form of oil.

I’ve dispensed it in drops underneath my tongue, but you can also vaporize or distill it or take it in a capsule.

There are also many CBD-infused products you can purchase online, including CBD bath bombs!

The main distinction between CBD and ibuprofen is how they address our pain neurotransmitters.

CBD engages with CB2 receptors, the peripheral receptors for cannabinoids, while ibuprofen blocks the cyclooxygenase-2 enzymes from producing extra prostaglandins, which is the specific hormone that runs to the site of need when it’s inflamed.

Is CBD safe and effective?

The FDA’s two main criteria for approving a drug are whether it’s both safe and effective.

Currently, the only CBD FDA-approved drug is Epidiolex, a treatment for two scarce types of epilepsy.

However, CBD is widely available for consumer use but not in direct connection for treating illnesses.

Although the FDA still questions the therapeutic benefits of CBD, the advantages of taking CBD for minor ailments are fairly evident.

CBD may be complex and not well-understood, but it appears to stop neurotransmitters from telling your body that you’re experiencing pain.

It also reduces neural inflammation.

CBD is still safe on its own and can be useful for treating all kinds of maladies.

Taking it or using it in its various forms is not only trustworthy, but it can be fun and anxiety-reducing, as well as palliative.

How do these drugs interact?

Although much more research needs to be done on how these drugs interact when taken at the same time, studies have shown that CBD engages with the same enzymes neutralized by ibuprofen.

It follows that they might not work harmoniously within the body’s complex systems.

In a case study published in the Journal of Neurology Research, a patient presented symptoms that were likely caused by the simultaneous use of these drugs.

She experienced altered mental status, ataxia (the loss of full control of body movements), left-sided numbness, and slurred speech.

In the study’s conclusion, the researchers argue that physicians and patients need to be aware of the drug-drug interactions (DDIs).

There are two basic kinds of CBD drug interactions:

Drugs that can cause a dangerous interaction and should never be taken with CBD
Drugs that should be used with caution in conjunction with CBD

The interaction of CBD and ibuprofen fall within this second category.

So we should think carefully about taking these products at the same time.

Even if they don’t present serious symptoms, some experts believe that CBD can lessen the effectiveness of ibuprofen, which would mean you receive no benefits from the medicine.

But there are times when it feels like one drug isn’t enough.

You can try spacing out the dosages and also controlling the size of the dosages you take.

Research shows that taking a limited amount of CBD doesn’t impact how the liver metabolizes ibuprofen.

However, it’s wise to use caution when mixing ibuprofen with CBD.

When in doubt, don’t do it, at the very least because it may render the ibuprofen ineffective.

And when you need the pain to go away, it’s best to choose one or the other depending on what works best for you.

Final Q&A

Is it safe for me to take CBD and ibuprofen together?
- Generally, it’s best to take these in limited doses and/or spaced out during the day to mitigate any adverse effects and make sure they aren’t canceling each other out.

What is the difference between the two drugs?

- The main difference is how they interact with our body’s pain receptors. They also have different side effects.

Why would I need to take both at the same time?

- Depending on your body type, age, genetics, and medical history, you may find that one drug doesn’t address your pain effectively. You want the targeted impact of ibuprofen along with the natural, holistic effect of CBD, with the added benefit of helping you sleep.

When should I talk to my doctor?

- Taking ibuprofen and CBD together one time most likely won’t harm you, but talk to your doctor before using these as a regular course of pain medication. You should definitely talk to your doctor if you experience any symptoms such as dizziness, slurred speech, or numbness.