Depression is the most common mental disorder in the United States. Approximately 20% of Americans deal with depression at some point in their life, and it is one of the leading causes of disability in young people.
Antidepressants are drugs that act on the central nervous system and affect brain chemistry to alleviate symptoms of depression.
A recent study found that about half of all patients with the major depressive disorder had some improvement after 12 weeks on antidepressants.
Zoloft is the most prescribed antidepressant in the United States. It is classified as an SSRI, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which means it works by increasing levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin to improve mood and decrease anxiety symptoms.
CBD is a non-psychoactive extract from the cannabis plant, meaning it doesn’t have any psychoactive effects associated with THC. CBD has been shown to help reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by inhibiting serotonin uptake in specific brain parts.
This article will look at CBD and Zoloft to determine how CBD works with an antidepressant, like Zoloft, to help treat depression.
Understanding CBD and Zoloft
CBD and Zoloft both influence serotonin to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, meaning it does not have THC’s psychoactive effects in marijuana. To further understand how CBD oil interacts with Zoloft, let’s first define each of them.
CBD: What Is It?
CBD has been used for centuries to treat a variety of different conditions. CBD is one of the active compounds found in cannabis plants, which are commonly known as marijuana.
CBD has been shown in numerous studies to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by inhibiting serotonin uptake. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is associated with feelings of happiness and elevated mood.
CBD has also been shown to promote neurogenesis, or the regrowth of brain cells, which is vital for treating depression. This disorder involves a lack of certain neurotransmitters like serotonin responsible for maintaining mental health.
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Zoloft: What Is It?
Zoloft is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs called SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, which work on brain chemistry to alleviate symptoms of depression.
SSRIs like Zoloft work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to improve mood and reduce depressive symptoms. CBD has been shown to help with depression by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, which is what SSRIs do.
CBD and Zoloft: Benefits & Adverse Effects
CBD and Zoloft both offer the same benefits of alleviating depression, but CBD does it differently. CBD works by inhibiting serotonin uptake rather than increasing it.
CBD is also commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, which are often associated with depression. CBD’s anti-anxiety properties make it an excellent choice for someone who cannot take SSRIs because CBD works differently from SSRIs to relieve symptoms of depression.
The side effects of CBD and Zoloft are very similar. CBD has been shown to have various side effects, including dry mouth, changes in appetite, and increased risk of liver damage with long-term use. CBD is not a regulated drug, so CBD oil has no standard dosage or recommended time.
Zoloft is a prescription medication that may cause dry mouth, dizziness, sexual dysfunction, weight gain or loss, and nausea, among other side effects with long-term use.
Both CBD and Zoloft have the potential to produce adverse reactions in patients who take them. It is crucial to speak with a doctor who can differentiate between CBD’s and Zoloft’s effects on the body before deciding which option is right for you.
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How CBD Works With Antidepressants Like Zoloft
If you are already taking an antidepressant medication for depression that your doctor has prescribed, CBD may help improve the effectiveness of your treatment.
CBD and Zoloft both work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to alleviate depression symptoms like a lack of motivation and negative thoughts that prevent you from enjoying life like before.
CBD can boost the effects of an antidepressant medication like Zoloft, so CBD oil may be a valuable supplement to maintain mental health. CBD won’t get you ‘high’ or cause any psychoactive side effects associated with THC in marijuana plants.
Before beginning CBD treatment for depression, please speak to your doctor about whether it is right for you. CBD oil does not have FDA approval and could potentially interfere with certain prescription medications. CBD may help improve the effectiveness of your antidepressant medication if you are already taking one to treat depression.
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Can CBD Oil Take the Place of Zoloft?
CBD and Zoloft both work by increasing serotonin in the brain to reduce depression symptoms. Still, CBD works by inhibiting serotonin reuptake, while antidepressants like Zoloft increase serotonin levels in the brain.
CBD oil may be a good alternative for people who cannot take SSRIs because it also increases levels of serotonin without any psychoactive side effects associated with CBD oil and depression.
If you take other medications, be sure to speak to your doctor about the safety of CBD oil before beginning treatment with CBD for mental health disorders like depression.
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CBD and Zoloft: The Verdict
CBD oil and Zoloft work in similar ways. CBD just does it without the side effects associated with Zoloft. CBD has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms by inhibiting serotonin uptake like SSRIs such as Zoloft do.
Whether you’re looking to reduce symptoms of depression or want a natural boost, CBD oil may be the answer. While it is not FDA approved and can potentially interact with certain prescription medications, we suggest consulting your doctor before trying any new supplement – especially if you are already taking an antidepressant medication that your physician has prescribed.
After talking with them about CBD oil and its effects on serotonin levels in the brain and how this might affect your treatment plan for you, and other factors like side effects, feel free to ask us some questions below! We look forward to hearing from those who have tried using CBD oil for mental health benefits themselves!