Schizophrenia is a chronic psychotic disorder that affects a small portion of the world's population. Symptoms typically manifest in early adulthood or late adolescence. Schizophrenia has several different symptoms, such as hallucinations and impaired brain functions.
Although it is not a core symptom, people with schizophrenia also experience anxiety, and with the increasing popularity of CBD, many people wonder if it can be of any help against schizophrenia. In fact, using CBD oil for schizophrenia may become the norm, since CBD has been legalized in many areas.
However, there is insufficient evidence to prove that CBD could affect brain function in people with schizophrenia. Research does not suggest or support use of medical cannabis as a treatment for such people.
Despite that, some benefits of CBD for paranoia and related disorders have been observed anecdotally.
Is CBD an antipsychotic?
There is no scientific consensus concerning the best CBD oil for psychosis, as the research is still underway. However, there is some evidence that CBD might aid in the treatment of neurological conditions such as schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease.
The first of the CBD schizophrenia clinical trials was conducted in 1995. The study subject was a 19-year-old female. The researchers gave her 1,500 milligrams of CBD every day for four weeks. They found that it improved her acute psychotic symptoms.
Later, a 2006 study looked at the effects of CBD in three individuals with schizophrenia. Only one of them experienced improved symptoms after using CBD. Until now, there have been mixed studies. Some show positive results, while others have found that CBD can worsen symptoms of paranoia.
More research on the subject is needed to come to any clear conclusion about any CBD oil schizophrenia treatments.
Can CBD oil replace antipsychotics?
It would be best if you never replaced your medicines with alternative treatments without first consulting with your doctor.
If such treatment is approved, though, it is also worth noting that CBD could have an antipsychotic effect, since it mimics the impact of these medications. In an animal trial, it was seen that CBD reduced hyperlocomotion, which stems in some cases from the stimulation of ketamine and amphetamine in people with schizophrenia.
CBD had this effect without also causing catalepsy, a seizure or trance-like state in which the body becomes rigid and loses sensation. The researchers noted that this mechanism of action was similar to the antipsychotic drug clozapine, which also works similarly and does not cause any motor side effects.
However, it is important to keep in mind that these findings are from an animal trial. Studies in human subjects will shed more light on the effects of CBD in humans.
How much is CBD needed for schizophrenia?
Since there is no clear evidence of the effectiveness of CBD, there is no standard CBD dosage for schizophrenia. In a human trial with 57 healthy male adults, the researchers found that 300 milligrams of CBD were enough to experience anxiety relief in participants.
When they lowered the doses, there was no effect. Similarly, a higher dose did not show this effect either. However, this research studies the effect of CBD specifically in schizophrenia patients who experienced anxiety.
Although the researchers proposed that the same response pattern could extend to other conditions, it is too early to say what the proper CBD dosage for schizophrenia is. If you want to try medicinal cannabis to relieve your symptoms, talk to your doctor. Do not buy non-prescription CBD online. Most studies use pure CBD, which is why they require a higher dose.
When you buy CBD from a manufacturer, it will also include other components of cannabis. These assist the function of CBD, so you need a lower dose. Discuss the dosage with your doctor instead of calculating it using scientific studies.
How does CBD interact with prescription antipsychotics?
Typically, CBD is thought to be safe. However, it can have some side effects, such as dry mouth, nausea, and anxiety, and it may cause liver damage if you use it at a high dose.
As for drug interactions, you have to be careful if you intend on using CBD. According to Penn State University, 57 drugs interact with cannabis and CBD in your body.
These medicines have a narrow therapeutic index, which means your doctor will prescribe them at specific doses. They are sufficient to be effective but not capable of causing harm. When you use them with CBD oil, CBD may render them ineffective or alter their function.
Some antipsychotic medicines can also interact with CBD. Thus, you should always consult with your doctor before using CBD or any alternative treatment method.
