How CBD Influences Serotonin Hormone

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural compound found in cannabis. Unlike THC, it doesn’t have a psychoactive effect. It is widely used all over the world today for the management of several health conditions. CBD works by affecting and balancing several chemicals in the body. One of the chemicals that CBD is capable of affecting is serotonin. In this article, we will explore how CBD influences serotonin as well as its safety.

What is Serotonin?

Serotonin, popularly known as the “feel-good hormone,” is a chemical that transports signals between nerve cells in the brain and throughout the body. It is essential for numerous bodily processes, including mood, sexual health, sleep, digestion, nausea, and many more. It is so vital to the body that unbalanced levels can have serious implications. When serotonin levels are too low, mental health suffers, resulting in depression and anxiety, among other things.

What is the Connection Between Serotonin and Depression?

Depression is real, and if not treated, it can become fatal. Out of all the variety of factors associated with depression, serotonin stands out. For depression to be effectively managed and treated, serotonin is the one brain chemical that can not be overlooked. One primary reason for this is that variations in serotonin levels in the brain can either cause or improve the effects and symptoms of depression. 

Low serotonin levels in the brain have been associated with clinical depression. This is why most medications used in treating depression work by manipulating the serotonin level in the brain.  

Several animal and human studies demonstrate that CBD effectively treats mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. It has also been seen to help control conditions such as fear of public speaking and other types of stress.

Can CBD Increase Serotonin?

When it comes to maintaining a perfect mood and managing depression, it is easy to think that the more the serotonin levels, the better the mood—but this is not entirely true! While it is correct to say that low serotonin levels are the significant culprit in depression, too much increase in the blood serotonin levels can result in a serious medical condition known as serotonin syndrome (we will discuss more on this shortly). To get the best out of the serotonin hormone, its levels must be kept normal.

This is one of the benefits of CBD over other treatments. Cannabidiol does not directly increase serotonin levels; rather, it enhances how the brain responds to the serotonin that is present. CBD agonists stimulate serotonin receptors while inhibiting the reuptake of already available serotonin. Once accomplished, a favorable ‘increase’ (normalization) in serotonin is observed, which is immediately followed by an improvement in mood and mental health.

Are there Studies Confirming the Positive Influence of CBD on Serotonin?

CBD has the potential to improve health in so many ways. This is why it has been researched for many years and is still being researched today. Scientists and researchers agree that CBD positively affects serotonin receptors in the brain. Here are some researches that support this:

• An animal study from 2014 demonstrated the impact of cannabidiol on serotonin receptors. This research found that CBD really has a sedative antidepressant effect.
• The review of 2018 studies on the anti-stress effect of cannabis. These studies confirmed earlier findings regarding the beneficial effects of CBD for treating depression and regular stress.
• There is also a 2017 Trusted Source Review, in which the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) declared the relative safety of CBD and the potential for side effects (in case of interaction with other pharmaceutical products).
• An animal study from 2019 showed the rapid and stable effect of CBD in the treatment of depressive conditions. 

There are other researches, as well as so many testimonies available all over the internet, declaring the benefit of CBD in managing depression. A simple Google search will unveil them to you.

What Makes CBD a Better Choice for Managing Depression?

CBD oil therapy for depression is highly beneficial to the user in many ways. The main benefit of CBD in depression is that it provides a fast and stable effect without the side effects of using traditional medications. See a few advantages of CBD over conventional antidepressants:

• It is 100% natural.
• Unlike other antidepressants that take weeks to begin working, the effects of CBD are noticeable a few moments after it is taken.
• Its use does not result in unpleasant side effects such as Insomnia, Low libido; Emotional instability; and Agitation.
• CBD safely increases the brain’s serotonin levels by safely preventing its reuptake.
• CBD does not result in serotonin therapy.
• It can be used by every person, irrespective of sex or race. 
• It can be discontinued at any time without unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Can CBD Usage Result in Serotonin Syndrome?

Serotonin syndrome is one of the unpleasant effects that can result from the use of SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) medications. The condition results from the increased serotonin quantity due to these medications’ intake. 

The use of CBD oil therapy in the management and treatment of depression does not necessarily cause serotonin syndrome. The reason for this is that, unlike traditional medications that cause an outright increase, CBD actually normalizes the serotonin levels in the brain. It helps the brain to effectively utilize what is available without endangering health.  

CBD is unique in its mode of action. It balances the immune, hormonal, and nervous systems to produce a satisfactory therapeutic effect for the user.

Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome

The following are the most common symptoms of serotonin syndrome:

• Irregular heart rate;
• Fainting;
• Severe sweating;
• Confusion and Agitation;
• Fever and Headache;
• Blood pressure fluctuations;
• Nausea and Diarrhea;
• Tremor;
• Muscle twitching or loss of control;
• Goosebumps and shivering. 

In What Forms is CBD Available?

The benefits of cannabidiol oil can be correctly described as outstanding. At the moment, cannabidiol is available in three main forms:

• Oral (capsules, oils, and tinctures);
• Edible (food and drinks);
• Vaping (containing CBD oil). 

As for the forms for external use, CBD products are yet to show significant effects on the patient’s mental state.

Conclusion 

CBD actually exerts a positive influence on the serotonin hormone. This is why it has gained so much popularity as a reliable and effective therapy for managing depression and anxiety. It has a fast onset, and the results and long-lasting.  

It is 100 % natural, safe, and not addictive in any way. Its mode of operation is safe for the body and does not predispose to serotonin syndrome. If traditional medications have failed you, or you seek a better effective treatment, CBD is the way to go. Contact Dr. Weedy for expert and professional consultation from one of our doctors. 

Sources:

• Mayo Clinic “Serotonin syndrome“
• Alexandre R de Mello Schier, Natalia P de Oliveira Ribeiro, Danielle S Coutinho, Sergio Machado, Oscar Arias-Carrión, Jose A Crippa, Antonio W Zuardi, Antonio E Nardi, Adriana C Silva “Antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects of cannabidiol: a chemical compound of Cannabis sativa“
• José A. Crippa, Francisco S. Guimarães, Alline C. Campos, Antonio W. Zuardi “Translational Investigation of the Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD): Toward a New Age” 21 September 2018
• World Health Organization “Drugs (psychoactive): Cannabidiol (compound of cannabis)” 19 December 2017
• Amanda J Sales, Manoela V Fogaça, Ariandra G Sartim, Vitor S Pereira, Gregers Wegener, Francisco S Guimarães, Sâmia R L Joca “Cannabidiol Induces Rapid and Sustained Antidepressant-Like Effects Through Increased BDNF Signaling and Synaptogenesis in the Prefrontal Cortex” 4 June 2018

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