Does Delta-8 THC Interfere With Medications?

Published on November 16, 2022

Key points

With hemp-derived cannabinoids becoming federally legal, Delta-8 got a chance to shine for its pain-relieving and relaxing qualities, but does Delta-8 interfere with medications? Let’s see…

Main Key Points:

Delta-8 THC is one of the many cannabinoids in the hemp plant.
Delta-8 THC is a natural substance that’s generally considered safe.
Studies suggest the possibility for Delta-8 to interact with other medications.
Mixing Delta-8 THC with common prescription medications can have negative effects.

Research shows that hemp-derived cannabinoids such as Delta-8 could have the same benefits as medical marijuana and can help with various medical conditions.
Delta-8 THC can serve as a substitute for some prescription drugs.
Get your doctor’s approval before using Delta-8 if you’re on other medications.
You can buy Delta-8 products online or in stores.

Does Delta-8 Interfere With Medications?

To answer that question, let’s explain why drug interactions happen in the first place!

The biggest reason two substances could have a negative reaction when combined is because of the way these drugs interact with the body. For example, if two drugs need the same metabolic pathway to work, that pathway can’t accommodate them both at the same time, then the negative interaction starts to happen.

To simplify, think about it like 2 people going through a 1 person’s lane, either both pass together very slowly and lose their efficacy, or one passes, and another stays behind to pass after.

Ever heard of grapefruit medications? Some prescription medications you shouldn’t take with grapefruit juice. Why? Because the drugs use the CYP3A4 metabolic pathway and need that enzyme for absorption, grapefruit inhibits the CYP3A4 enzyme, which slows down or prevents those drugs from doing what they do.

The research found that THC and CBD absorb into the body through the CYP3A4 metabolic pathway and work as enzyme inhibitors. And guess what? Most prescription medications go through the same pathway. (So, the prescription medication needs a pathway while THC and CBD work to block their way)

On the other hand, another research into THC, CBD, and CBN suggests that the interaction between THC and prescription medications could be minimal with low risk. They also noted that human trials are still lacking in confirming the hypothesis.

Because the research into Delta-8 and drug interactions is still ongoing, it’s always best to consult medical professionals to know if Delta-8 could interfere with your medications.

Delta-8 THC Drug Interactions

It might be a minimal interaction; still, Delta-8 can negatively interact with some prescription medications, such as:

Antidepressants
Benzodiazepines (Benzos)
Opioids
Blood Pressure Medications
Blood Sugar Medications
Immunosuppressants

As we said before, these prescription medications need the CYP3A4 enzyme that THC could block. Most of the research was done on Delta-9 THC, but it’s safe to say that Delta-8 THC would interact the same way.

The Dangers of Mixing Delta-8 and Prescription Medication

So, Delta-8 blocks the prescription medication path, so what! It might not seem like much, but it could matter a great deal.

For instance, that means your medication might be less effective or have a much longer onset, and when it’s a life-saving medication that you have to take at a specific time, it could be dangerous.

Another thing that could happen is that your drug may take longer to be metabolized, and break down slowly, so by the time your next dose comes, you’ll have high levels of that drug in your system, and if it keeps accumulating in your body, it could take a nasty turn.

Sometimes, THC can work as an amplifier for the effects of certain medications. For example, Delta-8 THC has potent sedative effects; when combined with benzodiazepines in drugs like Xanax, it could amplify the sedative-like effects of Xanax, which could be dangerous for some people.

Now, remember that Delta-8 doesn’t affect everybody in the same way; even prescription drugs don’t affect people the same way; we’re just saying don’t jump the gun and take Delta-8 by yourself when you’re on other medications, and always seek medical advice for your own safety.

Can I Take Delta-8 With Tramadol

Tramadol is an opioids variant, and Delta-8 THC appears to interact with the same pathways as opioids, which can lead to toxic buildup in your system or Delta-8 potentiating the effects of Tramadol.

Using the same pathways can also be dangerous, and the effects of Delta-8 can backfire! Instead of pain relief and relaxation, it could lead to anxiety and paranoia.

Consult your doctor before combining Delta-8 and Tramadol, and follow your doctor’s directions thoroughly.

Mixing Delta-8 With Alcohol

Crossfading, or mixing THC and Alcohol, is an old-school trend that’s still popular now. And with the rise of Delta-8 THC, it became the go-to THC for relaxation.

Any substance mixed with alcohol carries a health risk if you’re not careful! Delta-8 and alcohol potentiate each other, so you’ll get drunk with fewer drinks.

Many users turn to Delta-8 THC to counter the nasty hangovers, which, based on Delta-8’s health benefits, sounds legit. As Delta-8 can help alleviate pain and body discomfort.

Delta-8 THC also helps with nausea and vomiting, but that could be a double edge sword. Sometimes your body needs to purge the excess toxicity of alcohol by vomiting; if Delta-8 inhibits that process, it could lead to alcohol poisoning in severe cases.

Start with a low dose of both substances, such as half a gummy of our Delta-8 Gummies and only two drinks, and see how your body reacts till you find the golden ratio between the two.

Learn more about mixing Delta-8 and alcohol with this article.

Delta-8 and Benadryl

Mixing Delta-8 THC and Benadryl isn’t a great idea, as it might increase the risk of negative side effects such as dizziness, loss of balance, difficulty concentrating, and hallucinations.

Some doctors can try to reduce your need for Benadryl with careful doses of Delta-8 THC. It has anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines and dampen an enhanced immune response.

Delta-8 THC is also one of the most potent cannabinoids with (anti-nausea and anti-vomiting) effects, which can help with the side effects of Benadryl.

Can I Take Delta-8 With Prednisone?

Delta-8 THC is famous for its anti-inflammatory properties, which is what patients get from Prednisone.

As far as we know, Delta-8 THC and cannabis, in general, don’t really interact with Prednisone!

Due to the heavy side effects of Prednisone, some doctors prescribe Delta-8 THC in order to help patients with both the pain and the side effects.

Long-term Prednisone users usually suffer from low bone density, and as studies show, so do long-term cannabis users. So mixing both of them could increase the chances of bone fractures.

Depending on each patient’s condition, your doctor could decide that Delta-8 may carry more risks than benefits and replace it with CBD or advice against it.

Delta-8 and Antidepressants

Antidepressants are a huge area that we can’t cover in just a few sentences, but in short, some antidepressants work on the same areas in the brain as Delta-8, and some have similar effects.

As we’ve mentioned before, Delta-8 can result in additive effects and potentiate certain medications like Xanax and benzos in general, making the sedative effects more potent.

Another thing that could happen is that Delta-8 psychoactive effects could become amplified, leading to paranoia and anxiety.

Your doctor could prescribe you Delta-8 as a substitute, depending on your case, so discuss it with them.

Can I Take Delta-8 With Tylenol?

Delta-8 is the users’ go-to cannabinoid for pain management, but what about mixing it with a more potent pain killer like Tylenol?

While the research doesn’t show a potential interaction between the two substances, it’s best not to take them at the same time.

We still recommend that you consult your doctor before taking Tylenol with other cannabinoids.

Tips For Taking Delta-8 With Prescription Medications

Tips When Taking Delta-8 With Prescription Medications - BiowellnessX

We still need much more research about Delta-8 and drug interactions, but there are some general tips that we can give you.

Consult your doctor first

Your doctor’s approval is strongly advised, which goes without saying. They’re most aware of your condition and how other substances could affect it.

Delta-8 THC can work as a good substitute for some prescription drugs; talk to your doctor about it.

Lower Your Dose:

Lower the risk of interaction and adverse effects by taking smaller doses of Delta 8; you can even try Micro-dosing Delta-8.

Space out your Dosage

Every substance has a peak point of efficacy, try to avoid having both substances present in your body at the same time; for example, if you take your prescription medication in the morning, take your Delta-8 dosage in the evening.

Watch the symptoms

If you feel something isn’t right, stop and seek the help of medical professionals immediately.

Final Thoughts – Does Delta-8 interfere with medications

More and more users are turning to Delta-8 to manage their pain and relax their anxiety, but some users on certain medications are wondering if it’s safe to take Delta-8.

Research tells us that there could be an interaction between Delta-8 and many medications, such as Benzodiazepines, Opioids, and blood pressure medication.

Whether that interaction is low risk or high risk depends on each individual case. Consult your doctor if you’re on other medications before taking Delta-8 to be on the safe side.

You can also ask your doctor if Delta-8 can serve as a substitute for the medication you’re currently taking.

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FAQs on Delta-8 with Medications

What should you not mix with Delta 8?

Studies show that Delta-8 could interact negatively with common prescription medications that contain Benzodiazepines, Opioids, as well as Blood Pressure Medications, Blood Sugar Medications, Antidepressants, and Immunosuppressants.

Can you take Delta-8 with pain killers?

Delta-8 wouldn’t necessarily cause a negative reaction with OTC pain-killers, however most prescription pain meds contain Opioids, which can interact with Delta-8.

When can you take Delta-8 with medications?

Only after you’ve consulted your doctor and they gave the ok.

Can you take Delta-8 with alcohol?

That depends on you! If you consume them both responsibly without overdoing either and keeping in mind the effects of combining both such as delayed drunkenness’, it should be ok.

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