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Any Experiences/Success Stories Using CBD For Anxiety/OCD/Depression?

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Posted 4/18/2018 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
I have tried many SSRIs/SNRIs mainly for OCD with a sprinkling of depression. Most have not been effective. And the one which was (Zoloft/Sertraline) caused several side effects which caused me to stop taking it.

Recently, after an unsuccessful trial of Venlafaxine/Effexor, my psychiatrist suggested I explore several alternatives, including medical marijuana or CBD. As I have a job driving, along with reflux issues which prohibit smoking/vaping, I am interested in giving CBD a shot rather than THC-based edibles.

Has anyone here tried CBD? If so, what has been your experience, either positive or negative?

Post Edited (GuitarGERD) : 4/18/2018 7:39:19 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/18/2018 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
Bump...

I have not personally tried it, but my oldest daughter worked at a dispensary for a time, and had very good results with using both (CBD edibles with and w/o THC) for her anxiety.

I say give it a try...you may get some great benefits!

S.C.
Posted 4/18/2018 7:10 PM (GMT 0)

Scaredy Cat said...
Bump...

I have not personally tried it, but my oldest daughter worked at a dispensary for a time, and had very good results with using both (CBD edibles with and w/o THC) for her anxiety.

I say give it a try...you may get some great benefits!

S.C.

Thanks, SC. You know I always value your expertise and insight.

Are you aware of any CBD dosing guidelines for OCD (Thinking gel caps or capsules would be my preference)? Information online is somewhat sketchy and confusing. I'm just glad that there are so many American growers/sellers of organic CBD free of solvents and GMOs. And that it's now legal for them to ship directly to us consumers.

Thanks again for your response.
Posted 4/18/2018 9:04 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

As far as I know CBD would be the best option for treating anxiety so yes definitely give it a go.

Let us know how you get on.

Hibee
Posted 4/18/2018 9:44 PM (GMT 0)
G.G.,

Are you in a legalized state? If so, I recommend talking to a consultant atba dispensary. They can really assess and customize your needs.

Many CBD preparations sold on line are not going to have sufficient parts per milligram, as to be effective for treatment of anxiety.

...but I will look into any that are recommended and get back to you. smile

S.C.
Posted 4/18/2018 9:53 PM (GMT 0)

Hibee said...
Hi

As far as I know CBD would be the best option for treating anxiety so yes definitely give it a go.

Let us know how you get on.

Hibee

Thanks very much for your response. I will.
Posted 4/18/2018 9:59 PM (GMT 0)

Scaredy Cat said...
G.G.,

Are you in a legalized state? If so, I recommend talking to a consultant atba dispensary. They can really assess and customize your needs.

Many CBD preparations sold on line are not going to have sufficient parts per milligram, as to be effective for treatment of anxiety.

...but I will look into any that are recommended and get back to you. smile

S.C.

Hello again.

No, I'm not in a legalized state; but one where you can get medical marijuana if you qualify. My psychiatrist indicated that my state has loosened its restrictions to include many more conditions including anxiety-related ones. I just need to tell him to begin the process if I'm interested.

Did not know that the potency would be different in online vs dispensary. I will contact a dispensary tomorrow. Thanks again.
Posted 4/19/2018 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
Yes...I think it's the best plan to get your medical card...and get good advice and supply from a dispensary...where you know the quality will be consistent. smile

S.C.
Posted 4/19/2018 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, SC. I've already spoken to a couple of folks at dispensaries. Thanks again for your advice and time.

GG
Posted 4/23/2018 2:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi! I too had no success with several anti depressants. I literally just got my first cbd products today. I got a chapstick, bath bomb and oil. So far I’ve tried the chapstick several times throughout the day and felt a little relief. I had a busy day and couldn’t take the oil because I had to drive and didn’t know how it would impact me. I’m using the bath bomb now and it’s lovely. I’ll try to keep y’all updated but at this point it was like a last resort type of thing.
Posted 4/23/2018 6:26 PM (GMT 0)

Hopeful86 said...
Hi! I too had no success with several anti depressants. I literally just got my first cbd products today. I got a chapstick, bath bomb and oil. So far I’ve tried the chapstick several times throughout the day and felt a little relief. I had a busy day and couldn’t take the oil because I had to drive and didn’t know how it would impact me. I’m using the bath bomb now and it’s lovely. I’ll try to keep y’all updated but at this point it was like a last resort type of thing.

Thanks for your response. Good luck with your CBD products. I'm just about to order some capsules online.

As an aside, my state does not offer any form of CBD derived from the THC-side of the cannabis spectrum. Only products which are psychoactive, which I could not take with my current job.
Posted 5/1/2018 12:45 PM (GMT 0)
Just a quick update. Finally ordered the CBD yesterday. With all the information and various other considerations, it is a daunting process. Know I can't mention specifics, but I will say that I purchased from a U.S. company which uses only American-grown cannabis. Also has third party lab confirm potency, etc. I will continue to keep you posted on whether or not the CBD helps me with OCD/depression.

One more thing: Coming off Venlafaxine (generic Effexor) is a complete horror show. Now going into my second week post meds, I am just beginning to feel like myself again. Experienced significant withdrawal symptoms like brain zaps, nausea, confusion, headache and general feelings of bodily and mental malaise. Awful.
Posted 5/1/2018 4:52 PM (GMT 0)
G.G.,

Thanks for the update. I am so hoping that you get good relief from your meds when they arrive!!

Sorry to hear how difficult your discontinuation was...sounds miserable. sad

...but glad to hear that things are starting to turn around for you now. You are doing great....keep up the good work. ;)


Stay encouraged and let us know how it's going soon!

S.C.
Posted 5/1/2018 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the kind words, SC. Really appreciate it. I will.
Posted 5/4/2018 10:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi GG,

I take anti depressants (Zoloft) as well as microdosing CBD at night to help with sleep, pain, and general end of day stresses and anxieties. The one I use is by Charlotte's Web (Mint Choc flavor) and I've experienced no side effects other than better sleep, less pain, and less stress/anxiety. To echo SC, if it's a quality product that you've done your research on, it could be a great addition to any other coping skills/medication you're taking or plan to take in the future.
Posted 5/5/2018 2:48 PM (GMT 0)

Blu's Mama said...
Hi GG,

I take anti depressants (Zoloft) as well as microdosing CBD at night to help with sleep, pain, and general end of day stresses and anxieties. The one I use is by Charlotte's Web (Mint Choc flavor) and I've experienced no side effects other than better sleep, less pain, and less stress/anxiety. To echo SC, if it's a quality product that you've done your research on, it could be a great addition to any other coping skills/medication you're taking or plan to take in the future.

Hi, Blu's Mama. Right off the bat, you make points with me for the awesome rock&roll username.

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with the SSRI and CBD. Coincidentally, I took my first CBD gelcap (15mg) about 1.5 hours ago. Not sure if it's akin to a contact high (something us folks called going to a show/bar without weed back in the 70s lol), but I feel pretty good right now. I will continue to monitor the my situation and post updates periodically.

Thanks again. Enjoy the weekend.
Posted 5/13/2018 3:36 PM (GMT 0)
UPDATE: Has been about a week of taking 15mg of CBD oil caps. Other than feeling slightly more positive (that's a win for sure) for small parts of one or two days, I did not see much effect. OCD issues were not ameliorated (like that three buck word?) in any way.

Today, just increased dosage to 20mg. I will update the thread next week or if I experience some significant gains.

Have a great day everyone, especially all the Moms. Happy Mother's Day.
Posted 5/14/2018 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you GG!

...and thanks for the update!

Well positivity is a good step in the right direction...and your vocabulary is in the upper echelon (maybe a $3 word?) lol! ;)

It may take an increase to see where your target dose is for feeling your best...

...and of course keeping in mind that there is not just one particular tool that is going manage all of your symptoms/challenges...but rather a whole toolbox of coping skills that work together to help you reach your goals.

Looking forward to hearing what the next updated brings!

S.C.
Posted 5/14/2018 5:02 PM (GMT 0)
G,

I'm saddened to hear of your reflux woes. I'm in that club, too. I recently learned antidepressants (maybe it's just some) weaken the esophageal sphincter which keeps the acid where it's supposed to be.

I have a friend that uses Prozac for depression and cannabis to help his anxiety whereas I take Xanax. It could all just be a trial and error process for you as we're all different. I am not familiar with the CBD alternative.

Best wishes.

-smooth
Posted 5/14/2018 5:23 PM (GMT 0)

Scaredy Cat said...
Thank you GG!

...and thanks for the update!

Well positivity is a good step in the right direction...and your vocabulary is in the upper echelon (maybe a $3 word?) lol! ;)

It may take an increase to see where your target dose is for feeling your best...

...and of course keeping in mind that there is not just one particular tool that is going manage all of your symptoms/challenges...but rather a whole toolbox of coping skills that work together to help you reach your goals.

Looking forward to hearing what the next updated brings!

S.C.

Hi SC.

As someone with some experience in the CBD world, please tell me if my methodology makes sense. After a full week without any significant improvement in my symptoms, I am going to increase the dosage by 5mg. I started at 15mg and am now a few days on 20mg. In your opinion, is that too small an increase? Is waiting a full week before titrating too long/short?

Thanks for noting my aplomb ;) with vocabulary. I still reside comfortably in an ever-dwindling world where word play was fun and amusing. Hope you had an enjoyable Mother's Day.

GG
Posted 5/14/2018 6:58 PM (GMT 0)

1039smooth said...
G,

I'm saddened to hear of your reflux woes. I'm in that club, too. I recently learned antidepressants (maybe it's just some) weaken the esophageal sphincter which keeps the acid where it's supposed to be.

I have a friend that uses Prozac for depression and cannabis to help his anxiety whereas I take Xanax. It could all just be a trial and error process for you as we're all different. I am not familiar with the CBD alternative.

Best wishes.

-smooth

What's up, smooth? Thanks for your response.

Sorry as well that you are dealing with reflux. I was diagnosed with LPR about four years ago and have been through the mill with it. Right now, I'm stable and not on any PPIs or other acid blockers. Just watching my diet, sleeping on a wedge, etc.

GG
Posted 6/19/2018 7:29 PM (GMT 0)
UPDATE: Been about five weeks since my last post, so thought I'd do a quick check in. Overall, taking CBD oil has been a positive experience. Has not helped very much with my OCD behaviors (washing my hands, apprehension related to touching things which I believe have germs, etc.), but has worked very well to diminish my anxiety and depression. Just much more positive about life and going through my day.

A few notes/observations in my process:

--Although you might feel some effects at the start, you need to keep taking the CBD oil consistently before you derive full benefit. For me, that took two or three weeks.

--There is a metric ton of information/mis-information/out-and-out lies online about the benefits of CBD oil. Take the time to do your research. Make sure any company you buy from has a third party lab evaluate their products.

--In my limited experience, full spectrum CBD (all aspects of the hemp plant) is the way to go over an isolate.

--CO2 extraction of the oil is preferred over older methods using butane or other solvents which may leave dangerous chemical residues.

--In my experience, "water soluble" CBD is a scam. I was attracted to the idea after reading that this new technology makes CBD more bioavailable. The product I bought (most recommended) did not work at all compared to the regular (non-water soluble) CBD oil I was taking. Making the CBD water soluble involves them altering the chemical composition, which at least for me negated any benefit.

--After trying several CBD oil capsules at various strengths, I found a company which uses colloidal emulsions which helps make theirs more bioavailable through better absorption. Guess their method assists the CBD oil to get past the stomach acids which in other products greatly reduces its strength. For whatever reason, these 35mg caps have been awesome.

Anyway, wishing you are all doing well with your various issues. Hope any of my experiences help someone out there. Cheers.

GG
Posted 6/19/2018 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the update!!

So glad to hear that you've experienced relief in terms of the anxiety and depression!

Thank you also for sharing your reviews of differing compounds...as rhis may prove helpful to others with similar needs/question. Keep up the good work of finding your winning regimen!

Peace and progress!

S.C.
Posted 6/20/2018 9:57 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Thanks for the update i'm pleased the CBD is helping with your anxiety and depression that's great news.

I'm still hoping they are going to make it legal here in the UK which is now looking likely.

Keep us posted.

Hibee
Posted 6/20/2018 12:58 PM (GMT 0)

Scaredy Cat said...
Thanks for the update!!

So glad to hear that you've experienced relief in terms of the anxiety and depression!

Thank you also for sharing your reviews of differing compounds...as rhis may prove helpful to others with similar needs/question. Keep up the good work of finding your winning regimen!

Peace and progress!

S.C.

Thanks, SC.
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