CBD for Bipolar: Treatment, Effectiveness, Alternatives

Bipolar disorder refers to a group of mental health disorders that cause extreme highs and lows in mood. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMS), 4.4% of adults in the United States experience bipolar disorder at some point in their lives.

A person with bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, experiences disruptive mood swings that interfere with their daily functioning in relationships, work, school, and family life. These mood fluctuations usually include both “high highs,” such as mania and hypomania, and “low lows” in the form of depressive episodes.

Cannabidiol, or CBD, has been promoted as a possible way to treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder. While there is some evidence that CBD oil can help people with bipolar disorder, there has not been enough research to establish its long-term safety and effectiveness.

Learn more about CBD for bipolar disorder, including its safety, effectiveness, drawbacks, and alternatives.

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What is CBD?

CBD is one of the active ingredients in the sativa cannabis plant (marijuana). Although it is a chemical derived from marijuana, CBD does not have psychoactive properties such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). In other words, CBD won’t put you “high” like THC.

CBD is thought to act on the body’s central nervous system to produce a calming and relaxing effect that could help with anxiety and other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder. Some tests suggest that it may also have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Is CBD addictive?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is no evidence of any risk of chemical dependence or addiction when it comes to CBD.

And while CBD legal restrictions vary from state to state, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has legalized its use for clinical trials. A CBD-containing product, Epidiolex, was approved by the FDA in 2018 for use in the treatment of seizures in certain rare childhood epileptic disorders.

You can take CBD in several ways, such as:

• Olis
• Tinctures (plant extracts dissolved in an alcoholic solvent)
• Pills and capsules
• Vaping
• Edibles, such as jelly beans
• Topics such as lotions and creams

Because the legal status of CBD varies widely across the United States, it is always advisable to check local and state laws before purchasing any product that contains CBD.

The science behind CBD

CBD oil has not yet been established as an evidence-based treatment for bipolar disorder. Research is ongoing, with many clinical trials underway.

However, CBD is thought to work by acting on the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Researchers still do not fully understand the endocannabinoid system, but some believe it plays a role in many important functions, such as regulating pain and mood, as well as inflammation.

Early research indicates that CBD could serve as a mood stabilizer for people with bipolar disorder.

A 2020 review argues that CBD could be useful in treating depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder because of its calming and antidepressant effects.

A 2020 clinical trial suggests that CBD could be beneficial as an “adjunct” or supplemental treatment for bipolar depression.

CBD has also been shown to have an anxiety-reducing effect and shows therapeutic potential in the treatment of addictions. This could be beneficial for people with bipolar disorder because many people with mood disorders also have comorbid mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorders and substance use disorders.

CBD and its possible benefits

CBD is being investigated for use in the treatment of various mental health disorders and neurological conditions. These include schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, addiction, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Disadvantages

There are certain drawbacks to taking CBD for bipolar disorder. People who use CBD products may experience a number of side effects, such as:

CBD can also interact with other medications, such as anticoagulants, and can affect liver enzymes.

If you are taking CBD, it is important that you report it to your healthcare provider so that they can warn you about any interactions with potential medications or adverse effects on your liver function. You should also not drink alcohol if you use CBD, as the interaction between the two substances could enhance its sedative effects.

There is limited evidence in initial animal studies that the male reproductive system could be affected by CBD use. Therefore, if you are trying to conceive, you may want to stop using CBD or ask your healthcare provider if CBD is safe to use.

In addition, most CBD-containing products are not regulated or approved by the FDA. This means that you cannot guarantee that what you buy is safe, pure or of high quality. A CBD product could contain THC or even contaminants like pesticides, so choose carefully.

Alternatives to CBD

There are many evidence-based alternatives to using CBD for bipolar disorder symptoms. Here are some of the many alternative treatments available for bipolar disorder:

• Medication: There are a number of prescription medications available to treat the symptoms of bipolar disorder. A psychiatrist may prescribe mood stabilizers such as lithium, as well as anticonvulsants and antipsychotic drugs to help regulate your mood.
• Psychotherapy: Conversation therapy with a trusted psychotherapist, as well as support groups led by qualified mental health counselors, can help you overcome the emotional and social challenges of living with bipolar disorder.
• Exercise: Regular exercise can help people with bipolar disorder by releasing endorphins that improve their sense of well-being.
• Relaxation and mindfulness techniques: Relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises, and mindfulness techniques such as yoga and meditation, can have a calming effect and help you regulate your emotions in times of stress.
• Sleep hygiene: Insomnia and chronic sleep deprivation can worsen the effects of bipolar disorder. Practicing good sleep habits, such as going to bed at the same time every night, can go a long way in slowing down the symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Summary

Some researchers believe that CBD, a chemical compound derived from marijuana, could be useful in treating some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.

Early evidence suggests that CBD oil may have a role in regulating mood and relieving depression. Disadvantages may include mild to moderate side effects such as nausea and fatigue, as well as possible drug interactions and negative effects on liver function.

Alternative treatments for bipolar disorder include prescription medications, psychotherapy, mindfulness techniques, and lifestyle changes.

A word from Verywell

CBD is widely believed to be safe and potentially effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder. However, it is not approved by the FDA as a treatment for bipolar disorder, and research on its long-term benefits and side effects is still ongoing.

If you decide to take CBD for bipolar disorder, be sure to tell your healthcare provider so they can warn you about any potential side effects or drug interactions.

Frequently asked questions

• Does CBD interact with bipolar medications?

  Research on CBD and its possible interactions with other drugs is ongoing. There is some preliminary evidence that CBD could interact with lithium, which is often prescribed to people with bipolar disorder as a mood stabilizer. This interaction could cause lithium toxicity, a serious condition.

• What is the difference between CBD and cannabis?

  CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of the chemical compounds (called “cannabinoids”) found in the cannabis sativa plant. Cannabis also contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component of marijuana. Unlike THC, CBD has no psychoactive properties; in other words, it won’t give you a “high”.

• How can I find a high quality CBD product?

  The only FDA-approved product that contains CBD is a pharmaceutical-grade CBD oil called Epidiolex, which is used to prevent seizures in people with two different childhood epileptic disorders. Because most CBD products are not regulated by the FDA, it is important to check product labels.

  Always check the Certificate of Analysis (COA) of your CBD product to see if it has been tested for THC and contaminants. In addition, CBD derived from hemp grown in the U.S. rather than overseas could be a safer bet when it comes to federal and local testing requirements.