People now understand that mental health deserves as much importance as physical well-being. Thanks to psychologists and conferences, the general public is trying to open up about mental health issues. Today, depression and anxiety due to stress are commonly found in people from varying age groups. Along with therapy, psychiatrists also prescribe anti-depressant drugs to help people deal with their mental illness.

However, these drugs are known to have some undesirable side effects.

Side effects of anti-depressants

When people begin taking anti-depressants, they also tend to experience some unpleasant side effects. They usually tend to get better with time. Here are the things to expect while starting medication for mental illness.

The patient may feel dizzy, lose appetite, experience stomach aches, constipation or diarrhoea, feel anxious and may not be able to sleep well. These medicines can sometimes affect a person’s sex drive too.

However, medical practitioners encourage their patients to power through this phase and continue the tablets until a positive change is achieved.

What are the other options?

CBD or cannabidiol is a compound obtained from the cannabis plant. It is the same source from which marijuana is obtained. Researchers have been speculating for years whether CBD can be used as a medicine for mental illness. While most the research is largely theoretical or with trials on animals, human subjects have been proofs experiencing a certain calmness after consuming CBD.

The general public is divided on the subject of using CBD to treat anxiety and depression. Their concern revolves around the fact that CBD is extracted from the same plant as marijuana – what if patients get addicted to the ‘high’?

One must know that the compound that induces the ‘high’ is THC – Tetrahydrocannabinol. CBD is devoid of THC. CBD can be isolated from the cannabis plant and THC. Thus, there is no way for the patient to experience that euphoric feeling associated with marijuana.

Should you buy CBD oil?

Here is a guide for why one should buy CBD oil UK. Researchers have concluded from animal studies and reviews that CBD oil can indeed produce anti-stress and anti-depressant effects.

As of today, not much is known about the long-term risks of using CBD oil. It is because of limited research in the field. However, in the short-term, CBD’s side effects seem to be much less serious than conventional anti-depressant drugs.

People whose bodies are sensitive to CBD oil may experience slight fatigue, diarrhoea or loss of appetite. However, these side effects are milder than irritability, mood swings, loss of sleep and low sex drive – all of which are common side effects of anti-depressant medication.

The right dosage

It is best to consult a qualified doctor to determine the safe dosage. Although several websites deliver CBD oil to one’s desired address, it would not be wise to consume it without consulting a doctor.

One must keep in mind that CBD’s uses, benefits and risks have not yet been fully explored. Thus, use the product only after thorough research.