CBD and Panic Attacks: Is It Effective?

What are panic attacks?

Although often thought to be the same thing, panic attacks and anxiety attacks are different. Anxiety attacks are triggered in response to a stressor. For example, a person may feel worried or afraid of a certain situation. Anxiety attacks are short-lived; when stress goes away, so does anxiety.

In contrast, panic disorder does not refer to a stressor. Rather, it involves repeated and unexpected cases of intense fear. This precedes symptoms such as heart palpitations, dizziness, difficulty breathing and abdominal pain. Sometimes the symptoms mimic those of a heart attack or other serious medical condition. As a result, extensive testing is needed to correctly diagnose panic disorder.

People with panic disorder often develop a feeling of intense anxiety between episodes. In fact, it is not uncommon for someone in this situation to develop a phobia about a place or situation where a previous panic attack has taken place (such as at a mall or restaurant).

What causes panic disorder?

Unfortunately, doctors have not been able to identify the reasons why some people suffer from panic disorder, although it seems to be partially hereditary. Other causes could be stressful life events (such as moving to a new job, marriage, a child, or the death of a loved one) and thinking in a way that exaggerates your normal body functions.

Studies in humans and animals try to identify specific areas of the brain that are associated with fear and anxiety. We understand that a deep brain structure known as the amygdala coordinates the fear response. This is a complex structure and, according to research, abnormal activation in this part of the brain could cause anxiety disorders.

Another possibility is that the panic disorder, as well as the associated panic attacks, are caused by a physical problem or medical condition, such as:

-Drug withdrawal.

-Use of stimulants such as cocaine, caffeine or amphetamines.

-Leakage of blood sugar.

-Hyperactive thyroid gland.

-A minor heart problem called mitral valve prolapse, which occurs when one of the heart valves fails to close properly.

What do scientific research say?

Scientific research, both on animals and humans, now demonstrates what we already know. And that means that consuming CBD reduces the level of anxiety. This is probably due to the blocking effect that CBD has on receptors in the brain connected to fear and anxiety, as mentioned above.

Another possible reason for the ability of CBD to reduce the level of anxiety and panic attacks is the proven ability to help regulate cortisol levels. Cortisol is essentially a stress hormone. It is easy to see why stress and anxiety go hand in hand. By helping your body control excessive cortisol levels and feeling stressed, you can eliminate the inevitable anxiety that would follow.

As a result, more and more people are turning to CBD as an alternative or supplement to traditional anxiety medications, such as SSRIs.

Medications or CBD?

One of the main reasons why people are starting to move away from traditional anti-anxiety medications, such as SSRIs, is the side effects. Many people experience negative side effects when taking antidepressants, even if these side effects are addictive or tolerant after continued use. Unfortunately, many people have more serious side effects as a result of these types of drugs, which only make the situation worse.

Unlike almost all prescription drugs, CBD has not been shown to have negative side effects and has never been addictive. The World Health Organization reported that “In humans, CBD has no effects that indicate abuse or potential dependence” and that “reported side effects may be the result of drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing drugs.”

A review by Crippa, published in the September 2018 issue of Frontiers in Immunology, looked at the therapeutic potential of CBD. The paper aimed to describe the progress in the use of cannabidiol in neuropsychiatry. The analysis found that CBD had antipsychotic, anxiolytic and neuroprotective properties.

In conclusion

So, if you are currently taking anti-anxiety medications, you should consult your doctor before taking CBD. Very few people ever experience side effects, even when taking CBD with existing medications, but you can never be too sure where your health is involved.

If you have panic attacks and anxiety, we recommend CBD Funhouse oils that come in different concentrations. You can start with a dose of 5% or 10% and then gradually increase for a visible result. 

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