Mental health issues such as panic attacks can impact the overall well-being of a person. Panic attacks are a type of anxiety disorder and happen when a person experiences high levels of anxiety. The attacks can strike randomly and are accompanied by symptoms, like breathing difficulty, shaking, dizziness, tremors, confusion, and nausea. Although it can be treated with medications, many people opt to forego these treatments for a natural alternative.
If you are looking for an all-natural option with no side effects for panic attacks, you can consider giving CBD a try. It is available in different forms, such as CBD oil tinctures, capsules, and more. Many research studies suggest that CBD may be a better alternative to conventional anxiety treatments.
How CBD Works?
CBD works by regulating the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors. The ECS teaches the brain how to react and handle anxiety. As CBD is not psychoactive, it keeps you calm, reducing anxiety.
Few research studies also suggest that cannabidiol may also influence receptors involved in the modulation of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical that has a role in anxiety, mood, sleep, digestion, and behavior regulation. According to research, CBD may also work by affecting serotonin levels in the brain.
Studies on Effectiveness of CBD for Panic Attacks
Numerous studies demonstrate CBD’s effectiveness in managing different ailments. A growing number of experts believe that cannabidiol offers potential therapeutic benefits.
Few studies precisely model panic symptoms. Therefore, the studies can be evidence of CBD’s effectiveness for panic attacks. All of these come from animal studies and laboratory experiments.
- A 2010 study found that CBD can reduce anxiety symptoms in people with social anxiety disorder.
- A 2014 study confirmed that CBD curbs anxiety pangs and also worked as an effective antidepressant.
- In a 2015 report, CBD has shown promise in the acute treatment of conditions like generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic disorder. This study also indicated that CBD might only have short-term benefits for those who experience anxiety issues. More research is needed to learn about the long-term effects of CBD on anxiety.
- A 2016 study explores the effects of CBD on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and anxiety-related sleep disorder in children. The study found that cannabidiol reduced anxiety while promoting sleep.
- A 2019 comprehensive review looked at previously published studies. This study concluded that there was little evidence to support the use of CBD for mental health purposes, and more research is needed to treat symptoms associated with conditions such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
As per the various studies, CBD has anti-anxiety properties and can be a promising treatment for panic attacks. However, more research needs to be explicitly done on humans.
What CBD Product to Take and How Much?
If you decide to try CBD to reduce symptoms associated with panic attacks, it is important to know that there is no consensus on what form of CBD and how much should be used for your condition. Any CBD product can be used for panic attacks except topical treatments.
CBD oil tinctures are absorbed sublingually and are the most effective way to take CBD, allowing it to get into the system faster while providing long-lasting effects. The amount of dosage, however, will vary from person to person.
Some experts say that cannabis in low quantities can substantially reduce worry and anxiety, while high doses can induce more stress and panic attacks in some people. It is therefore always best to start with a low dose and adjust according to needs.
For panic attack sufferers, CBD is an excellent alternative to traditional medicine, offering benefits without side effects. However, while buying a product, ensure you get it from a reputed seller that is third-party tested and is reliable.